alt Hacker NewsJensen, even after decades, remained deeply involved in many operational decisions with 40+ direct reports. He had a long-term mindset, investing heavily in Tegra and CUDA in 2009-2010, even as he was plagued by write-offs from faulty chips.
This is a terrible decision for NVIDIA and the broader economy. Despite his personal mishaps, he should be judged primarily on value creation for shareholders.
Someone with an actual long term mindset wouldn't have slept with a suspected PRC spy, while simultaneously flouting the intent of export control laws, and setting his company up for federal smuggling probes, and congressional investigations.
Someone with an actual long term mindset and who had the interests of the company would have groomed one or more successors, and, if, for some reason, they felt they were indispensable, would have probably avoided jeopardizing the company by allegedly having an affair with a subordinate.
There are plenty of people in the world to sleep with besides subordinates and spies. Failing the most basic of marshmallow tests is not a indication of a consistent long-term mindset.
Jensen is a colorful, important figure in the history of technology. He did make many solid long term bets. But if the company falls apart because of his reckless actions, that that's on him too.
And if it doesn't fall apart, then the credit goes to him for resigning.