Shaadi.com founder and Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal has ignited a fresh debate on social media with a post asserting that the popular advice to 'not have an ego' is misguided, particularly for those striving to build companies or advance in their careers.
In a detailed LinkedIn post, Mittal wrote that while humility sounds appealing, it often leads to confusion and internal conflict. 'The world is designed to say no. The market is indifferent, the competition is ruthless, and the odds are stacked,' he said, adding that founders and professionals need conviction and a 'healthy dose of ego' to break through.
The Case for Ego in Entrepreneurship
Mittal described humility as 'cosplay' in the context of entrepreneurship, emphasizing that confidence, grit, and even cockiness are important traits to survive setbacks and prove doubters wrong. He argued that the conventional wisdom to remain humble is often impractical and counterproductive for those trying to build something meaningful.
Lessons from Personal Failure
Reflecting on his own journey, Mittal noted that he failed ten times before achieving success. 'If I had been humble, I would have listened to the logic that said I was not cut out for this. Instead, I was cocky enough to believe I was right and the world was just slow to catch up,' he wrote.
He further emphasized that ego, or 'akad' in Hindi, is what keeps entrepreneurs going when their backs are against the wall. It motivates them to challenge the status quo and build with conviction. Along with this, Mittal encouraged founders and professionals to pitch with swagger, own their space, and not worry excessively about modesty.
A Touch of Humour
'Ultimately, life will make you eat humble pie, one way or another,' Mittal added with a touch of humour, acknowledging that while ego can be useful, humility may eventually be forced upon everyone.
The post has sparked a wide range of reactions, with some supporting Mittal's perspective and others arguing that humility remains a vital trait for long-term success.
