10 Business Icons Share Their Most Profound Quotes

Bill Gates

Bill Gates has it all; a wife, kids and a dream job. However, the multi-billionaire still has a to-do list. Realizing the importance that children play in shaping the future he states “until we’re educating every kid in a fantastic way, until every inner city is cleaned up, there is no shortage of things to do.”

Steve Jobs

Apple founder Steve Jobs believed in the need for an individual to pick and live his/her own destiny. He stated “your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

Oprah Winfrey

Success comes with individuals looking to leech and offer nothing in return. Journalist and billionaire Oprah preaches on the need for a few loyal people in one’s life stating “lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”

Sam Walton

Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton knew the power that came with showing and feeling care for customers. The businessman stated “we let folks know we’re interested in them and that they’re vital to us. Cause they are.”

W.K. Kellogg

Businessman Will Keith Kellogg laid the foundation for the international multi-billion dollar Kellogg’s company. However, the businessman was not always successful. Kellogg did not let his limited cash inflows discourage his goals. He states “we were in debt, but we bought a reputation for keeping our promises.”

Andrew Carnegie

Speaking on the effects that hard work has on social image, the business magnate Andrew Carnegie stated “the average person puts only 25% of his energy and ability into his work. The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 50% of their capacity, and stands on its head for those few and far between souls who devote 100%.”

Ray Kroc

Ray Kroc is no stranger to success. The mogul helped McDonald’s become what it is today. Speaking on the requirements for a successful person, Kroc stated “the two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it.”

Henry Ford

Businessman Henry Ford’s investment in mass production of cars was a large risk that paid off. Ford offered the advice to individuals afraid of taking risk that “one of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do.”

Walt Disney

Cartoonist and businessman Walt Disney realized the importance adversity plays in helping a person grow. Disney stated “all the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me…You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

John D. Rockefeller

Founding the Standard Oil Company, University of Chicago, Rockefeller University, General Education Board and Rockefeller Foundation armed John D. Rockefeller with a wealth of leadership knowledge. Rockefeller once stated about leadership that “good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people.”