'What makes you think I'm qualified?': Nithin Kamath questions why businessmen are treated as role models; internet reacts

The way people look at successful personalities has changed significantly in recent years. Entrepreneurs, movie stars, and athletes are no longer followed only for what they do professionally. Their opinions on careers, personal growth, and everyday life often attract just as much attention as their achievements.

This growing culture of looking up to public figures has once again become a topic of discussion after Zerodha co-founder and CEO Nithin Kamath shared his thoughts on the issue. In a post on X, Kamath questioned the idea of turning businessmen into role models and suggested that people should be careful about who they choose to admire.

His remarks quickly resonated with many users online and triggered a broader conversation about success, influence, and the qualities that truly deserve appreciation.

Nithin Kamath questions the trend

Kamath said he finds it surprising that businessmen are increasingly being viewed as role models. He also drew parallels with the tendency to idolize celebrities and sports personalities.

“I find it odd when people turn businessmen into role models, and this seems to have become more common in the last 5-odd years. It's the same with idolizing movie stars and sports stars. None of it should happen, really,” Kamath wrote in a post on X.

‘What makes you think I'm qualified?’

The Zerodha CEO also reflected on how people often seek advice from him on matters unrelated to business. He questioned the assumption that professional success automatically makes someone qualified to offer guidance on life decisions.

“When people come to me for advice, my first reaction is, ‘What makes you think I'm qualified?’ Just because I've gotten lucky in business, does that make me qualified to advise you on your career, your life choices, or anything apart from how to get lucky?” he said.

Looking beyond fame and public image

Kamath further said that many people he comes across, especially startup founders and individuals working in the social sector, may have far more valuable insights to share.

“There are startup founders, especially people working in the social sector, whom I meet, and I think they are far smarter and more capable of giving advice than I am. If you still pick a role model, pick someone for a trait worth admiring in real life, not because of what they project to the outside world,” Kamath wrote.

Social media users respond

The post attracted several responses from users, many of whom agreed with Kamath's views while offering their own perspective on the subject.

One user wrote, “I think there's co-relation with age as well. Kids /young adults tend to aspire to become movie stars and sports stars. As people grow up, that eventually transitions into successful business leaders because becoming a movie or a sports star is no longer an aspiration.”

Another user commented, “Nothing wrong turning businessmen or movie stars into role models.. but believing only they can be a role model, making them god, and believing them blindly or trying to defend wrongdoings of your role model instead of moving on when your so called role model fail is wrong.”

A third user wrote, “Very good thought process. Appreciate the honesty. Now a days.. Money alone decide role model.. somehow people want to become rich over night and there r ppl minting money.. projecting themselves as role model and giving gyaan on everything but ur honesty needs apperication.”

Another user said, “Most people look up to businessmen because they too want to get rich like them , there is no other angle to it.”
Disclaimer: The article is based on a social media post and user reactions shared online. The views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not represent the views of The Times of India. User comments have been included for informational purposes only.Thumb image: X