The best CEOs in our research display tremendous ambition for their company combined with the stoic will to do whatever it takes, no matter how brutal (within the bounds of the company's core values), to make the company great. Yet at the same time they display a remarkable humility about themselves, ascribing much of their own success to luck, discipline and preparation rather than personal genius.

Creative leadership impact increases in your 50's. When I turn 50 I want to say, "Nice start!"

First figure out your partners, then figure out what ideas to pursue. The most important thing isn't the market you target, the product you develop or the financing, but the founding team.

Mediocrity results first and foremost from management failure, not technological failure.

Discipline should amplify creativity rather than stifle it.

Great vision without great people is irrelevant.

Good is the enemy of great. That's why so few things become great.