Taipei: In a world driven by innovation and technological advancements, Jensen Huang, the founder of Nvidia, emerges as a pivotal figure. His story, as depicted in "The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, Nvidia, and the World's Coveted Microchip," is as fascinating as the groundbreaking company he leads.

According to Focus Taiwan, Stephen Witt, a finance reporter based in Los Angeles, explores the life and work of Huang in his new biography. Witt's interest in Huang began with a New Yorker profile in 2023, setting the stage for this comprehensive biographical work. Describing Huang as an "absolute workaholic," Witt highlights the Nvidia CEO's dedication, noting how Huang has consistently maintained long working hours over four decades.

Huang's approach to productivity is marked by a unique scheduling philosophy. He emphasizes tackling the day's most important task first and employs a concept he calls "speed of light" to set ambitious deadlines. This strategy involves envisioning the fastest possible completion of a task under ideal conditions, then working backward to establish a reasonable deadline.

Over the years, Huang has frequently suggested that Nvidia's innovations have rendered Moore's Law obsolete. This observation challenges the long-held belief that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles every 18-24 months. Witt likens the atmosphere at Nvidia to a "great research project," with employees working towards ambitious goals reminiscent of the Apollo program. The company follows a six-month chip release cycle, often involving intense periods of work as deadlines approach.

Huang's career began in his 20s with microchip design, and he has since embraced AI's transformative potential. Witt notes Huang's vision of a future where AI and robotics could perform tasks such as rearranging building walls. Despite his extensive experience, Huang remains susceptible to nerves before public speaking engagements, a trait Witt witnessed firsthand.

In his personal life, Huang is seen as approachable, enjoying local night markets in Taiwan and engaging with the press. While he may reprimand staff publicly, Witt suggests these instances are often "deliberate theater," with employees using customized Jensen Huang emojis to communicate.

Witt describes Huang at home as a "goofy dad" who enjoys cooking and playing baseball. He is as committed to his family as he is to leading Nvidia. Huang's aversion to failure is well-known, with Witt recounting how past personal losses, such as a high school table tennis match, continue to affect him.

Huang's relentless drive and fear of failure might be what fuels his work ethic. Witt speculates that if Huang were ever given a day off, he would likely spend it starting another business, underscoring his passion for innovation and leadership.