“How many billionaires do you know?”
As I started to answer this, the surprised looks and overtly keen interest made it clear that knowing any and even more so — more than one — was unique. So, instead of saying how many I really know, I flippantly replied, “A couple.”
What triggered this question was my comment following one of my fellow diners telling a story about how humble a particular billionaire was. I jumped in saying “I agree, all of the billionaires I know”.
As I paused to make sure what I was about to say was accurate, came the question, “How many billionaires do you know?”
I was about to echo the sentiment that they are humble. Sure, not every billionaire is humble; however, I find that far more are than aren’t. Personally, not one of the billionaires that I know thinks he’s better than others.
Actually they are quite attuned to and act on the needs of those around them. The fact that they take a particularly deep interest in those around them — and more specifically in helping them succeed even when they don’t have to — may be shocking to what you’ve been led to believe.
What I didn’t tell my fellow diners was what was going on in my head. I was recalling the first billionaire that I met in 1998 and trying to think through every other one I know and interact with. But I quickly concluded by their reactions that it wouldn’t have been appropriate to disclose these thoughts.
Realising the uniqueness of having access to several of the world’s wealthiest, I thought it’d be interesting to share a few observations that’ve caught my attention over the years. While this is far from scientific research, they are thoughts we can all benefit from.
They don’t flash their wealth around for the world to see. Sure, they have very nice toys, but they keep them pretty private trying to avoid the general publics’ attention. This is very different from the perception that is built because of the few that do flash their wealth and act arrogantly.
In general, they aren’t the media seeking scoundrels that they’re accused of and don’t believe that their wealth makes them superior.
Frankly, the ones I know are the hardest working leaders I’ve ever seen. When you’d think that their life consists of jetting of on a constant vacation instead of the majority of the time being on a plane for business travel.
They live a life that’s the opposite of what people dream about. Instead of living in the bastion of relaxation, they clock long hours and even working through the weekends.
They know their business. Again contrary to the prevalent sentiment that they employ people to know and do everything for them, they pay particularly close attention to the details. They know their business better than nearly any of their managers do.
I find it disheartening that an owner knows more about something in the business than the manager responsible. And the disheartening fact isn’t that the owner knows so much, rather it shines a spotlight on who doesn’t know what they should.
Their pursuit of knowledge isn’t limited to the business, it’s personal as they invest heavily in their own growth. Obviously, this is how I know them and I’m amazed how they continue to grow.
It’s assumed that they aren’t interested in growing. Repeatedly I’m asked do ensure the business owners that I work with (although no one knows who I work with) in the Middle East really listen to leadership advice. They do … and far more than their managers do.
Their hunger to get better is motivating.
While I can only comment on the billionaires that I know rather than all 1,810 of them, I’m impressed with their humility, privacy, caring, knowledge, hard work and constant personal growth.
I can’t help but wonder if it’s these tips, combined with a dose of luck, that helped them achieve what others only dream of. So, while there may be a big gap between your networth and theirs, practice these traits and see where it’ll lead you to.
