The Change-Makers | Ronnie Screwvala on intelligence vs resilience

The Fortune India 40 Under 40 2025 brought together some of the brightest entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers under 40. This year, the event also welcomed a man who has been inspiring generations of founders, Ronnie Screwvala, the media and education maverick behind UTV, upGrad, and several sports ventures. From revolutionizing India’s entertainment industry to reshaping online education, Screwvala’s journey is a masterclass in building across sectors.

At the event, in a candid conversation with Hook, he shared unfiltered insights for the next generation of changemakers.

The Biggest Blind Spot in Founders

When asked about the most common blind spot he sees in founders across industries, Screwvala didn’t hesitate: “The sense of entitlement. Big blind spot.” His message was clear, success demands humility, self-awareness, and the ability to keep learning, no matter how high you climb.

Why Resilience Beats Intelligence

Screwvala has long maintained that resilience outweighs intelligence in the long run. “In almost every crossroad, intelligence will take you somewhere. Practical knowledge after that takes over. But resilience actually defines it,” he said. “Intelligence fits into resilience. Resilience doesn’t fit into intelligence.” It’s a reminder that grit, not just brilliance, sustains success in the face of inevitable challenges.

The End of the “Lose Money Forever” Era

With India’s startup ecosystem showing signs of fatigue, Screwvala believes the next wave won’t be “boring”, but it will be different. “Innovation is the core of it. The companies that do well will be nimble, foresighted, problem spotters, and extremely innovative,” he explained. “The perception that you can lose money forever, that’s gone away.” In other words, profitability and sustainability are no longer optional.

Lifelong Learning and India’s Cultural Shift

As co-founder of upGrad, Screwvala is a vocal advocate for lifelong learning. But is India ready? “It’s a mix of both,” he said. “Around 25% of our population goes into the pedigree space, but necessity is driving change. Affordability and accessibility of online learning is alive. And the need to upskill every five years is becoming a reality.”

Betting on Ideas Ahead of Their Time

Looking back on ideas the world wasn’t ready for, Screwvala recalled his early bet on eyewear with Lenskart. “At that stage, people said it’s a fragmented sector. Then we moved it into fashion. Today it’s about affordability and accessibility and everyone uses it.” His point: visionary ideas may start ahead of their time, but with persistence, they can redefine entire industries.

As the Fortune India 40 Under 40 honorees prepare to shape the next decade, Screwvala’s words are both a challenge and a guide, innovate boldly, stay resilient, and keep your humility intact.