Zerodha co-founder and billionaire entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath recently shared some candid advice with a group of founders under 25, emphasizing that communication skills often matter as much as ambition when starting a business at a young age.
Speaking in a podcast-style conversation, Kamath said the ability to tell a clear and compelling story is one of the most underrated yet decisive skills for entrepreneurs. Founders, he noted, should be able to explain what they’re building — and why it’s important — in a single sentence, then develop that into a compelling narrative.
“Storytelling is an essential life skill,” Kamath told the group, adding that it plays a vital role not only in presenting products or raising capital, but also in everyday personal interactions. According to him, ideas rarely sell themselves; it’s the clarity and conviction behind them that often appeals to people.
Kamath admitted that telling stories did not come naturally to him. He recalls deliberately working on this skill by hiring a professional vocal coach – an Israeli communications expert, who has trained several American politicians. During an intensive week-long program, Kamath was cut off from digital distractions and asked to write extensively by hand, an exercise he described as uncomfortable but transformative.
Beyond communication, Kamath urged young founders to view negotiation as a strategic skill rather than a tactical afterthought. He said negotiations are often less about the idea itself and more about the people involved.
“Disagreements usually come from how someone perceives you, not necessarily the idea you’re presenting,” Kamath explained. Understanding who is likely to agree or resist – and why – before jumping into a discussion can significantly improve outcomes, he added.
He also warned founders against reacting defensively when their ideas are criticized. In high-stakes conversations, projecting balance, clarity and thoughtfulness is far more effective than pushing back emotionally, Kamath said.
Although ambition, speed and risk-taking are often associated with youth entrepreneurship, Kamath concluded that skills such as storytelling, negotiation and self-awareness often determine how far these ambitions can realistically go.
