Successful entrepreneurs in the world and their stories inspire you to continue on your path despite all odds. These stories also teach you to believe in yourself and your purpose. If you follow your heart and stay true to your goals, success will not prove a distant dream.
Below are the stories of entrepreneurs who started with nothing and inspired millions around the world:
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs was one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world. His story is an inspiration for those who want to lead. Jobs dropped out of college because his family couldn’t support him. During this period, he barely made ends meet by doing odd jobs.
Steve Jobs learnt calligraphy after dropping out of college. Since he was not taking regular classes, he found calligraphy exciting and joined the class for fun. He had no idea at that time it could have any practical implications.
However, it all came back to him when Jobs was making the first Macintosh computer. He used his art of calligraphy to create beautiful type faces for Mac. Windows copied the same design. No computer would have these fascinating font designs if it weren’t for jobs.
Steve Jobs worked on electronics with his father as a boy. It inspired him to pursue it as a career. He founded the Apple company with his childhood friend in his family garage. Jobs sold his Volkswagen bus, and his friend sold his scientific calculator to fund their first project.
After doing a couple of projects, they understood they needed more funds. They found a guarantor and secured a loan of $250,000. It is how they kickstarted a company that revolutionized the digital world.
“Apple is the first company to have a worth of 3 trillion dollars”. (Source)
Steve Jobs’ career as an entrepreneur proved a great success. He made computers accessible to ordinary consumers. Jobs left Apple in 1985 due to his differences with the management. Then, he started his hardware and software enterprise called Next.
However, Jobs joined Apple once again in 1997 as its CEO. He revitalized the company by introducing innovative products. Apple’s products like MacBook Air, iPod, and iPhone, proved cornerstones in the evolution of digital technology.
Steve jobs always advised young people to follow their hearts. He asked them to live each day of their lives as it was their last day on Earth. According to Jobs, it helps people make difficult decisions. These decisions can change their lives forever.
Steve Jobs was a millionaire by the age of 23. When he died, his net worth was about 10 billion dollars. He was a role model for entrepreneurs around the world. Below is one of his famous quotes:
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life“.
Walt Disney
Walt Disney was another successful entrepreneur. He belonged to a low-income family who found it hard to make ends meet. We can say that he started his career as a farm boy. Disney used to draw pictures of neighbours’ horses. It is how he developed his interest in cartoons.
He applied for a job as a cartoonist in a newspaper but got rejected. Then he started working in an art studio. He created ads for newspapers and magazines. Finally, he landed in animation.
Disney’s first character was Oswald, the Lucky rabbit. However, Disney did not own it. Universal Pictures had its rights. When Disney left Universal Pictures due to a pay cut, he invented a new character. It was Mickey mouse. It proved a massive success for Disney.
Walt Disney is the pioneer of cartoon films. He founded the Disney channel and created amusement parks Disneyland and Disney World. He was the first person to produce a full-length animated feature film and open a theme park.
Walt Disney was an entertainment mogul and entrepreneurial star. He won 26 academy awards in total, the most by any person. Disney’s legacy lives even after 50 years of his death. You can judge the degree of his success by the net value of Disney company. Currently, it stands at 97 billion dollars.
Walt Disney’s journey to becoming one of the most renowned entrepreneurs in history is a testament to his unwavering determination and creativity. Beyond his humble beginnings as a farm boy, Disney’s life was marked by challenges and triumphs that shaped his path to success.
The Triumph of Perseverance
Disney’s initial setback in pursuing a cartoonist position at a newspaper was a critical turning point in his life. While rejection could have discouraged many, Disney’s determination only grew stronger. He honed his artistic skills while working in an art studio, crafting eye-catching advertisements for newspapers and magazines. This experience laid the foundation for his later endeavors in animation.
The Birth of Mickey Mouse
One of Disney’s most iconic achievements was the creation of Mickey Mouse. Disney embarked on a new adventure after parting ways with Universal Pictures due to a pay dispute over his previous character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. During a train ride, the concept of Mickey Mouse came to life, forever altering the entertainment industry. This lovable mouse quickly captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, marking the inception of a global entertainment empire.
Pioneering Animation and Entertainment
Walt Disney was not merely a cartoonist; he was a visionary who revolutionized the world of animation. His groundbreaking innovation came from the first-ever full-length animated feature film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” This milestone showcased Disney’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and animation, setting a precedent that continues to influence the industry today.
The Disney Legacy
Disney’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond animation and filmmaking. He founded the Disney Channel, a platform that has continued to bring joy to millions of viewers across the globe. Disney’s dream of creating immersive experiences for families materialized through Disneyland and Disney World, two iconic theme parks that remain beloved destinations for people of all ages.
Even five decades after his passing, Walt Disney’s legacy endures. His remarkable achievements are further evidenced by the staggering net value of the Disney company, currently standing at a staggering $97 billion. This enduring success is a testament to Disney’s indomitable spirit, innovative vision, and unwavering dedication to bringing magic to the world.
Awards and Recognition
Disney’s impact on the entertainment industry is exemplified by his record-breaking 26 Academy Awards, the most ever received by a single individual. These accolades reflect not only his creative brilliance but also his ability to inspire and captivate audiences on a global scale.
Walt Disney’s life is a testament to the extraordinary heights that can be reached through determination, creativity, and an unrelenting commitment to one’s dreams. His influence on the entertainment world remains unparalleled, and his enduring legacy continues to enchant and inspire generations of dreamers and doers.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is a successful entrepreneur and an inspirational story of rags to riches. She was born in extreme poverty as her mother was an unmarried teen and a housemaid.
When Oprah was a school-going kid, she couldn’t afford proper clothes. But she had a passion and determination to change her fate. She fought against the odds and rose to global fame.
She faced all sorts of adversaries in her early life. The members of her family sexually abused her. However, nothing could break her courage. And once she started her journey, she never looked back.
She started her career at a local black radio station. Soon her passion led her to success. She hosted her first talk show in 1976 in Baltimore. She was also a news anchor in Nashville.
Oprah started her TV career with a string of morning shows. One of these shows was A.M. Chicago. When Oprah began to host it, it was a low-rated morning show. But under the influence of Oprah, it became a high-rated show. She left behind her biggest competitor Phil Donahue.
In 1986, Oprah began hosting the Oprah Winfrey Show. It was the highest-rated TV talk show that aired for 25 years. This show made Oprah a millionaire within a year at 32.
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most influential women in the world. She is a host, campaigner, and author with a net worth of 3 billion dollars.
According to Oprah, the secret to success is choosing a path that aligns with one’s personality.
Jan Koum
Jan Koum is the founder of WhatsApp. He was born in a low-income family in Ukraine. The family had not enough resources to survive there. It moved to California in search of good fortune.
When Koum reached California, he developed an appetite for computers. He read about them whenever he got time. It helped him gain sufficient expertise by the age of 18.
In 1997, Jan became a part of Yahoo and excelled in his favorite field. He remained a part of Yahoo for ten years. In 2009, Jan saw a boom in the app industry. It fascinated him, and he decided to launch his app.
In August 2009, Jan launched WhatsApp using his skills and expertise. Within a few years, WhatsApp became a popular app. It connected billions of people around the world. Seeing the success of WhatsApp, Facebook purchased it in 2014 for 19.3 billion dollars.
According to Forbes, the net worth of Jan Koum in 2022 is 9.8 billion dollars.
One of the most famous quotes from Jan Koum is, “Do one thing and do it well.” Jan Koum, the visionary behind the global phenomenon known as WhatsApp, emerged from humble beginnings in Ukraine. His journey from a low-income family struggling to make ends meet to becoming a technology titan in California is a testament to his unwavering determination and passion for computers.
A Quest for Knowledge
Upon arriving in California, Jan Koum’s curiosity about computers ignited. He immersed himself in learning about these fascinating machines, dedicating every available moment to studying their intricacies. By the tender age of 18, he had already acquired a substantial amount of expertise in the realm of computer science.
A Decade at Yahoo
Koum’s dedication and talent did not go unnoticed. In 1997, he joined Yahoo, where he flourished in his chosen field. Over the course of a decade, Koum honed his skills and contributed significantly to Yahoo’s success. His tenure at Yahoo laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors.
Seizing Opportunity in the App Industry
In 2009, Jan Koum’s entrepreneurial spirit was reignited when he observed the burgeoning app industry. The rapid growth and potential of this industry fascinated him. It was during this period that he made a fateful decision to create his own app—a decision that would change the way people communicate around the world.
In August 2009, Koum brought WhatsApp into existence, harnessing his skills and expertise to develop a groundbreaking messaging platform. WhatsApp quickly gained popularity, providing a simple and efficient way for people to connect across the globe. Its success was nothing short of phenomenal.
A Mark of Distinction: Acquisition by Facebook
The impact of WhatsApp reached such heights that, in 2014, Facebook recognized its potential and acquired it for a staggering $19.3 billion. This acquisition underscored the immense value that Jan Koum’s creation had brought to the world of communication and technology.
A Testament to Success
As of 2022, Forbes estimated Jan Koum’s net worth at an impressive $9.8 billion, solidifying his status as a tech mogul and a symbol of entrepreneurial achievement.
Inspirational Wisdom
Among the pearls of wisdom attributed to Jan Koum is the mantra, “Do one thing and do it well.” This succinct philosophy underscores the essence of WhatsApp’s success—its unwavering commitment to providing exceptional messaging services.
Jan Koum’s life story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. His journey from a struggling immigrant to a billionaire tech innovator exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in one’s chosen field. WhatsApp’s global impact is a testament to Koum’s vision, and his legacy continues to shape the way we connect and communicate in the digital age.
Sophia Amoruso
Sophia Amoruso is another successful entrepreneur and rags to riches story. She started her entrepreneurial journey in 2006 at the age of 22. At that time, Sophia was working as a security guard. She collected vintage dresses from second-hand stores and sold them on eBay. She did the packaging and everything.
In 2008, she got banned from eBay and started selling products through her website. She used social media to attract traffic and generate sales. In 2012, her company was generating 100 million dollars in revenue.
Sophia also wrote the book Girlboss, which is a New York Times bestseller. Netflix also produced a series based on the book.
Sophia belonged to a humble background. She lived a nomadic life early on and didn’t have enough to eat. But with her will and determination, she completely changed her life.
One of her famous quotes is, “Abandon anything about your life and habits that can hold you back.”
Conclusion
The lives of Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Walt Disney, Jan Koum, and Sophia Amoruso are a source of inspiration for young people. These are the most successful entrepreneurs in the world, and their stories can put you back on track. No challenge is mightier than the will of a determined person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jan Koum’s interest in computers develop, and how did it lead to the creation of WhatsApp?
Jan Koum’s interest in computers began when he moved to California. He dedicated himself to learning about computers, gaining expertise by the age of 18. This interest ultimately inspired him to launch WhatsApp in 2009, revolutionizing communication worldwide.
What significant role did Jan Koum play in the app industry, and how did WhatsApp become so successful?
In 2009, Jan Koum recognized the potential of the app industry and created WhatsApp, a groundbreaking messaging platform. Its simplicity and efficiency quickly gained popularity, connecting billions of people globally. Facebook’s acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014 for $19.3 billion highlighted its value.
What is the key entrepreneurial philosophy associated with Jan Koum, and how did it contribute to WhatsApp’s success?
Jan Koum’s entrepreneurial mantra, “Do one thing and do it well,” underscores WhatsApp’s commitment to providing exceptional messaging services. This focus on excellence and simplicity played a crucial role in WhatsApp’s global impact and success.
