Thought Leadership/Opinion

A team is not a group of people who work together. A team is a group of people who trust each other.

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The responsibility of a company is to serve the customer. The responsibility of leadership is to serve their people so that their people may better serve the customer. If leaders fail to serve their people first, both customer and company will suffer.

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When we feel stress our bodies release cortisol. Cortisol impairs rational thinking & decision making. In a toxic culture we are biologically more likely to make a bad decision or do something that is ethically questionable. Healthy corporate cultures matter.

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In weak companies the dreamers are expected to serve the planners. In great companies the planners feel inspired to serve the dreamers.

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Giving direction is not the same thing as giving directions. Directions are instructions how. Direction is the reason why.

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Value is not determined by those who set the price. Value is determined by those who choose to pay it.

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A true leader can say “I don’t know” or “I don’t understand” or “I need help.” When I sat down with Inc. Magazine , I told them one of the best lessons I’ve ever learned—that I don’t have to pretend to know everything. You can watch our full interview here: https://bit.ly/2DRDPre. …see more

♥ 39232 · Comments 1089

The next time someone starts listing all the reasons an idea won't work or can't happen, ask them to give three reasons it can.

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Average companies give their people something to work on. The most innovative organizations give their people something to work toward.

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Our best competitors reveal our weaknesses. The goal is not to "beat" our competition but rather to improve ourselves.

♥ 35230 · Comments 631

The true value of networking doesn't come from how many people we can meet, but rather how many people we can introduce to others.

♥ 33142 · Comments 807

Great CEOs look up and out. Great COOs look down and in. It's the partnership of their perspectives that make great companies.

♥ 32530 · Comments 563

Call me a skeptic, but I think this proves once and for all that inside of every #socialist there is a #capitalist screaming to get out! #highMargins #GreatProfits Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress

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To affect change inside an organization we must remember why people resist change. People don't fear change, people like comfort. The status quo is more comfortable than the unknown.

♥ 29585 · Comments 906

Vision is the ability to talk about the future with such clarity it's as if we're talking about the past.

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“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” – Archbishop Desmond Tutu. We stand in solidarity against racism and for racial justice. Virgin Unite are proud to support The Bail Project who are doing incredible work providing bail assistance for people in communities across the US, including those protesting right now. Black Lives Matter. https://virg.in/p3Y …see more

♥ 28266 · Comments 1162

Intelligence uses what is known to solve problems. Creativity uses what is unknown to discover possibilities.

♥ 26427 · Comments 691

30 years ago, if you pissed off a customer, they'd call "1-800-CUSTOMERSERVICE," tear your secretary a new one, and forget about it...but times have changed. These days, customers don't want to complain. They want vindication. They want to destroy your business! Almost everybody in North America has a phone in their pocket, and they're DYING to use it to decimate your brand. Instagram, Facebook, Yelp. There are more avenues than ever before for angry customers to set your livelihood ablaze, and you need to know how to tame the fire! …see more

♥ 25569 · Comments 1437

If we are unwilling to take the risk to trust others, then others will be unwilling to take the risk to trust us.

♥ 24979 · Comments 469

A weak leader likes to tell us how many people work for them. A great leader is humbled to tell us how many people they work for. #leadership #service #servantleadership #leaderseatlast

♥ 24355 · Comments 515

Listening, learning and taking action: it should not have taken George Floyd’s death for white people to wake up to the reality of racism around us. It has been centuries in the making. I have always believed that businesses and leaders must be advocates for the common good and this is truer now than ever. Virgin Management has signed Business in the Community’s Race at Work Charter and committed to 5 important and long-term actions. Here are more of my thoughts on Black Lives Matter and the steps needed to create real change https://virg.in/psX #BlackLivesMatter …see more

♥ 21055 · Comments 2533

The Caribbean has a chance to lead the world in becoming the first region to protect 30% of its ocean and inspire others to take up the challenge

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Nelson Mandela taught the world about the power of forgiveness and the importance of treating everyone equally. His strength was in his compassion, moral courage and a wonderful ability to bring light into any situation. Here are my thoughts on Madiba as we look forward to #MandelaDay tomorrow https://virg.in/NJq …see more

♥ 20589 · Comments 746

"Work hard, play hard" sounds terribly unhealthy. I think we would all be a lot healthier, happier, and find greater balance in our lives if we learn to work smart and play always.

♥ 19086 · Comments 461

Those who choose to adopt an infinite mindset are better equipped to manage the unknown. In fact, they are able to find opportunity in uncertainty. That’s one of the things discussed on this week’s episode of #ABitofOptimism with Jenna Arnold. Listen at apple.co/simonsinek …see more

♥ 19013 · Comments 410

Are you honest? Have you ever told a lie? You see the problem. We all think we are honest, yet we have all done things that are dishonest. We can rationalize our actions, “it’s just a little white lie,” or “yeah, but it didn’t matter.” Dr. Lenny Wong has spent years studying “ethical fading,” when organizations and individuals make unethical decisions believing they haven’t done anything wrong. What’s astounding is how pervasive it is. In this week’s episode of A Bit of Optimism, we talked about what ethical fading is and what we can do about it. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at apple.co/simonsinek. …see more

♥ 17848 · Comments 570

Mandela’s lessons apply in all spheres of life. He redefined what it means to be a great leader and taught us all how powerful forgiveness can be https://virg.in/EVJ

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Embracing violence, the big lie of a “stolen election”, recklessly spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories: these actions reject everything that truly makes societies and nations great, like tolerance, diversity, compassion and solidarity. But I refuse to believe that these challenges cannot be overcome. America’s best days can be ahead, projecting a resilient and unwavering democracy whose enduring principles, strong institutions and moral authority can once again be an inspiration for those struggling for human rights, equality, and the rule of law elsewhere in the world. Here are my thoughts on America: https://virg.in/jhx …see more

♥ 17787 · Comments 1649

Hey kids, we're one week in to 2019 and I've got one more resolution that you can still add. I'm sure you can guess what it is. PAY. DOWN. YOUR. DEBT. That is without a doubt the most important thing you can do for your future Of course you want health and happiness, and everybody wants everybody to have that, but in terms of taking care of your family and you, paying down your debt is No. 1. If you want to find financial freedom, you need to retire all debt — and yes that includes your mortgage. Craft a plan to speed up principal payments on your debt, whether that be on your mortgage, a student loan debt or credit card debt. If you have mountains of different kinds of debt, tackle your credit card debt first, because that’s typically the debt with the highest interest rates. Look at your credit card and you say to it, ‘I’m paying off your balance buddy, and I’m going to do that before July.' …see more

♥ 17575 · Comments 805

When you run your business like a family, it’s important to support the different paths your people follow so they can reach their full potential https://virg.in/iDb

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If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to say I don’t know, I don’t understand or I need help. And you have to be willing to accept the help when it’s offered. Thanks Inc. Magazine for interviewing me for this series. Watch the full conversation here. …see more

♥ 16067 · Comments 379

Great leaders don't see people as a commodity to be managed to grow profits. Great leaders see profits as the commodity to be managed to grow the people. #peoplefirst #leadership #trulyhumanleadership

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What does it take to fulfill our potential? Other people, of course. I share my thoughts on how we can all work toward fulfilling our true potential in 2018 as guest editor for Virgin . The only true way for any of us to grow, to truly fulfill our full potential, is by working to help others do the same. http://bit.ly/2CSh6ZC #togetherisbetter …see more

♥ 14869 · Comments 329

#Entrepreneurs see the world differently from the rest of us. There's a sharp focus on what they want to create or build, rather than getting hung up on what's standing in their way.

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In an infinite game, goals are important but HOW you get there matters more than WHEN you get there. #TheInfiniteGame #ImpactTheory #TomBilyeu

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The irony of leading with an infinite mindset is it’s actually good for business. #PutPeopleFirst #TheInfiniteGame #ImpactTheory #tombilyeu

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I’ve long argued that anyone who has struggled in life deserves a second chance to live up to their true potential. The idea that no one should be judged by their worst moment lies at the heart of my passion for criminal justice reform and many other issues. https://virg.in/5QP #FairChecks …see more

♥ 12576 · Comments 592

Entrepreneurs are natural optimists, who believe bringing people together to tackle seemingly intractable challenges can change the world https://virg.in/iEB

♥ 12458 · Comments 373

I know there's a whole movement against college, but I think the answer to "is college a waste of time?" is more nuanced than that.

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Entrepreneurs are the dreamers, doers and risk takers that have the opportunity to transform society for the better. I didn’t even know I was an entrepreneur when I started Virgin – the word wasn’t really used back then. When I first learned the word, I had to ask how to pronounce it - French was never my strong point! This #GlobalEntrepreneurshipWeek I wanted to share a message of encouragement - everyone has the potential to become an entrepreneur. Head over to Global Entrepreneurship Network & check out some of the great resources they have for anyone who wants to start or scale a business …see more

♥ 11354 · Comments 622

The rhino has hardly evolved in 50 million years - it’s a living, breathing time machine. I’ve shared my thoughts on what gives me hope in the fight to preserve the rhino from extinction: https://virg.in/Enj

♥ 10395 · Comments 376

I think the current $1.9 trillion aid package is misguided. Why are we sending out checks to people that are already employed? In addition we don't need more PPP, there is ample liquidity in the market to provide capital for the businesses that deserve to be funded. With the benefit of hindsight, I think 50% of the March PPP programs were a complete waste of taxpayers money. There are only two mandates we the taxpayers should fund at this point. 1) More unemployment support to those that have been displayed by the pandemic. We need to give them more time to find jobs in the new America 2.0 digitized economy. 2) More Capital to accelerate the distribution of the vaccine. Everyone knowns someone who wants the vaccine but can't get it. Why spend more money bailing out another airline that should be allowed to go bankrupt and reduce its capacity when there are millions that can't get inoculated. So far the logistics of the vaccine roll out have been painfully mismanaged. if its money that is required to fix this problem then there is no better investment. If Israel can vaccinate its entire population by March 31st why can't we? https://lnkd.in/gAxzJ3n via @Yahoo …see more

♥ 9576 · Comments 1151

If a movement is to have an impact, it must belong to those who join it, not those who lead it. I join fellow TED speakers in exploring what makes a movement a movement in this new episode of TED Radio Hour. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gh_9AiV. …see more

♥ 9571 · Comments 129

Infinite-minded players see beyond the bottom line. Where a finite-minded player makes products they think they can sell to people, the infinite-minded player makes products that people want to buy. The former is primarily focused on how the sale of those products benefits the company; the latter is primarily focused on how the products benefit those who buy them.

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Standing up to racism and racial injustice also means embracing the idea of human dignity. Dignity is “each human being’s inherent value and worth – the idea that there’s something about each and every one of us that is inviolable and must be protected from harm”. Black Lives Matter is a perfect expression of that. …see more

♥ 9298 · Comments 523

Further proof that great ideas can come from anywhere. Great to see how Anand Mahindra & the Mahindra Group are so receptive to feedback & fast to execute. Listening is the secret weapon of great #leaders . We should all learn how to listen to both internal & external inputs. …see more

♥ 9216 · Comments 259

It's hard to tell the truth. Peoples feelings get hurt. My mother taught me something when I was young that I try and live by today. Always tell the truth and you will never have to remember what you said. In business getting caught in a lie can do irreparable damage. It will destroy your credibility and your career. #truthtelling …see more

♥ 8399 · Comments 639

I’m amazed companies don’t use plugins to calendars that tell you the cost of running a meeting, and the cost of adding each extra person. It’s always utterly baffling you can create a $3000 per hour meeting unnecessarily and nobody cares, but try to expense a mars bar from a hotel mini bar and finance are all over you. In the age of zoom we seem to value our time even less and the wastage seems less apparent. We have to start valuing our time, sanity and clarity more. Nobody else will on your behalf For more stuff like this. You can buy my book with one click and free (slow) delivery in over 150 countries from here. https://lnkd.in/d-tbg8K …see more

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To me, the best education is the one that helps us find and grow our talents in a way that fills us with joy. That’s what school should be all about. Life can cover much of the rest https://virg.in/iDU

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I want my employees to be as opinionated as I am- whether I agree with them or not! If your employees feel uncomfortable about sharing their views because you disagree you're a dictator not an employer!

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The Cold Hard Truth About Entrepreneurship This may be hard to listen to but if you are planning to start a business and be an entrepreneur you need to hear it. Sorry it's just the way it is. Now take a deep breath and go get it done! #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 8273 · Comments 637

My thoughts on human dignity - the idea that there is inherent worth to every one of us that is inviolable and must be protected from harm https://virg.in/apu #GlobalDignityDay

♥ 8253 · Comments 350

There are 100 million American without any investment accounts. They have nothing set aside for retirement. This is crazy. We have failed them as a society. We taught them everything else in high school and college except financial literacy. Now #politicians , the press and the #wallstreet establishment are criticizing Reddit, Inc. #wallstreetbets and Robinhood for providing an entry for millions of people who also want the opportunity to invest but are ignored by most financial services companies because they don't have enough money to open a "profitable" account. What BS! https://lnkd.in/gTbCKie via @Yahoo …see more

♥ 8157 · Comments 623

I don’t think many Baby Boomers realize how nuts the idea of saving for a pension is to Millennials. Here.... let me pay off my student loans AND save for a house I can’t ever imagine affording AND put money aside for when I’m 65.....with a company I’ll perhaps work for 2 years for...in one of the 10 careers I may have, while the world probably suffocates due to global warming or war.  It’s far more conceivable to want to do a job you like enough to not be desperately keen to leave it when you’re a very healthy 65 year old with 40 years life ahead. And to not have massive outgoing on stuff you didn’t need. …see more

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I have learned more from Matthew Barzun than most other people I've met. Matthew understands that our potential is truly unlocked when we work together. His ideas on teaming and how networks operate allow for entire groups of people to unleash their potential. …see more

♥ 7831 · Comments 165

So many organizations and individuals are obsessed with winning. But how do you win a game that never really ends? I'm so proud of Brian Chesky and all that Airbnb is doing to play the Infinite Game and build an infinite company. …see more

♥ 7775 · Comments 229

In my darkest moments, I fear that 2019 looks more like 1929 — before the stock market crash. But we have time to do all we can to reverse the big trends fueling this fear. Here are my suggestions for change. What are yours? #geopolitics #China #AI #automation #populism #technology #globalization …see more

♥ 7454 · Comments 610

In the next few decades I believe that clean and plant-based meat will become the norm and animals will no longer need to be killed en masse for food https://virg.in/ieL

♥ 7309 · Comments 688

An idea can be great, but it will never make money without the right entrepreneur behind it. On the flip side, an entrepreneur can be the most brilliant and capable person in the world but if they waste their time chasing bad opportunities or ideas, they’ll die broke. Every successful person has spent time on failures. The key is to know when to accept the fact that it IS a failure, and move on to the next thing. Learn from your mistakes, and get to work on something better. …see more

♥ 6871 · Comments 296

I have always been a great fan of Sridhar Vembu. One can truly learn great lessons in #atmanirbhar #entrepreneurship from him. He is a great example of building without VC backing. His hunger for novel ideas made Chennai a SaaS hub. Equally commendable is his recent work in getting children back to school in rural areas. His is a story that truly inspires. He's shown how to create a good company, stay grounded and follow one's convictions. #Startups #India Zoho Corporation Pic Credit: The Indian Express …see more

♥ 6631 · Comments 142

Dyslexia is just a different way of thinking, not a disadvantage. Wouldn’t the world be rather boring if we were all the same? https://virg.in/58P

♥ 6504 · Comments 325

Who thinks this is complete BS? Bring this to the #SharkTank and I'll rip it to pieces! A fabric that makes you invisible invented by a China born scientist is ranked as one of the 10 greatest inventions. Has been appointed to take office next year as HK University President. …see more

♥ 6426 · Comments 1504

Imagination is one of humanity’s greatest qualities – without it, there would be no innovation, advancement or technology, and the world would be a very dull place https://virg.in/iNo Made By Dyslexia #Dyslexia

♥ 6376 · Comments 273

I truly believe you should spend more time praising than criticising and so long as you take care of your people, they’ll take care of your business https://virg.in/izB #VirginFamily

♥ 6085 · Comments 192

People should be able to wear whatever they are most comfortable in, and everyone should respect that freedom, whether they are at a laptop in their living room or presenting in Parliament: https://virg.in/9AM

♥ 5958 · Comments 367

Our friends don't love us for what we do, they love us for who we are. And who we are has everything to do with our WHY. (Hint: the same is true for customers, clients and employees).

♥ 5926 · Comments 122

The recent situation of #Delhipollution got me thinking. Several experiments are getting tried out like the Chinese tower that seems promising. But the best-known technology is largely maintenance-free, #sustainable , and beautiful. Planting trees. Increasing the #green cover of our cities. I wish we built cities to be more green, which breathe. Nature can do it better than anything we can build. I hope to see new impetus to urban tree planting. …see more

♥ 5847 · Comments 176

With volatility back in the #markets I'm getting pitched all kinds of ideas on how we should "fix them". For example, no stock buy backs, no purchase of stocks using margin or leverage, no short selling and redistribution of shares for free. These are all really bad ideas. Everybody back off! Let the markets be the markets and they will self adjust as they always have. Volatility is not a bug in #capitalism it's a feature. Now weak overleveraged, poorly managed companies will go bankrupt and their assets and employees will be redeployed by better managers. Let it happen and we will all emerge from this mess better off. …see more

♥ 5805 · Comments 379

While a great idea is a great start, Adam Grant says it’s what you do next that really counts. How can we all recognise good ideas, speak up without being silenced, and how can we get those ideas to stick?

♥ 5662 · Comments 340

My biggest sources of inspiration for new business ideas are things that frustrate me – I know if something is annoying me, then there is usually a problem to solve or a better way of doing something. https://virg.in/5JT

♥ 5541 · Comments 175

'Water is the driving force of all nature.' - Leonardo Da Vinci. They predict the next world war will be over water. We can be peacemakers by how we use water as a precious resource. …see more

♥ 5481 · Comments 182

When the people have to manage dangers from inside the organization, the organization itself becomes less able to face the dangers from outside.

♥ 5415 · Comments 164

Social media is the cornerstone of how I promote all of my companies products and services. One significant challenge is acquiring perpetual music rights for all the video we publish because it's very un-cool to steal music. The solution? Make your own. I encourage all the entrepreneurs I invest in to develop an artistic interest, It helps you think and solve problems more creatively! …see more

♥ 5330 · Comments 542

'Leaders eat last.' - Simon Sinek Great leaders make everyone feel comfortable and safe. #Startuplife is dynamic with inherent results-oriented culture. Leaders should hit a pause every now and then to reflect on their organizational culture. Are we creating a safe environment? Are we leading by example? Are we being mentors and guides for our teams? This recent turkey video, captured in New Hampshire surely makes us revisit the lessons of #Leadership . …see more

♥ 5214 · Comments 183

You can’t solve problems unless you understand others perspectives. We spoke a lot about the power of empathy at #OYW2019 : https://virg.in/isp

♥ 4986 · Comments 134

In the fast-paced #StartupLife , team matters the most. Everyone has to perform at their best and coordinate seamlessly with the rest. Coordination, ownership, and trust are essential for #Winning . #BuildingTeams

♥ 4973 · Comments 173

In a world driven by data and analytics, there should always be a place for human instinct. Here’s my thoughts: https://virg.in/ibD

♥ 4916 · Comments 178

Incredible to see cute hawksbill turtle hatchlings flip flopping over each other on Necker’s Turtle Beach as they make their way down to the ocean for the first time. Here’s my thoughts on why we need to make conservation of our environment a priority: https://virg.in/Erc …see more

♥ 4626 · Comments 161

"If you're going to be an entrepreneur, you need to be ready for a lot of pain early on, and you need to embrace it. If I could change on thing, it'd be in those early years: enjoying the ride more. Nothing feels better than looking back at those hurdles we overcame. There's going to be one problem after another when you're starting out, and you need to accept it - don't let it get you down, and really enjoy the setbacks because that's what you learn from." -Chris Riccobono, co-founder of UNTUCKit shirts. More on this week's episode of #AskMrWonderful ! https://lnkd.in/eFXBbiu …see more

♥ 4608 · Comments 241

Why you should think bigger and stretch your imagination – especially if you’re dyslexic https://virg.in/iNo

♥ 4330 · Comments 165

The chance of Trump not getting a second term in my view is zero. And I'll tell you why. I don't recall in modern times when going into a second term at full employment, the incumbent of any party has ever lost their mandate ever.

♥ 4310 · Comments 760

"Just call it out. You'll be surprised how much progress you make when you call people out on the bullshit." Wise words from Donna Khalife on #AskMrWonderful ! https://lnkd.in/e5-tHEy

♥ 4260 · Comments 178

Often startup founders come across 'don't knows' in their journey while solving for tough problems that no one has solved before. ' #FirstPrinciples ' as method is extremely powerful, enabling going to the depth of the matter and bringing in fresh, unique perspectives. Spanx #Startup …see more

♥ 4038 · Comments 90

I will never understand why Advertising is an investment and customer service is a cost. Let's spend millions trying to reach people, but if they try to reach us, make our contact details impossible to find, incentivize call center workers to hang up as fast as possible or ideally outsource it to a bot. It's absolute lunacy and it absolutely matters. …see more

♥ 3854 · Comments 295

A Worthy Rival does some or many things better than us. Their strengths reveal to us our weakness. The value of Worthy Rivals is to show us where we can improve and grow...and there’s research to prove it! I know, because I asked Adam Grant , one of my Worthy Rivals. Adam’s depth and breadth of knowledge of organizational psychology is un-rivaled (pun intended). He is also the yin to my yang. Which is why I wanted to kick off the second season with the wonderful conversation we had together. This...is season two of A Bit of Optimism: apple.co/simonsinek Also...thank you so much to everyone for the over 1 million listens of season one! I hope these new episodes continue to bring you even more optimism! …see more

♥ 3795 · Comments 147

So Zoom stock could shoot up 40% today, making it worth over $120bn, more than double all US airlines put together. The thing I don't get is: 1) It's not that good. 2) It's got zero proprietary tech 3) Switching to other services is remarkably easy and would be rapid because of the same network effects that allowed Zoom to thrive fast. 4) The world will only ever do fewer video calls from now. It made $471m in profit this quarter, it will only ever make less money in the future. 5) Apple, Google, Microsoft, and every VC in the land will be finding ways to tackle them. The stock market seems to be remarkably stupid these days. It's money following sentiment and cluelessness. Greater fool theory, not reality. Don't even get me started on Tesla. …see more

♥ 3772 · Comments 571

‪I still can’t wrap my head around this college cheating scandal!! Aside from the obvious issues, why would you screw over YOUR OWN kids like that? ‬

♥ 3751 · Comments 297

I don't give a crap about your avocado toast, but young people have to stop making one big money mistake...pretending that debt is free!

♥ 3681 · Comments 231

Think #fintech is just another #buzzword? Think again. Three 'a-ha'​ moments recently have demonstrated to me that the impact of #finance and #technology will be revolutionary. Click to read about why I believe it will be transformative and democratizing, and how it will offer solutions to critical problems. …see more

♥ 3617 · Comments 64

When it comes to ending the death penalty, when we speak up together, loud enough for the world to hear, we can transform and even save lives https://virg.in/iYS

♥ 3559 · Comments 248

Can we stop calling companies tech companies now? If you make great pizza and have a website, you are a pizza company not a tech company. If you make amazing shoes helped by 3D printers, you are still not a tech company. If you make all your money from selling advertising you are a media company, regardless of the technology you use. You are probably not a "tech company that happens to sell coffee". Companies now operate in what's best called "the modern world". Using digital stuff is like using electricity, it's just required for 2017. So unless you make money from making technology, please accept "being a tech company" is silly. It's great rhetoric, but it's now empty and nothing to boast about. …see more

♥ 3554 · Comments 408

An issue close to my heart is the rehabilitation of those who have past criminal records. Here’s why I think it matters that businesses get involved in these debates: https://virg.in/5QP #FairChecks

♥ 3478 · Comments 227

I can’t imagine a better time to launch a new startup. + Investors with boatloads of cash and few other alternatives, no value left in the stockmarket, property is uncertain, bonds a joke. + Incredible talent on the market. + Wonderful new consumer behaviors to explore. + Brilliant new problems to solve for companies around the world + Cheaper offices + No expectations of the expensive dog and pony shows of SXSW , CES, MWC etc, instead much more access to investors and talent via free Zooms Very exciting times for those with a dream and some guts. In uncertain times, why not try to be more in control of your destiny ? …see more

♥ 3456 · Comments 253

Life is a series of negotiations... your salary, your cable bill, your RELATIONSHIP! It's the most important skill you can perfect in your life.

♥ 3395 · Comments 127

Women are better business owners than men. Why? Because men set testosterone targets. Crazy goals that they only hit 60% of the time.

♥ 3384 · Comments 244

NYC is dead forever. People say, "NYC always comes back." Or "NYC has been through worse." No and no. Business, culture, food, education, quality of life, expenses, are all going in the wrong direction. I explain why and why it's not coming back. I love NYC. I wish I were wrong. But I'm not. #NYC #nycrealestate #nycjobs #realestate #nycbusiness #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 3379 · Comments 1637

I have a natural aversion to the words "Hi I'm from the Government and i'm here to help you" For some investors a millisecond is a long time and for others a decade is a mid term hold. Our markets need to accommodate both and be kept as free and transparent as possible. …see more

♥ 3342 · Comments 356

The so-called war on drugs has been a costly failure that has achieved nothing to make societies and communities safer https://virg.in/SsY

♥ 3334 · Comments 218

Delegation is a balancing act but when you get it right, that’s when growth happens https://virg.in/5nz

♥ 3265 · Comments 88

“If you want peace, be sure everyone's dignity is intact.” – Archbishop Tutu. Here are my thoughts on human dignity: https://virg.in/apu

♥ 3251 · Comments 141

I am a big fan of #SridharVembu like many others. He is a #visionary and cares for the greater interests of the community at large. His initiative of #WFH with 'Work from hometown' is laudable and I hope more companies emulate this. We need to create job opportunities to create a more equitable society and prosperity that is shared among more people. Zoho Corporation …see more

♥ 3239 · Comments 73

Accepting a "connection request", does not give you permission to take my email and add it to your subscriber list.  Let's have some basic manners please.

♥ 3224 · Comments 272

Noreply@ emails Should be entirely illegal, but until that time they should just be considered incredibly rude. We spend several hundred billion dollars a year trying to talk to our customers and then when, in a rare, fleeting, magical moment they want to talk to us, we decide it’s not worth our time to even have an inbox where we can potentially listen. Company’s spend several hundred million dollars on ‘how did we do’ nonsense NPS software , yet can’t be bothered to access really rich, interesting, volunteered quant data for free, and get to help our customers while it matters . It’s nuts. …see more

♥ 3199 · Comments 225

Some things can’t be measured in an infographic – here’s why it’s important to use your instinct in a world of analytics

♥ 3183 · Comments 102

If you go on a racist rant, you've finished your career. And, if that's the kind of person you really are, your career SHOULD be finished.

♥ 3171 · Comments 142

Dear recruiters, I know you have an extremely difficult job. The hiring market is white hot and getting worse (better, for candidates) by the hour. We all get pinged repeatedly, daily. I mostly don't mind. However, here are a few rules you should follow to help you improve your contact:hire ratio and not turn candidates off to your pitch: 1) Don't email candidates at work. Just don't. It's incredibly unprofessional.If you email me at work (and I get these daily), you are guaranteed to be blocked and added to Junk Mail. 2) Take the time to read candidate profiles to see where their interests lie, where they are in their careers, and how your role would help them get ahead. Emailing blindly for stuff that clearly doesn't fit just turns candidates off. 3) Don't force a fit. Ever. For any reason. Don't lie. Be as transparent as possible about the opportunity. You're talking to a highly educated populous with access to data and inside company networks that you don't have. We're not dumb and we do our own research. Start with this. Adhere to integrity and first principles. Candidates actually like hearing from you about opportunities they may not otherwise have. What they don't like is to be pestered, intruded upon, and lied to. Thank you for considering the feedback. …see more

♥ 3151 · Comments 284

I imagine a world in which the vast majority of people wake up inspired, feel safe wherever they are, and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do. Bob Chapman, legendary CEO of manufacturing company Barry-Wehmiller, has done more than most other leaders to bring that vision to life. A mentor of mine, I asked him to share his thoughts on Leadership. Listen to A Bit of Optimism at apple.co/simonsinek …see more

♥ 3029 · Comments 112

Instagram is causing a mental health crisis that few are talking about. It's not just that we are nonchalantly scrolling the height of the Empire State building each day and not doing something better. It's not just that we are comparing our lives with others that are showing off and often least happy but trying to project otherwise. It's not just the body image projected ( often photoshopped)  that's made us feel insecure about how we look. It's not just the culture of personal branding that leads to narcissism. Or that we are now living to broadcast, not to experience. Or that we now don't seek connections but validation from strangers. It's everything. It's a total shift in they way we experience, compare, project and curate life and I think it's damaging beyond anything people have noted. Lecture over. …see more

♥ 2947 · Comments 322

“Life isn’t about 'finding' fulfilment and success – it’s about creating it. Why then has creativity been given a back seat in our culture? No longer.” – Chase Jarvis https://virg.in/ip4 #CreativeCalling

♥ 2940 · Comments 109

We should support and celebrate all types of neurodiversity and encourage children’s imagination, creativity and problem solving – the skills of the future. https://virg.in/iNo Made By Dyslexia

♥ 2914 · Comments 96

“Would you give a second chance to an entrepreneur who has tried and failed?” is a question that I often hear. 90% of startups fail and most failures are painful lessons. Smart entrepreneurs reflect on their shortcomings and apply these lessons to their next venture. They just need someone to believe in them & give them a #SecondChance . Joaquin Phoenix captured this beautifully in his #Oscar acceptance speech. "I’ve been selfish, I’ve been cruel at times, hard to work with and I’m grateful, but so many of you in this room have given me a second chance and I think that’s when we’re at our best, when we support each other. Not when we cancel each other out for past mistakes, but when we help each other to grow, when we educate each other, when we guide each other toward redemption." - Joaquin Phoenix …see more

♥ 2835 · Comments 96

In the modern world, keeping a promise is getting rarer and quainter. Great to see that Ajay Banga, CEO - Mastercard , take care of people and keep his promise of no layoffs during Covid. #Leadership #Management #Jobs …see more

♥ 2796 · Comments 77

I find this whole idea of "the personal brand" and "thought leaders" or "influencers" really distasteful. Can't people just be themselves, have original thoughts, discuss what they find interesting etc. We are people, we are not brands, we just have personalities. Stop broadcasting, curating and strategizing and start just being.

♥ 2794 · Comments 496

Supporting refugees isn’t a feel-good exercise; the economic case is solid. Investing in refugees opens doors to new talent and ideas that will benefit all our businesses for the better https://virg.in/ipX

♥ 2791 · Comments 177

We really really have to stop the practice of professional ghosting. I hear of people offered jobs and who sign employment contracts, never to be replied to again. I hear of people who’ve signed speaking contracts and agreed dates who never hear from the organizers again. For goodness sake have the dignity and humanity to write a short email and say “ sorry , things have changed” or “I thought I could sign this off and can’t”. To ghost someone is a pathetic way to live your life and we must fight against this. These are peoples lives you are screwing up because you don’t want to spend 20 seconds drafting a slightly tricky email. …see more

♥ 2753 · Comments 262

The societal effects of Instagram are really starting to freak me out. Endless people broadcasting their lives, seeking validation and followers & accidentally courting envy. Worries me greatly for well balanced 30+ year olds, but scares me more for younger folk. Maybe I'm wrong, but seems we should live life, not broadcast it.

♥ 2717 · Comments 477

People have to stop doing their jobs like they are covering their asses so they won't get fired. Instead wake up and try to make a difference- otherwise what's the point in working.

♥ 2675 · Comments 256

To get on top of problems, and seize opportunities, it is going to take everybody working together. I hope that 2020 is the year of cooperation and collaboration https://virg.in/5km

♥ 2632 · Comments 116

People don't spend enough time thinking about the future and what they've got to save for when they get old. It's not easier when you're older to make money — it's easy to make money when you're younger, so pay your debt off NOW!

♥ 2626 · Comments 118

Of the 100s of companies we reviewed for our SPAC, 23andMe stands head and shoulders above the rest. As an early investor, I have seen 23andMe develop into a company with enormous growth potential. Driven by Anne’s vision to empower consumers, and with our support, I’m excited to see 23andMe make a positive difference to many more people’s lives https://virg.in/9Sj …see more

♥ 2625 · Comments 106

My thoughts on collaboration and why it’s so important to surround yourself with a great team: https://virg.in/56n #VirginFamily

♥ 2614 · Comments 82

Success isn't simple - it can change a person, make you be less kind to the hospitality person who brings you your food, take your staff for granted, neglect your family. It's easy to be a rich jerk - but rich jerks are usually lonely jerks, and after eventually they realize that success is meaningless when you're alone - even when you're alone in a pile of money! You've got to stay grounded. The key to that is RESPECT. Respect the guy who sells you your coffee in the morning. Respect your office admin. Respect your wife. You didn't get successful on your own! Full interview here: https://lnkd.in/ecT63GD …see more

♥ 2606 · Comments 156

Busting the #myth a problem can be solved by allocating more #resources . A small talented and coordinated team, can outdo an army of people. This is why #startups can beat incumbents despite their many resources. Lot to learn from this video of 3 Japanese football players trying to score a goal against 100 children. …see more

♥ 2598 · Comments 142

Does money corrupt? Absolutely, if the money is the only thing you care about. Full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eGuQuyP

♥ 2551 · Comments 182

It would be great if we could all be a bit nicer on here. A bit more calm and balanced, maybe even respectful. Maybe we can all read posts properly before writing a comment, maybe write things that contribute to the discussion after some thought. Maybe reply to what someone writes , not what you you assumed they said. What it is about social media that brings our personal attacks so quickly? Why does it mean debates veer to the extreme, not meander towards a middle based on listening and quality contributions. …see more

♥ 2423 · Comments 340

I swear the people I know with "office jobs" are largely working 50% harder than they've ever before, and accomplishing about 50% less. It's not just Zoom fatigue, it's poor consideration of what "meetings" are for, it's endless tactical projects that consume time and accomplish nothing. FOCUS on / a tiny number/ of simple things / that matter / brilliantly / Everything else isn't just not that helpful, it's a barrier to what matters. …see more

♥ 2419 · Comments 171

In the startup world, if you have an inspired team, a great product, and have happy customers, you will become a Unicorn. Pick the right priorities, not chase unicorn status without fundamentals in place. #Motivation #teamwork #MondayMotivation …see more

♥ 2415 · Comments 61

I want to harness the potential of crypto currencies to make it less expensive for entrepreneurs to raise capital. The solution is to work with regulators to bring asset backed coins to market that use the blockchain to provide smart contracts that prove ownership. If I can get this regulated ICO done it's a game changer! …see more

♥ 2375 · Comments 218

Psychedelics could save lives, cure depression, help alcoholism, get people off opioids—why wouldn’t I want to be invested?! MindMed and microdosing are making waves and I am so excited to be a part of it! What do you think of microdosing? …see more

♥ 2279 · Comments 243

Clearly not all crypto currencies are created equally. Bitcoin is the winner so far and it proved there is demand for a digital currency but it's only $1 trillion in market cap. Thats nothing in terms of a currency and gold is $104 trillion so its still a nothing burger as an alternative asset. The big opportunity is this. What if China, Europe and North America adopted a single digital currency. That would be fantastic for trade and fund flows. Maybe I'll let them call it WonderCoin, but I'll need a royalty! #bitcoin …see more

♥ 2270 · Comments 284

The heartland of America is doing something else while we're going nuts on the East Coast and the West Coast. They don't listen to any of this stuff, they’re not tuned in to Washington. They don't care about all this noise. They're looking at their businesses and watching a slow change in enhanced growth that they haven't seen in 20 years. …see more

♥ 2262 · Comments 140

Resumes/CV's seem entirely pointless these days. Things I care about: A persons values, opinions, ability to reason, imagination, writing skills, ability to make decisions, relationship building skills, agility and dexterity, how they cope with set backs, how well they work with people very different to themselves. Things I could not care less about: What school they went to, what they studied, when, and largely what experience they have. Which is pretty much all a resume is. I long for the day we judge candidates based on pieces they've written, viewpoints they've expressed, things they've made, relationships they've built, initiatives or groups they are part of. …see more

♥ 2251 · Comments 293

My thoughts on drawing circles around the things that matter to us to try and maximise our own personal impact on others and the planet:

♥ 2195 · Comments 75

I think by now, what I really want in Advertising is for them to ignore the current crisis, rather than pretending to care about it. Of course stop/change messaging that seems tonality wrong, but I don't need more sad music and "we're here for you" any more. This is a great time to spend to build brands, Why not just tell me about your great chocolate, show me a nice car, show me some good old fashioned product benefits, I don't need a disingenuous hug from an insurance company nor an empty gesture from a car maker. Just sell to me. Probably the best messaging right now is to tell me how great your customer service is because you're employing lots of people. …see more

♥ 2170 · Comments 213

#Masks have been used since antiquity. The English word mask found its way in the 15th century derived from the French word Masque, which means to hide or guard the face. Today we are hiding from the #virus and guarding ourselves against infection. The mask has become the one thing that connects all of us globally — the ritual of putting on the mask to step out. It has become a #universal symbol that conveys and connects with each one of our fears and #hopes . #WeekendMusings …see more

♥ 2165 · Comments 47

Given all the complexities of the 2020 Presidential election, it may not be a surprise that the many important firsts set by Kamala Harris, the Vice President Elect, are not getting enough attention. That will change. So many people are rightly inspired by them. #elections #equality #inclusion Kamala Harris For The People …see more

♥ 2156 · Comments 116

Talking about the power of understanding other’s perspectives at youth summit One Young World. Fascinating discussions https://virg.in/isp One Young World

♥ 2143 · Comments 57

Microscope (Worm's Eye View) + Telescope (Bird's Eye View) = Entrepreneur Scope Great entrepreneurs train their scope to be both tactical and strategic, balance long term vision with daily execution. #StartupLife …see more

♥ 2142 · Comments 65

Nothing gets done without optimism. It was great to sit down with Christiana Figueres & the #GlobalOptimism team to talk through the positive progress at #UNGA2019 https://lnkd.in/dA-wYbe

♥ 2139 · Comments 51

Heartiest congratulations Narendra Modi on a successful campaign in the #Elections2019 In order to fulfill the dream of a Trillion Dollar Digital #India and create more startup unicorns, we need: -More clarity on regulations surrounding emerging sectors -Heavy investment into STEM programs -To make access to capital, funding and the path to IPOs more easy and streamlined Adding to my personal ask list: -Skill development of youth -A more inclusive India -Safety for women What are your wishes for a new India? …see more

♥ 2129 · Comments 153

Important Dialogue that Co-founders must have: 1. I often hear at the beginning, 'We (co-founders) are equal'. Please choose the CEO among you, who will be the final decision-maker when there is a disagreement. 2. Another thing I hear is, 'We all do whatever is needed'. Define responsibilities, clearly set and measure accountability for outcomes. 3. In the case of equal equity ownership, discuss what should happen when someone outperforms or under-performs and make provisions for it. 4. Value creation takes time. Create equitable & fair vesting by provisioning for what happens when someone leaves in a year or two. Have difficult conversations upfront openly. It is the first step to see how well you can work together and find alignment. #StartupLife #CofounderInsights …see more

♥ 2113 · Comments 94

You can’t buy books today in Wales. You get a very strong feeling we threw logic entirely out of the window when it became far more important to be seen to be doing something than doing things that make any difference. Again. I don’t think it’s a war on culture, it’s just incredibly dumb politics. It’s not sinister, it’s just mass stupidity in an age where politicians make policy based on how it will play out on social media. Doing a lot of visual stuff looks like people are trying their best. …see more

♥ 2099 · Comments 667

My thoughts on Memphis Meats who are innovating and creating real meat grown directly from animal cells without the need to raise animals

♥ 2068 · Comments 142

The mindset exists, Indian #entrepreneurs just need more guidance and support. Inspiring conversation between Mukesh Ambani and Satya Nadella - “Every small business & entrepreneur in India has the potential and opportunity to become a Dhirubhai Ambani or a Bill Gates. That is the #power - that is what differentiates India from the rest of the World. The entrepreneurial power that we have at the grassroots is enormous... ” …see more

♥ 2051 · Comments 53

The number of companies still displaying prominent banners saying " Do not call us, long waits, only urgent calls only" You've now had 5 months to employ more people, there are millions unemployed. You've had 5 months to let people access systems remotely, you've have 5 months to develop workarounds to let people self serve online. What has been more important than treating customers well, while your P&L goes into meltdown? …see more

♥ 2029 · Comments 211

I feel like when we come to work, the people of advertising/marketing, both agency/client side, take off their human being head and any knowledge about what it's like to be a person, and put on some weird marketing head where we think people do and act in totally unrelatable ways. Every brief I see, appears to come from someone with only a vague relationship with reality.

♥ 2024 · Comments 261

I'd bet the next scandal to hit advertising will be the incredible amount of fraud in influencer marketing. Pretty sure about 80-99% of all interactions on Instagram are not real. Would love to see a journalist investigate.

♥ 2024 · Comments 422

‪Now is the time for every Biden supporter to reach out to one person who voted for Trump.‬ ‪Empathize with them.‬ ‪Tell them you know how they feel (you do, from 2016).‬ ‪Come up with one issue you can agree on. ‬ …see more

♥ 2017 · Comments 329

Extreme listening are two words that don’t usually go together. But there is no other way to describe what Deeyah Kahn does. A Muslim woman, she made a documentary, White Right: Meeting the Enemy, about spending time with white supremacists. Her results were so profound, it raises the question, what if we all had the capacity for extreme listening? Check out our conversation on this week's episode of A Bit of Optimism at apple.co/simonsinek or wherever you like to listen to podcasts. …see more

♥ 1976 · Comments 87

Two things hit me about these tech companies announcing working from home policies. It should never be remote vs office, but a combo based on how you feel and what's the best way to get things done. It's never about Policies, it's about culture. It's about the behavior you accept, the people you celebrate. A "9-5" policy means nothing if you feel vulnerable saying no to a meeting at 6pm. "A working from home is fine" policy means nothing if you think you're not in good favor and you feel left out. Ultimately there should be no policies, there should be culture of trust and a clear strategy, all all these other things immediately fill in. If you don't trust your people, why on earth did you hire them?Maybe you are the problem. …see more

♥ 1949 · Comments 166

If holiday parties are about rewarding your staff for their hard work, keeping them happy & celebrating what they've done. Please don't make them join a Zoom. Give them a day off, reduce their workload ( to ensure it's actually time off) & maybe offer some therapy.

♥ 1930 · Comments 71

My thoughts on what the world could be like in 50 years and what gives me hope: https://lnkd.in/dgaWrVk Qz #Wi50

♥ 1930 · Comments 135

24/7 work ethic. Perseverance. Nonstop grind and hustle. Any self-made millionaire will tell you that all successful people live and breathe these traits...luckily Uncle Kevin is always here to tell you the cold hard truth.

♥ 1921 · Comments 114

Does #populism equal #pessimism? In this article, I outline three facts that point toward this trend, and offer insights into how we can transform our #political paradigm to meet our #economic challenges and ensure a better future for all.

♥ 1895 · Comments 110

Applauding Prime Minister Suga’s leadership for his commitment to make Japan carbon neutral by 2050. If one of the world’s most industrialised economies can do this, all of us should take note and redouble our efforts and seize the opportunity that lies in low-carbon transformation. …see more

♥ 1882 · Comments 159

Is work life balance important? Yes. Is it an option if you want to be a successful business owner? Forget about it.

♥ 1872 · Comments 138

I’m kind of slowly starting to think quite radically that we should stop having any press coverage or funding of any technology unless it’s designed in part, in some perhaps oblique way, to bring good to the world and society. I’m absolutely sick of being in ever more luxurious conference centers at SXSW where we talk about frivolous technology while more and more homeless people gather outside. In many counties we’re collectively destroying the planet, good jobs, income inquality suffers, healthcare is a mess, we’ve a demographic timebomb. In the USA we’ve got out if control guns, opioid addiction rampant, extremist views. Globally, women are still facing vast problems with any remote from of equality. We’ve a terrible media and news climate, lies are perpetrated , shitty governments form. Tech needs to start focusing on this or what’s the point. But instead we can order pizza from our shoes and order laundry detergent with our voices and that’s what we talk about ? It’s insane …see more

♥ 1867 · Comments 375

So here is a thought, next time you and your privileged tech friends want to make a connected Juicer, or reimagined vending machine or make Animojis's, why don't you focus on global problems that tech can HELP solve. How about helping stop corruption, or making it easier for everyone to vote? How about making healthcare more accessible or reducing the income gap between men and women? Why not make it easier for people to get affordable child care or to destroy the filter bubble. How about using tech to reduce the energy we use or to help empower the disadvantaged to learn to create their own companies. From farmers facing starvation to the spread of AIDS to the spread of ignorance to  the rise of normalized extreme opinions and hatred. Why can't we at least TRY to solve real life problems. …see more

♥ 1840 · Comments 324

It's ok to spread doom and gloom if the purpose is to keep people safe, etc. But it's important to recognize that this pandemic has a lifespan measured in months and not "forever"​ as some suggest. This virus will run it's course and we will face massive stimulus to get the economy back in shape. Chinese stock markets are back to all time highs, for instance. BUT...here is some good news. . . . #coronavirus #coronavirusupdate #writing #lifestyle …see more

♥ 1839 · Comments 149

How entrepreneurial qualities such as taking risks, scaling solutions and challenging the status quo can be applied to the not-for-profit world. Here’s what I’ve learned from Big Change: https://virg.in/5wq

♥ 1809 · Comments 49