With an estimated net worth of $135 billion (and counting), Jeff Bezos is the richest person in the world. Wipe away your jealousy, though, because the founder and current CEO of Amazon reached that level by simply working harder and smarter than other people, picking up a few important tips about business along the way. So, who does the richest person in the world tout as role models? Well, Bezos recently talked about three people who inspire him — and they’re all well-known CEOs and fellow billionaires.
Talking at the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s Forum on Leadership at Southern Methodist University, Jeff Bezos mentioned a few people who he looked up to while growing up, including his elementary school teachers, his parents and a “gigantic influence” in his life, his grandfather. But the richest person in the world didn’t stop there, because he went a little further to offer up the three role models he has in the business world. After all, successful people absorb information from a number of different outlets, and Jeff Bezos had high praise to the three men who made him a better businessperson.
Warren Buffett
It probably isn’t surprising that Jeff Bezos mentions Warren Buffett as one of his role models in business. Buffett, who’s a billionaire investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is often mentioned as an inspiration from other successful businesspeople, which includes athletes and musicians.
When it comes to how Jeff Bezos admires Warren Buffett, the richest person in the world said he’s been a fan of the 87-year-old Buffett since he was younger, saying that, in the business realm, he’s been a “Warren Buffett fan since my early twenties. I read the things he writes.” One would be wise to follow such advice.
Jamie Dimon
Jamie Dimon isn’t just the chairman of JPMorgan Chase, but he’s also one of the role models that Jeff Bezos mentioned during his forum at SMU, saying, “If I were a big shareholder in JPMorgan Chase, I would just show up every Monday morning with like pastries and coffee for Jamie. I think he’s a terrific executive in a very complicated company.”
Wait, what? The richest person in the world is so appreciative and respectful of Jamie Dimon as a business leader that he would serve him pastries? Now that’s having quite the impact on someone.
Bob Iger
Want one word that could be used to describe Bob Iger, the current CEO of Disney? Bold. Back in 2006, and just two days into his tenure leading Disney, Iger pitched an idea to the company’s board members which focused on buying Pixar. It eventually led to a $7.6 billion deal for the companies.
Much like Bezos does, Bob Iger has used technology as an advantage for Disney, showing an innate ability to act swiftly with risk, and using instinct for business success. It’s his belief in his employees — where he encourages creativity — that leads to positive results.
Said Jeff Bezos, while talking to the SMU Forum on Leadership panel, “I think he’s a superb executive. I’d probably bring him pastries.” Yet another CEO role model of Bezos’ who earns pastries, must be a common treat of billionaire CEOs, or something?
Although Jeff Bezos is the richest person in the world and make money in his sleep, he’s quick to applaud those who helped him reach such a level, showing humility and gratefulness. It’s those traits, among others, that make him as successful as he is in business, and serves as inspiration to entrepreneurs both young and old.
Lead image via YouTube