WB
Warren Buffett
Berkshire Hathaway · Investing
Buy things for less than they are truly worth, and judge an investment by the value it produces over many years — not by its price today.
Read Story →OW
Oprah Winfrey
Harpo Productions, OWN · Media
Summary of documented principle: she secured ownership of her own show through Harpo, rather than remaining only on-air talent — owning the asset you create.
Read Story →JB
Jeff Bezos
Amazon · E-commerce & technology
Obsess over customers and judge decisions on the long term rather than short-term profit.
Read Story →SB
Sara Blakely
Spanx · Fashion & retail
Summary: start small with your own savings, solve a problem you personally have, and sell it yourself.
Read Story →RB
Richard Branson
Virgin Group · Diversified
Summary: grow from one small business into the next, using a strong brand and attention-grabbing marketing.
Read Story →SJ
Steve Jobs
Apple, Pixar · Technology
Setbacks can lead to your best work; follow what you care about deeply.
Read Story →AD
Aliko Dangote
Dangote Group · Manufacturing & trading
Summary: start by trading goods your market imports, then produce them locally to capture more value.
Read Story →JM
Jack Ma
Alibaba Group · E-commerce & technology
Summary: build for small businesses that big companies ignore, and persist through repeated rejection.
Read Story →MI
Mo Ibrahim
Celtel · Telecommunications
Summary: markets others dismiss as too risky can hold the largest unmet demand; Celtel was known for refusing to pay bribes.
Read Story →SM
Strive Masiyiwa
Econet Group · Telecommunications
Summary: persistence through legal and regulatory obstacles can unlock markets others give up on.
Read Story →HS
Howard Schultz
Starbucks · Food & beverage
Summary: sell an experience, not only a product — the place, service and routine bring customers back.
Read Story →PK
Phil Knight
Nike · Fashion & retail
Summary: start as a distributor, sell directly where your customers gather, and manage cash flow carefully as you grow.
Read Story →SW
Sam Walton
Walmart · Retail
Summary: keep costs low, pass savings to customers, and serve small towns that big retailers ignored.
Read Story →MC
Madam C. J. Walker
Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Co. · Beauty & personal care
Summary: serve a group the market ignores, and grow by training others to sell for you.
Read Story →IK
Ingvar Kamprad
IKEA · Retail & furniture
Summary: redesign how a product is delivered to make it affordable for many people.
Read Story →SH
Soichiro Honda
Honda Motor Co. · Manufacturing
Summary: rebuild after setbacks by solving the immediate need in front of you — cheap transport in post-war Japan.
Read Story →AR
Anita Roddick
The Body Shop · Beauty & personal care
Summary: keep costs low with simple packaging, stand for clear values, and grow through franchising.
Read Story →WD
Walt Disney
The Walt Disney Company · Media & entertainment
Summary: a first business failing is not the end — start again with the lessons learned.
Read Story →CS
Carlos Slim Helú
Grupo Carso, América Móvil · Investing & telecoms
Summary: buy good assets during downturns when others are selling, then manage them efficiently.
Read Story →BG
Bill Gates
Microsoft · Technology
Summary: early failed ventures build skills; licensing your work to many customers can scale it.
Read Story →