Personalities of Wealth

A fascinating article in Forbes looks into the minds of 14 of America's wealthiest men. They were asked twenty questions. Below I've answered them just for the hell of it. Feel free to answer them in a comment or otherwise. As for the fourteen about half of them said that they pray in some way or other. And seven said that the idea and execution were equally important, while three said the idea and four said the execution. If you're at all interested in the habits and values of successful people you should peruse the article. Here are the 20 questions:


1. What do you eat for breakfast?

I used to eat breakfast every day, but now I usually just drink coffee until lunchtime. I know it's not the healthiest thing, but it's a habit that I'm not very motivated to change.

2. What was your nickname in high school?

Rae, though I never really thought of it as a nickname.

3. What was your first job?

Summer I was 17, worked for "Kelly Services" (a "temp" agency) doing 'clerical' work (filing, etc.), first assignment was being paid $7.00/hour stuffing envelopes for IBM (this was during its heyday)

4. How often do you exercise?

Not enough. (even if you count sex, lol)

5. Who was your mentor?

The few people who might qualify as "mentor" probably wouldn't want to claim me as their "student". This isn't an insult to them at all... I'm just not worthy.

6. How many hours a day do you read?

I have no idea, probably half of it in some way.

7. What motivates you?

The need to know.

8. What is more important: the idea or the execution?

An idea isn't much use if it can't be executed or isn't shared. I'm not a good "doer" though. I like to come up with ideas for other people to test. ;-)

9. Worst day of your life?

when mom died

10. Do you pray?

yes

11. What was your biggest mistake?

Not sure because I've learned something from all of my mistakes, but I think that all of them happened because I didn't listen to my "gut" feelings.

12. Worst business idea you ever heard? (Did it succeed?)

That time they changed Coke was pretty stupid, and no, it obviously didn't succeed. Anytime an established, popular thing is "updated" there is a huge risk that often isn't worth the effort. New ideas are great, but they have to be practical and logical.

13. What can’t you live without?

Love and my children.

14. What is your favorite way to relax?

Soaking in a hot bath.

15. What is the best part about being the boss?

Being in control I guess. I don't know because I'm not the boss (yet). ;-)

16. What is “success” to you?

To be admired by my family and friends and to feel happy/peaceful with myself.

17. What is the best investment advice you ever heard?

Not exactly "investment" advice, but when I was spending my first ever paycheck (for the IBM envelope stuffing) the saleswoman at the department store told me, "Never settle for a man who can't do for you what you can do for yourself." Actually, that probably is good investment advice.

18. Is there any reason to get an MBA?

Not for me, but maybe for someone else, I might rather go for an MFA (and the "F" doesn't stand for "f*cker", lol)

19. If you could be anything else, what would it be?

A World Dictator or other similar thing. ;-)

20. What is your advice to young entrepreneurs?

Be willing to work more than play, but if you are doing what you love that won't be a problem.