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MS MILLENNIAL MONEY REVIEWS – Jensen Huang’s CES Keynote: The Nerdy Rock Star of AI

By Sarah Penney, Ms Millennial Money

Setting the Stage: CES 2025 

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is the biggest technology showcase in the world, where industry leaders unveil their latest innovations and we get a glimpse of the future. This year, the highly anticipated keynote was delivered by Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia. 

The Man, The Myth, The Leather Jacket  

Like his general demeanour and tendency to shy away from the cult of personality, when compared to the flamboyant shows of tech billionaires like Musk, Huang’s presentation stood out as understated. He’s the adult in the room. 

Donning his signature all-black ensemble, complete with a fantastic crocodile leather jacket, Huang took to the stage with confidence and his own kind of charisma. Any hint of flamboyance was limited to playfully asking the audience if they liked his jacket. Of course they did. 

Unlike the flashy showmanship of his peers, Huang displayed technical expertise and professionalism. He spoke for an hour and a half without relying on a teleprompter, demonstrating that he’s close to the details, has a nerd-like passion for AI, and while not necessarily commanding the stage, he speaks engagingly to his audience. 

Nvidia: The Engine Room of AI 

Huang’s objective was to showcase Nvidia’s pivotal role in driving innovation across the AI landscape. From image and text generation to robotics and autonomous vehicles, the company’s technology is powering the next generation of technology. 

 As an Nvidia investor, I found the keynote reassuring, solidifying the company’s position as one of the most valuable in the world. Huang’s detailed insights and unwavering focus on the technical aspects of Nvidia’s work were revealing of his approach to leadership and the depth of the company’s capabilities. 

The Tech-Heavy Approach: A Double-Edged Sword 

However, even for the tech fans in the audience, the length of the speech and the level of technical detail presented was overwhelming. Huang delved deep into the hardware and processing units powering Nvidia’s solutions but fell short in articulating the human impact of these technologies. 

This contrasts with the approach taken by companies like Tesla, who excel at crafting narratives around the real-world applications and benefits of their innovations. Musk and Tesla’s ability to drive hype around their tech has enabled them to build an army of superfan shareholders. Nvidia are on their way towards replicating this kind of following, but striking a balance between the technical and the relatable is not to be underestimated. 

The YouTube Reaction: All Tech, No Drama 

The reaction to Huang’s keynote on YouTube stood out for its lack of drama, influencers focused on the technical announcements and product launches, with little commentary on his performance or persona. This stands in stark contrast to the polarised responses that often accompany the unveilings of Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos, and other high-profile tech leaders. 

Huang’s approach, while less flashy, resonates with an audience that values substance over style. For me, the lack of drama and emphasis on the technology itself is a refreshing change of pace in the tech world. We always need a bit of light and shade! 

Autonomous Vehicles: Safety First 

One particularly notable segment of the keynote was Huang’s discussion of Nvidia’s work in the autonomous vehicle space. Rather than showcasing flashy self-driving demos, he focused on the importance of safety and announced Nvidia’s new partnership with Toyota, as well as mentioning the Chinese manufacturers.  

This sober, responsible approach to autonomous technology is a welcome contrast to the hype and hyperbole that sometimes surrounds this field. Huang’s emphasis on collaboration and much needed prioritisation of safety aligns with the mindset of a seasoned industry leader, rather than a tech disruptor chasing headlines. 

The Verdict: Solid, Satisfying, and Silicon-Packed

As an Nvidia investor, while I can see that talking about some technological advancements as being “decades away” was frustrating for many – the share price took a six percent tumble immediately following the talk – I left the keynote feeling reassured and optimistic about the company’s long-term future.  

Huang’s ability to delve deep into the technical details and display a deep passion for how the company is building the technological future is a testament to his leadership and the strength of Nvidia’s position in the AI landscape.  

He’s a unique figure in the tech world – the “nerdy rock star” who lets the innovation do the talking. 

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