The Founders Who Can

Who you are and the people you surround yourself with determine your success.

There is a story about John D. Rockefeller, who became the world’s first billionaire in September 1916.

When he was a little boy he was poor. One day his class took a graduation photo. In those days photography was a luxury, and young Rockefeller was excited. But in the end he was excluded from the picture because he was dressed too shabbily compared to his well-to-do classmates. He swore to himself one day he would be so rich he would have his portrait painted instead of merely taking a photo.

Turn disrespect into motivation, not anger. Pride without accomplishments is merely ego. The world can look down on you but screaming back at it just makes you look worse.

John D. Rockefeller, painted in 1917. From Wikimedia Commons

Doing business is tough, and the environment is a jungle, filled with danger and predators everywhere. The path to the top is unclear; you may even get lost and go round in circles.

If you decide to get into it, prepare yourself and select the right team to help you make it to the top.