Richard Liu, the chief executive officer and founder of JD.com or Jingdong, has given much thought to working for his own company. After all, in an age where most tech leaders have established their ventures, it’s becoming more common for top executives to leave their positions once they grow too large or become too influential.
Although many entrepreneurs are also leaving their old corporate roles to focus on setting up new ventures, some continue working as executives outside their companies to stay involved with operations or develop new ideas that may be better suited as independent businesses.
Richard Liu has been quoted as saying his reason for not taking a position at JD is “to ensure we don’t become something like Google.” He believes if he were to work at his company full-time, he would lose the ability to think independently and instead be influenced by others when making business decisions.
The Importance of Independence in Tech Leadership
Although most entrepreneurs are leaving their former corporate jobs to start new ventures, not many actively seek to grow their own companies. This may be due to the increased independence that entrepreneurs now have. This is particularly true in tech, where leaders are often expected to come up with new ideas, make bold decisions, and work long hours.
It’s not easy to do all that without having an affiliation with your company. It’s often said that tech leaders need three things to be successful—the ability to think independently, to work long hours, and to be hyper-focused. The more closely you work with your company, the harder it is to provide those three things.
Wrapping up
Richard Liu’s decision to grow JD rather than take a position at his company also highlights his confidence in his company’s vision and strategy. Although it appears he’s giving up the chance to be a part of his company’s future, Liu Qiangdong’s also making a statement about the importance of being confident even when you’re wrong.
Richard is a true visionary and a remarkable entrepreneur. He has built JD.com into a global e-commerce powerhouse and is improving the lives of millions of people in China through his philanthropy. Liu is a true inspiration, and he is proof that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
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More about Liu Qiangdong on https://en.everybodywiki.com/Liu_Qiangdong