In a candid and wide-ranging conversation with Gautam Kumra of McKinsey & Company, Mukesh Ambani – Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries – shared profound insights into the company's bold decisions, strategic vision, and commitment to shaping India's future through technology, clean energy, and societal impact. His remarks reflect not only the business acumen of one of India’s foremost industrialists but also a deeper philosophy about the role of enterprises in nation-building.
Ambani described the launch of Jio as the biggest risk Reliance has ever taken. At the time of its inception, there was skepticism across the board. Many analysts doubted whether India was ready for such advanced digital infrastructure. Despite these doubts, Reliance went all in. Ambani candidly stated, "Our worst-case scenario was that it might not work out financially because some analysts thought India wasn’t ready for the most advanced digital technology." However, Jio did not just work—it revolutionized India’s digital economy. It broke data cost barriers, democratized internet access, and brought millions online, ultimately accelerating digital inclusion across urban and rural India.
Delving deeper into the future, Ambani emphasized Reliance’s mission in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He stated, "Within the AI field, our big purpose is to solve the complex problems before society and create wealth for the nation and the people." This vision goes beyond business—Ambani sees AI as a tool not just for efficiency, but for nation-building. Whether it's addressing challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, or infrastructure, AI’s potential to deliver transformative solutions is immense, and Reliance aims to be at the forefront of this movement.
The conversation also touched upon another frontier Reliance is actively shaping: clean and green energy. Ambani revealed that the company is building “one of the world’s largest manufacturing ecosystems for green and clean energy.” This includes ambitious efforts in solar power, advanced battery storage systems, hydrogen fuel technology, and bio-energy. At a time when the world is urgently transitioning toward sustainable energy sources, Reliance’s initiative could be pivotal not only for India’s energy independence but also for contributing to global climate goals.
According to Ambani, the role of businesses in the future will increasingly rely on mastering the technologies of the future. He stressed, “We want to create impact at scale that improves the lives of all Indians. Therefore, businesses of the future will have to be good at harnessing technologies of the future.” This statement underscores a core principle of his leadership—that business success must be measured not just in profits but in positive societal transformation.
Key Focus Areas Highlighted by Mukesh Ambani:
Calculated Risk-Taking: Taking bold bets like Jio, even in the face of uncertainty.
Digital Empowerment: Leveraging advanced digital technology to make internet access universal and affordable.
AI for Societal Good: Using artificial intelligence to tackle real-world challenges and generate national prosperity.
Green Energy Revolution: Creating a global-scale ecosystem for clean energy solutions including solar, hydrogen, batteries, and bio-energy.
Tech-Driven Business Models: Future businesses must be built around emerging technologies to deliver large-scale impact and inclusive growth.
Nation-Building Mindset: Businesses must align their goals with the greater objective of improving people’s lives and building a self-reliant India.
Mukesh Ambani’s words are not just a reflection of Reliance Industries’ roadmap but a broader vision for how Indian businesses can catalyze the next wave of economic, technological, and environmental transformation. As India stands on the brink of becoming a global powerhouse, leaders like Ambani are showing how purpose, innovation, and scale can work together to shape a brighter, more equitable future
Disclaimer:
This blog is based on publicly available statements made by Mukesh Ambani during an interview with Gautam Kumra of McKinsey & Company. The content is for informational purposes only and does not represent any official communication from Reliance Industries or McKinsey. Readers are advised to refer to original sources for formal reference.
