business fundamentals

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasizes operational rigor, learned from washing dishes, as crucial for hyper-growth, debunking the myth that only engineering brilliance and funding suffice. He advocates for first principles thinking and meticulous attention to mundane tasks, arguing that this foundational discipline builds resilient, scalable tech companies capable of sustainable excellence.

Companies often chase numbers for hyper-growth, overlooking a critical step. Airbnb's early success stemmed from understanding users one by one, not just data. This intimate approach built trust and loyalty. Focusing on individual experiences creates sustainable growth. This customer-centric model is key for brand representation and long-term success in any industry.

As AI's influence grows, leaders face the challenge of integrating it across operations and strategy. UC Berkeley Executive Education's 3-month online program equips mid-level and senior professionals with the skills to navigate AI and GenAI, fostering informed decision-making and driving organizational growth without requiring a technical background.

AI is driving a fundamental shift in business, forcing companies like Lowe's and Barclays to reimagine customer experience, employee productivity, and business processes. Lowe's uses AI assistants for store associates and customers, seeing significant improvements in engagement and sales. Barclays leverages AI for faster decision-making in banking and is now exploring end-to-end process reinvention and new business opportunities.

Tech giants like Meta, Cisco, and Intuit are implementing significant layoffs, sparking widespread debate about AI's impact on jobs. While some predict mass unemployment, billionaire Mark Cuban argues AI will transform, not eliminate, entry-level roles. He believes the high cost of AI implementation and human decision-making capabilities will ensure continued employment opportunities.

AWS CEO Matt Garman reassures that AI won't eliminate software engineers but will transform their roles. He emphasizes a shift from basic coding to system architecture and problem-solving. Despite recent layoffs, Amazon's demand for developers is accelerating, with plans to hire thousands of interns and entry-level engineers globally, focusing on new skillsets for next-gen systems.

Renowned investor Michael Burry, famous for predicting the 2008 housing crash, warns the current AI boom mirrors the dot-com bubble. He highlights excessive venture capital and debt funding, noting many AI startups are unprofitable. Burry questions AI's long-term enterprise value and consumer willingness to pay, suggesting a market crash is imminent.

Cognizant is pioneering new pricing models based on tokenisation. This shift moves away from traditional human-led services towards digital labour and AI-driven operations. The company is introducing AI-enabled rate cards that account for varying levels of machine involvement. This approach aims to align pricing with business outcomes and unlock significant savings for clients.

HSBC initiates SRF coverage with a buy, citing strong growth potential in specialty chemicals and performance films. Jefferies is bullish on Grasim, expecting increased capital availability for growth. Nomura sees Adani Ports expanding its marine business significantly in Europe. CLSA maintains a hold on Tata Power, believing the worst is over.

Panic buying of fuel is causing a short-term slowdown in Odisha's automobile sector, with dealers reporting a significant drop in enquiries and bookings. Uncertainty over fuel availability is making potential buyers, especially first-time owners, hesitant to make purchases, impacting both car and two-wheeler sales.

IIM Jammu's new-age EMBA degree empowers working professionals to enhance managerial and leadership skills without career interruption. This two-year blended program offers structured learning, peer collaboration, and faculty insights, preparing individuals for advanced roles. With a focus on practical application and industry relevance, it's designed for career advancement.

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan may have to face privilege proceedings in Rajya Sabha. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh submitted a notice, accusing Pradhan of lowering Parliament's dignity with remarks about a parliamentary committee post the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Ramesh stated the minister's comments showed contempt for Parliament and its committees.

From AI labs to decision simulations, institutions are integrating AI, data analytics, and simulations to prepare future-ready leaders

Top leaders like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett learned a crucial lesson by working behind a Dairy Queen counter. This hands-on experience revealed operational realities often missed by senior management, highlighting how distance from the ground floor can compromise decision-making. Leaders must actively seek firsthand understanding to avoid blind spots and improve workflows.

Producer Adi Shankar predicts Indian cinema will soon dominate global blockbusters, citing its strength in emotional storytelling and original content. He believes India's confidence in its unique identity, rather than imitating Hollywood, is key to its success. Shankar also criticizes repetitive franchise filmmaking, suggesting audiences now crave authenticity and creative vision over mere spectacle.

A significant $55 million donation revitalised the Mid-Manhattan Library, transforming it into the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library. This renovation shifted focus from book storage to community needs, creating dynamic spaces for learning, interaction, and professional development. The redesigned library now serves as a vital, free democratic hub for ordinary New Yorkers.

Responding to queries from TOI readers as part of Mission Admission campaign, vice-chancellor of Osmania University, Kumar M, says the future will belong to students who can adapt and are willing to learn

Organizations are navigating a profound transformation in work, driven by AI, talent shortages, and evolving expectations. Jobs are being rebuilt around human-AI collaboration, and AI is becoming a core operational layer. Workforce models are shifting to hybrid talent ecosystems, emphasizing continuous learning and human skills for long-term relevance.