Oprah Winfrey's global influence is unparalleled. Not only has her generosity and firm belief that education is the key to a better life benefited countless women and children around the world, but her example has also inspired millions of people to give back in ways big and small.

If someone can't give me a good reason why you can't do something, I find a way to do it.

Unfortunately, the boards of art institutions tend to be populated with well-meaning supporters of the arts who often lack any business background or appetite for imposing appropriate discipline.

Every artist is unreasonable, because he or she is doing something that hasn't been done before.

At a time when all the other builders were selling homes with basements but without carports, we would sell homes without basements and with carports. This allowed us to provide a more appealing product at a lower price. In other words, we felt we would be giving customers greater value.

I have always believed that every great city in history needs a vibrant center.

A lot of executives act like their time is worth more than anyone else's. But I always respect an employee who guards his or her time, even from me.