“Success isn’t about how high you climb, it’s about how firmly you stay rooted”: Ritesh Agarwal shares his mother’s wisdom

Ritesh Agarwal, the entrepreneur behind OYO, recently shared a personal insight about success that has struck a chord with many. 

In a heartfelt video and a thoughtful tweet, he reflected on a lesson his mother taught him – a lesson that goes beyond business and ambition. While achieving great heights is often the focus of success, Agarwal reminds us that staying grounded and connected to our roots is just as important.

Wisdom From His Mother

In the video, Agarwal recalls his mother’s words: “Jo ped bade hote hai woh sabse zyada jhuke hote hai” — the tallest trees are often the most bent.

He explained, “So as you become more successful in life, you should remember that you should be rooted to where you are at today or where you were at two years back when you came here.” 

This simple yet profound advice reminded Agarwal that no matter how far you rise, humility and self-awareness are essential. It’s a lesson many entrepreneurs and leaders could benefit from, especially in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

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Carrying the Lesson Into Leadership

Agarwal also shared his reflections in a tweet:

“Some lessons come from mentors. Others from experience. But the strongest one came from my mother, success isn’t about how high you climb, it’s about how firmly you stay rooted. The higher you rise, the more grounded you must become. That’s the compass I carry with me in every boardroom, every decision, and every new journey.” 

For him, this isn’t just advice, it’s a guiding principle. It shapes how he makes decisions, leads his team, and navigates the challenges of growing OYO into a global brand.

Ritesh Agarwal’s reflection is a gentle reminder that success isn’t just about ambition or reaching the top—it’s about staying true to yourself, remembering where you started, and carrying humility along the way. 

His mother’s words are a compass, guiding him through every challenge and achievement, and offering a lesson that resonates far beyond the world of business.

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