NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang doesn't wear a watch, his reason has become a lesson in leadership

For someone who leads one of the world's most valuable companies, Jensen Huang has an unusual habit. He doesn't wear a watch.

The NVIDIA CEO, whose company has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence boom, recently explained why he has chosen to keep his wrist bare. And no, it has nothing to do with luxury, minimalism or fashion. Instead, it comes down to a simple belief- he doesn't want to live by the clock.

"Now is the most important time"

At Caltech's 130th Annual Commencement Ceremony in 2024, Huang had sharedd why he never wears a watch. His response was strikingly simple- "Now is the most important time."

He explained that he prefers to stay completely immersed in whatever he is doing instead of constantly checking the time or thinking about what comes next. For Huang, the present moment deserves his full attention, a mindset that has shaped the way he approaches both work and leadership.

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He added, "Most of the time I wait for things to come to me. I'm rarely chasing things. I don't have a watch. I'm focused on now. I'm enjoying my job. You'll be surprised. I'm not at all ambitious. I don't aspire to do more. I aspire to do better at what I'm currently doing. I'm not reaching for more. I wait for the world to come to me."

A different way of thinking about productivity

In a world where calendars are colour-coded, smartwatches buzz every few minutes and productivity is often measured by the hour, Huang's philosophy stands out. Rather than allowing the clock to dictate his day, he believes in focusing deeply on the task at hand.

The idea isn't about ignoring schedules or deadlines. Instead, it's about avoiding the habit of constantly looking ahead instead of engaging with the present. That mindset, according to Huang, allows for better decision-making and more meaningful work.

Not the first unconventional habit

Huang has become known for several unconventional routines over the years.

He famously wears his signature black leather jacket at public appearances, keeps a relatively simple daily wardrobe and has often spoken about making decisions based on first principles rather than convention. His approach to time fits neatly into that philosophy.

Instead of treating every minute as something to chase, he views attention as his most valuable resource.