William Wu Personal Blog

ArcelorMittal corporation recently ran a series of “Boldness changes everything” advertising campaign on Business Week and other magazines.  These ads are indeed very inspiring. The creative artwork was done by TBWA agency and showcases human achievements that are collective and that inspire us. These depict famous innovations and adventures, such as the Millau Bridge, the Panama Canal and the first successful lunar landing. All these events transformed the world for the better, but they would not have been achievable without boldness.  Here is one sample ad from their web site:

Richard Branson, the famed entreprenuer and founder of Virgin Group enterprise, is known as someone that is not afraid of taking bold moves.  Here is a nice bio of Richard Branson on the web if you are interested. In his book “Screw It, Let’s Do It - Lessons in Life“, Mr. Branson provides a recount of the bold moves and many ups and downs that he has experienced when taking these bets both at his business and personal ventures.�

The catchy phrase of “Just Do It!” provokes a sense of boldness.  However, being bold does not mean careness and random.  Mr. Branson provides great antedotes in his book.  He elegantly summarizes the main points as follows:

1. Just Do It

• Believe it can be done
• Have goals
• Never give up
• Prepare well
• Have faith in yourself
• Help each other out

2. Have fun

• Have fun.  Work hard and money will come
• Don’t waste time.  Grab your chances
• Have a positive outlook in life
• When it is not fun, move on

3. Be bold

• Calculate the risks and take them
• Believe in yourself
• Chase your dreams and goals
• Have no regret
• Keep your word

4. Challenge yourself

• Aim high
• Try new things
• Always try

5. Stand on your own feet

• Rely on yourself
• Chase your dreams but live in the real world
• Work together

6. Live the moment

• Love life and live it to the full
• Enjoy the moment
• reflect on your life
• Make every second count
• Don’t have regret

7. Value Family and friends

• Put family and the team first
• Be loyal
• Face problems head on
• Money is for making things happen
• Pick the right people and reward talent

8. Have respect

• Be polite and respectful
• Do the right thing
• Keep your good name
• Be fair in all your dealings

9. Do some good

• Change the world, even if in a small way
• Make a difference and help others
• Do no harm
• Always think what you can do to help

These are certainly great rules that any leaders and entreprenuers can agree on.  Other great quotes on these:

• “You can’t get the tiger cubs without going into the tiger’s cave.” - Chinese saying
• “Virtue is bold,  and goodness never fearful.” - William Shakespeare
• “No great discovery was ever made without bold guesses.” - Isaac Newton

Boldness is a mindset and need to be applied appropriately.  A leader or an entreprenuer must be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.

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