On November 15th, Huawei's themed public lecture series "Growing in Guns, Rain, and Storms" was hosted at Peking University, a prestigious institution with over a century of history. In front of hundreds of students from the university, Professor Tian Tao, a management consultant at Huawei, delivered a keynote speech titled "Small People Create a Big History." The talk resonated deeply with the audience, sparking thoughtful discussions and admiration for Huawei’s journey.
The following is a transcript of the speech:
Good evening, dear teachers, and fellow young friends! It’s an honor to be here tonight to share with you on the topic of “Small People Create a Big History.â€
I first started observing and studying Huawei in 1999, including its founder, Ren Zhengfei. Over the past five years, I conducted extensive interviews with Huawei, meeting several hundred individuals and collecting nearly 5 million words of conversation. From this, I gained a deep understanding of Huawei’s 30-year journey—a long march marked by struggle and perseverance.
Today, Huawei operates in over 170 countries, and wherever there are people, there is Huawei. With a global presence, it ranks 83rd on the Fortune Global 500 list. Let’s take a look back at how this journey began.
Cultural Roots of Huawei
In 1987, a middle-aged man named Ren Zhengfei, driven by necessity, founded Huawei Technologies in a simple residential building in Shenzhen. With just RMB 21,000 and three employees, he initially sold switch equipment to survive. But Ren had grand ambitions—his dreams went beyond making money; they were about fulfilling a mission.
This was a middle-aged intellectual who gathered a group of like-minded young professionals. Their shared belief was encapsulated in eight words: poor but ambitious. This mindset became the foundation of Huawei’s culture.
Common Traits Among Early Huawei Leaders
1. Idealism Driven by Hunger
The Cultural Revolution suppressed the aspirations of many intellectuals. When reform opened up, their hunger for knowledge and purpose was unleashed. Ren Zhengfei and others began their entrepreneurial journeys under these conditions, driven by a desire to make a difference.
2. Heroism Driven by Hunger
Huawei’s history is one of heroes. Ren Zhengfei had a strong sense of heroism, which he passed on to his team. This spirit of courage, adventure, and determination has shaped Huawei’s identity over the decades.
3. Strong Learning Ability Driven by Hunger
Despite challenges in hiring top talent, Huawei’s early engineers learned quickly, mastering communication technologies through hard work and study. Many became industry experts, while also exploring literature, history, and philosophy.
4. Unshakable Optimism
From the start, Huawei faced fierce competition from Western giants. Yet, Ren Zhengfei remained optimistic, driving the company forward despite setbacks. His optimism helped Huawei grow from a small company into a global leader.
5. Embracing Systems, Rules, and Processes
These five traits formed the core of Huawei’s early culture and leadership style. They continue to shape the company today, as Huawei now employs 180,000 people across 165 nationalities.
Five Forces Behind Huawei’s Success
1. The Power of Will
Strong will is essential for any company’s survival. Ren Zhengfei’s determination, even during difficult times, inspired his team. His emotional strength and mission-driven mindset helped Huawei overcome obstacles.
2. The Power of Innovation
Over 30 years, Huawei focused on R&D, becoming a global leader in telecommunications. With nearly half of its workforce in R&D, Huawei invests heavily in innovation, maintaining a competitive edge worldwide.
3. The Power of Rules
Huawei’s global success is rooted in its adherence to strict systems and processes. By learning from companies like IBM and British Telecom, Huawei built a robust organizational structure that enabled its international expansion.
4. The Power of Values
At the heart of Huawei’s growth are its core values: customer-centricity, striving, and hard work. These principles have guided the company through decades of change and growth.
5. The Power of Critical Thinking
Huawei continuously self-critiques and evolves. Through internal forums and open communication, it maintains a dynamic and innovative culture, ensuring it stays ahead of the curve.
Conclusion
Professor Tian’s insightful and thought-provoking lecture left a lasting impression on the students. It not only provided them with valuable knowledge but also inspired them to pursue meaningful goals in life. The story of Huawei serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance, innovation, and a clear vision.
Through the lens of Huawei, we see the potential of small individuals to create a big history. It’s a story of resilience, ambition, and the power of collective effort. As the world continues to evolve, Huawei remains a beacon of inspiration for future generations.
As the saying goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.†Huawei’s journey reflects this truth. It shows that no matter how small the starting point, with determination and vision, anything is possible.
Thank you for your attention, and may each of you find your own path to creating a big history.
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