Learning from Others

Usually we go to teachers to learn but we can learn from others as well, maybe even more. That doesn't rule out the merit of teachers but when Forbes magazine headlined 100 Greatest Business Minds, I thought let's check it out. It had room for 39 names on the cover and the rest were inside. I don't personally know any but knew some by their names like Gates, Zuckerberg, Buffett and another by first name Oprah and some by both names: Paul McCartney and Martha Stewart. It was also its 100th Anniversary Issue, September 28, 2017, starting on page 115.

These 100 entrepreneurs, visionaries and prophets of capitalism have shaped the past century.L In 400 words we can't recognize them all nor do justice but will pick up a thought or two from a few at random. Twenty three are not white, 25 are not American, 10 are women and 11 under fifty. Didn't say how many are over 90. Here we go.

When I started Chobani, I'd never run a plant before and there was no plan. Hamdi Ulukaya. Capitalism is not immoral but it is amoral . . . and needs to be tamed. Bono. There is no room for sloppiness, inaccuracy or omission , , ,Martha Stewart.

Over the Christmas Holiday I had several strokes . . .but sometimes I find myself at a loss of words . . .tough for a loudmouth like me. T Boone Pickens. Today's growing challenge: create meaningful lives for the world's population. Michael Milken.

Maintain a style of respect. I learned this from Bill Campbell. Eric Schmidt.

You cannot manage what you don't understand. Martine Rothblatt.

Caring made me different delivering newspapers at age 12. Shawn “Diddy” Combs.

We are better employees when we stoop trying to be two people. Sheryl Sandberg. My mother used to call me much more when I was giving away my money than when I was making it. David M. Rubenstein.

Three on one page stressed Honesty, Humanity and Humility Morris Chang, J.W. “Bill” Marriott Jr., Arthur Blank. \

Inventing the future starts with intellectual curiosity—along with a healthy dose of skepticism. Sean Parker.

Let's close with a quote from a person who probably has been misquoted and maligned more than anyone recently yet made the Forbes list.

The greatest business lesson I've learned in life is the same message I have for young people across America: Never give up. Donald Trump.

Hopefully these leaders have triggered a thought or two, perhaps more, if you never give up.