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Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has always admired two iconic figures: Thomas Edison and Walt Disney. These two visionaries shaped his understanding of invention and leadership, influencing his approach to business and innovation.
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Thomas Edison: The Inventor
Bezos has long been fascinated by inventors, and Thomas Edison stands out as a prime example. "Two people I always would read about were Thomas Edison and Walt Disney," Bezos shares. Edison, the inventor of the light bulb and phonograph, symbolizes the spirit of invention. "I've always been interested in inventors and invention, and Edison, of course, is not only the symbol of that but the actual fact of that," Bezos explains.
Edison represents the kind of pioneering work that Bezos values. He sees Edison as a figure who made significant contributions to technology and society through relentless innovation.
Walt Disney: The Visionary
While Edison exemplifies invention, Walt Disney represents visionary leadership. Disney's ability to dream big and bring those dreams to life through collaboration deeply resonates with Bezos. "Disney, he also, you know, a real pioneer and an inventor in doing new things," Bezos says.
Disney's creation of Disneyland is a testament to his visionary thinking. "The things that Disney invented, like Disneyland, were such big visions that no single individual could ever pull them off," Bezos notes. This ability to inspire and lead large teams towards a common goal is something Bezos admires greatly.
The Power of Vision and Collaboration
What sets Disney apart, in Bezos's view, is his capacity to create and share a compelling vision. "It seemed to me that he had this incredible capability to create a vision that he could get a large number of people to share," Bezos observes. Disney's success with projects like Disneyland required the concerted effort of many people working together towards a shared goal.
This lesson in collaboration and vision is something Bezos has applied at Amazon. By fostering a strong vision and working with talented teams, he has built Amazon into a global powerhouse.
Conclusion
Jeff Bezos draws inspiration from both Thomas Edison and Walt Disney. Edison's relentless innovation and Disney's visionary leadership have shaped Bezos's approach to building Amazon. By combining a passion for invention with the ability to inspire and lead teams, Bezos has followed in the footsteps of his heroes, creating a company that continues to innovate and pioneer new frontiers.
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