Startup Originals Team
OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal recently shared a deeply personal lesson from his mother, one that reshapes how we view success. In his reflections, he urges ambition to be grounded in humility, and reminds us that staying rooted is as important as climbing high in life.
The Wisdom That Guides Him:
In a video and accompanying social media message, Agarwal spoke about a metaphor his mother often used:
“Jo ped bade hote hai woh sabse zyada jhuke hote hai.”
This sentiment, translated roughly as “The taller the tree grows, the more it bends” , captures the idea that greatness and humility often go side by side.
Agarwal said that as one attains success, it becomes ever more important to remember one’s beginnings. Whether where you were two years ago or where you started this journey, staying rooted should be your compass.
Success With Grounded Leadership:
For Agarwal, this isn’t just a reminder, it’s a principle he applies in his leadership and business decisions. He has said:
“Success isn’t about how high you climb, it’s about how firmly you stay rooted. The higher you rise, the more grounded you must become.”
This principle shapes how he engages with his team, makes strategic decisions, and navigates challenges. It also reflects how he views growth, not as a climb detached from one’s origins, but as a journey that must remain connected to humility and self-awareness.
The Roots That Never Fade:
Agarwal has often credited his upbringing and family values for keeping him grounded even as OYO scaled globally. In several public addresses, he has stressed the phrase “Don’t forget your roots”, citing the same saying by his mother.
At the IIM Nagpur convocation, he shared that despite changes, he often reflects on the message that with growth comes greater responsibility and humility. “To say that I came from Raigad … is valuable in every bit of life,” he said.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs & Leaders:
- Ambition without humility is often hollow. Staying grounded helps sustain relationships, culture, and integrity.
- Roots are not just a metaphor; they’re an anchor in times when success tests your identity.
- True leadership demands empathy, remembrance of where you started, and respect for people along the path.
- In an era where founders are often idolized, this mindset challenges the notion that success means leaving everything behind.
