By Startup Story Team
In a recent interview with McKinsey & Company, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani shared a powerful piece of advice passed down to him by his late father, Dhirubhai Ambani, the legendary founder of Reliance. The statement “If you want to start a business just to become a billionaire, you’re an idiot” may sound blunt, but it carries a profound message rooted in values, vision, and the long-term purpose of entrepreneurship.
Dhirubhai Ambani was not just a businessman; he was a visionary who built Reliance from a small trading firm into one of India’s largest and most diversified conglomerates. When he spoke those words to Mukesh, it wasn’t to discourage ambition, but to stress that wealth should never be the primary goal of a business. Instead, he believed that the purpose of a business should be to create value for customers, for employees, for society, and for the future. If those elements are taken care of, financial success will follow as a by-product.
Mukesh Ambani revealed that this advice had a deep impact on his approach to business. He internalized his father’s belief that businesses should be built to last generations, not just to enrich founders. He emphasized that his father wanted Reliance to survive and thrive beyond the lifetimes of both father and son. This vision of legacy and sustainability is what has driven many of Reliance’s major initiatives from telecom to retail to clean energy.
This philosophy stands in stark contrast to the popular notion of building start-ups for quick exits or fast financial gains. In today’s entrepreneurial landscape, many businesses are founded with the express aim of attracting funding, reaching unicorn status, and cashing out. But Dhirubhai Ambani’s perspective offers a counter-narrative: true entrepreneurship is about solving real problems, innovating continuously, and leaving a lasting impact.
Mukesh also stressed that his father believed in inclusive growth. Dhirubhai wanted to bring wealth not just to himself or his family, but to shareholders, employees, and the broader Indian economy. This is why Reliance has always focused on building infrastructure, providing affordable services, and creating employment at scale. Whether it was through the revolution in petrochemicals, the telecom disruption with Jio, or the digital and retail ecosystem, the Ambani legacy has been about democratizing access and uplifting millions.
The quote also highlights the importance of humility and grounded thinking. For a man who built one of the world’s most valuable companies, calling someone an “idiot” for chasing wealth for its own sake reveals how deeply rooted Dhirubhai was in values rather than vanity.
In essence, this powerful statement from Dhirubhai Ambani serves as a timeless lesson for both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders. It reminds us that businesses built on passion, purpose, and people stand the test of time. As Mukesh Ambani carries forward his father’s legacy, this guiding principle remains at the heart of Reliance’s journey not chasing billions, but creating enduring impact.
