Zerodha co-founder and billionaire entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath recently offered valuable guidance to a group of founders under 25, highlighting that communication abilities are just as crucial as ambition when establishing businesses at a young age.
Speaking in a podcast-style dialogue, Kamath stated that the capacity to convey a clear and engaging story is one of the most overlooked yet pivotal talents for entrepreneurs. Founders, he pointed out, need to articulate what they are creating—and its significance—in a single sentence, before developing that into a convincing narrative.
Kamath expressed the belief that storytelling is fundamental to life skills, asserting its vital role not only in pitching products or securing funding, but also in daily interactions. He believed that ideas seldom promote themselves; it is the clarity and conviction behind them that often persuade others.
Kamath acknowledged that storytelling was not an innate skill for him. He remembered making a conscious effort to enhance his ability by engaging a professional speech coach—a communication expert from Israel, experienced in training multiple US politicians. Over a focused week of training, Kamath was disconnected from digital distractions and instructed to engage in extensive handwritten exercises, which he found uncomfortable yet transformative.
In addition to communication, Kamath encouraged young entrepreneurs to view negotiation as a strategic skill instead of a tactical response. He noted that negotiations are often less about the concept itself and more about the individuals involved.
He explained that disagreements frequently stem from another’s perception of you, rather than the idea you are proposing. Identifying who may agree or disagree—and the reasons behind their perspectives—before engaging in a discussion can greatly enhance results.
Furthermore, he advised entrepreneurs to avoid defensive reactions when their ideas face criticism. In high-pressure discussions, exhibiting balance, clarity, and thoughtfulness is far more effective than responding with emotion, according to Kamath.
Although ambition, speed, and risk-taking are often linked to young entrepreneurship, Kamath concluded that attributes like storytelling, negotiation, and self-awareness frequently dictate the extent to which those ambitions can realistically flourish.