Life and business rules by Jack Ma
Jack Ma (real name Ma Yun) is the founder of Alibaba Group and the first Chinese businessman to be included in the list of 20 world's wealthiest people. At the end of 2018, his fortune amounted to $35.8 billion, and his photo appeared on the cover of the reputable Forbes magazine.
The future billionaire was born in a family of musicians. In his youth, Jack worked for free as a guide for foreign tourists to improve his English language skills. Even then, he understood the prospects of studying foreign languages and the need to enter the international level.
His achievements:
- Listed twice as one of 100 world's most powerful people by Time magazine (in 2009 and 2014).
- Ranked as one of the most powerful people in China by Businessweek magazine in 2009.
- Named "Asia's Hero of Philanthropy" for helping the poor and people affected by natural disasters in 2010.
- Awarded Doctor of Science honoris causa of Hong Kong University (2013).
Here are the most interesting extracts from the speech made by this outstanding businessman at the annual economic forum in Davos (WEF):
About competition and smart employees
The billionaire believes that being cold-blooded is important in business. He never fears competition and doesn't have doubts participating in a competitive race.
In order for his companies to gro0w, Ma recruits employees who are more experienced and smarter than himself. Jack also admits that he likes dealing with positive, persistent people.
The importance of a creative approach
According to the businessman, the most important thing in education is to teach people to think creatively and perform tasks that machines are not capable of completing.
About conservation of natural resources
Jack Ma believes that it's not enough for today's corporations to develop fast and earn money. We need to think globally and take the right steps: use innovations that save the environment, not destroy it. "Today it is important to be eco-friendly and sustainable," the billionaire claims.
About the most important thing
The businessman believes that his longevity in business is based on following several life principles. One of them is that we need to help people to become better than you. Besides, Jack Ma warns entrepreneurs against working with friends: friendship is more important than money, and a joint business partnership can ruin valuable relationships.
Which of Jack Ma's principles do you agree with?