A leader should have higher grit and tenacity, and be able to endure what the employees can't.
Jack MaMy dream was to set up my own e-commerce company. In 1999, I gathered 18 people in my apartment and spoke to them for two hours about my vision. Everyone put their money on the table, and that got us $60,000 to start Alibaba. I wanted to have a global company, so I chose a global name.
Jack MaI'm not a tech guy. I'm looking at the technology with the eyes of my customers, normal people's eyes.
Jack MaWhat starting your company means: you will lose your stable income, your right to apply for a leave of absence, and your right to get a bonus. However, it also means your income will no longer be limited, you will use your time more effectively, and you will no longer need to beg for favours from people anymore.
Jack MaNo matter how tough the chase is, you should always have the dream you saw on the first day. It'll keep you motivated and rescue you (from any weak thoughts).
Jack MaI always tell myself that we are born here not to work, but to enjoy life. We are here to make things better for one another, and not to work. If you are spending your whole life working, you will certainly regret it. No matter how successful you are in your career, you must always remember that we are here to live. If you keep yourself busy working, you will surely regret it.
Jack MaA real businessman or entrepreneur has no enemies. Once he understand this, the sky's the limit.
Jack MaIf you want to grow, find a good opportunity. Today, if you want to be a great company, think about what social problem you could solve.
Jack MaThe customer is number one, the employee is number two and the shareholder is number three. If the customer is happy, the business is happy, and the shareholders are happy.
Jack MaThe world will not remember what you say, but it will certainly not forget what you have done.
Jack MaYour employee should have superior technical skills than you. If he doesn't, it means you have hired the wrong person.
Jack MaLuck is very important. Of course you can't wait for luck, because it won't come. While you start a journey, luck may eventually come to you.
Jack MaA good job isn't something you go out and find, it's something you discover while you're working.
Jack MaIf we go to work at 8 a.m. and go home at 5 p.m., this is not a high-tech company and Alibaba will never be successful. If we have that kind of 8-5 spirit, then we should just go and do something else.
Jack MaIn carrying out e-commerce, the most important thing is to keep doing what you are doing right now with passion, to keep it up.
Jack MaIt doesn't matter if I failed. At least I passed the concept on to others. Even if I don't succeed, someone will succeed.
Jack MaIntelligent people need a fool to lead them. When the team's all a bunch of scientists, it is best to have a peasant lead the way. His way of thinking is different. It's easier to win if you have people seeing things from different perspectives.
Jack Ma