Can You Guess the Unexpected Habit Shared by 50 Top Business Leaders?

TL;DR: Obsessive note-taking. Want to know more? Read on...

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1. Steve Jobs

Co-founder of Apple Inc., Jobs was a visionary entrepreneur whose influence on technology, music, films, and mobile communication is unrivaled. He led the creation of products like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

"I always believed in the discipline of keeping great notes, not only to remember what I saw but also to see the progress and connect the dots forward."

2. Bill Gates

Co-founder of Microsoft, Gates revolutionized the software industry and played a key role in the personal computer revolution. Now, he focuses much of his efforts on philanthropy, particularly global health and education, through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

"Be a note taker. Write down everything you can. You never know when a fleeting insight will be the seed of your next big innovation."

3. Elon Musk

CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and founder of multiple other companies such as Neuralink and The Boring Company. Musk is known for his ambitious vision of the future, including space travel and sustainable energy.

"Take notes on everything. For people who innovate, the ability to track and link ideas can be facilitated by simple note-taking habits."

"If something is important, write it down. Otherwise, the day's urgency will sweep it away. Entrepreneurs must document their insights to prioritize effectively."

4. Jeff Bezos

Founder of Amazon.com, Bezos turned a small online bookstore into one of the world's most powerful retail and technology companies. He also owns The Washington Post and founded the space exploration company Blue Origin.

"Full-time note-taking isn't just about remembering things; it's about making connections. The most creative ideas come from linking unexpected things together."

5. Oprah Winfrey

Media mogul, actress, and producer, Winfrey is best known for her talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show." She is also a noted philanthropist and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

"I keep a journal not just for personal reflections, but to keep track of ideas that might someday grow into new ventures. Every entrepreneur should do the same."

6. Warren Buffett

Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett is known as one of the greatest investors of all time, amassing vast wealth through keen investment strategies and a frugal lifestyle.

"Write down your ideas. When you go back to your notes, you'll often find the seeds of something revolutionary for your business."

7. Mark Zuckerberg

Co-founder and CEO of Facebook, Zuckerberg created the largest social network, profoundly impacting social interaction and information dissemination, while navigating complex issues like privacy and misinformation.

"I keep detailed notes not just of work-related meetings, but of all my interactions. It’s crucial for tracking progress and learning from past successes and failures."

8. Richard Branson

Founder of the Virgin Group, which controls more than 400 companies in various fields. Known for his charismatic and adventurous style, Branson is a quintessential entrepreneur and daredevil who has also ventured into space tourism.

"Note taking is a vital life skill. I have always written down ideas and used notebooks to make lists of what needs to be done next. For an entrepreneur, making notes is essential for turning thoughts into action."

9. Larry Page

Co-founder of Google and co-founder of Alphabet Inc., Page has been a driving force behind Google’s innovation and culture, developing a vast array of transformative projects.

"Note-taking isn't just about remembering ideas; it's about connecting them to build something truly innovative."

10. Tim Cook

CEO of Apple Inc., Cook is renowned for successfully steering the company through an era of significant innovation and financial growth following Steve Jobs’ tenure. Under his leadership, Apple became the first American company to reach a trillion-dollar market valuation.

"I keep a journal that helps me keep thoughts organized and reflect on daily experiences. It's a powerful tool for personal and professional growth."

11. Satya Nadella

CEO of Microsoft, Nadella has been instrumental in reorienting Microsoft around cloud computing and other technologies. Under his leadership, Microsoft has regained its prominence in the tech industry.

"Ideas can fade as quickly as they appear. Taking notes ensures that every spark of innovation is captured and explored."

12. Jeff Weiner

Former CEO of LinkedIn, Weiner is known for leading the company during its rapid growth phase and through its acquisition by Microsoft.

"Keeping a notebook helps in linking disparate ideas together. This habit is often at the core of innovation and strategic foresight for any entrepreneur."

13. Sundar Pichai

CEO of Alphabet and Google, Pichai led critical projects like Chrome and Android before leading Google, focusing on AI and cloud computing to maintain Google’s industry dominance.

"Keeping detailed notes has always helped me prioritize and strategize. For entrepreneurs, this discipline is crucial in navigating the fast-paced nature of innovation."

14. Sheryl Sandberg

COO of Facebook and author of "Lean In," Sandberg has been a crucial player in Facebook’s rise. She started in government and Google before shaping Facebook’s ad business and championing women in corporate leadership.

"Writing it down is how an idea becomes a plan. Entrepreneurs must master the habit of note-taking to turn visions into reality."

15. Howard Schultz

Former CEO and chairman of Starbucks, Schultz transformed a local coffee shop into a global coffee giant, focusing on corporate social responsibility and employee welfare along the way.

"Writing in a notebook allows you to see the evolution of your thoughts and business over time. This can be an invaluable resource as you navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship."

16. Indra Nooyi

Former CEO of PepsiCo, Nooyi led the company towards sustainability and healthier products, becoming one of the most powerful women in the business while managing the complexities of modernizing a global brand.

"Keeping a notebook isn’t just for organizing tasks; it's for capturing the sparks of inspiration that could transform how you work and lead."

17. Jack Dorsey

Co-founder of Twitter and Square, Dorsey has been a central figure in revolutionizing both social media and financial transactions with his innovations.

"Note-taking is a discipline. It's about observing, capturing, and reflecting. This discipline is essential for any entrepreneur wanting to make a meaningful impact."

18. Tony Robbins

Author and motivational speaker, Robbins overcame a troubled childhood to become one of the most recognized voices in personal development.

"Note-taking is like mapping your path to success. Every note you take is a step towards achieving your entrepreneurial goals."

19. Michael Dell

Founder of Dell Technologies, Dell started upgrading computers in his university dorm room before transforming his startup into one of the giants of the tech industry through direct sales of customized computers.

"When I started out, I kept a notebook with lists of suppliers, prices, and potential customers. It wasn’t just organizational—it was the foundation of my business strategy."

20. Meg Whitman

Former CEO of eBay and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Whitman grew eBay from a small online auction site into a global commerce leader, later guiding HP through a significant corporate split.

"Documenting your journey in a notebook helps to chart your progress, understand your mistakes, and plan your future. It's an essential practice for any serious entrepreneur."

21. Ray Dalio

Founder of Bridgewater Associates, Dalio started in his two-bedroom apartment and built the world’s largest hedge fund, known for its strong corporate culture and "principles" of radical truth and transparency.

"Writing things down is more than just memory; it’s about creating clarity and making decisions. For an entrepreneur, your notes are your most trusted advisors."

22. Arianna Huffington

Co-founder of The Huffington Post, Huffington turned a love of politics and news into one of the most influential news websites ever, before launching Thrive Global to focus on health and wellness. She is also a renowned author and was named to Time Magazine's list of the world’s 100 most influential people.

"Keeping a notebook isn’t just for organizing tasks; it's for capturing the sparks of inspiration that could transform how you work and lead."

23. Sara Blakely

Founder of Spanx, Blakely turned $5,000 and an idea into a revolutionary shapewear brand, becoming the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire and redefining women’s apparel.

"I started my company with a notebook and a pen. Those tools were just as important as capital. They allowed me to sketch out my future."

24. Peter Thiel

Co-founder of PayPal and Palantir. Thiel is a venture capitalist and was the first outside investor in Facebook. He's known for his contrarian views and for funding companies at the cutting edge of technology.

"Never underestimate the power of simple note-taking. It can differentiate between a fleeting thought and a future enterprise."

25. Reid Hoffman

Co-founder of LinkedIn and a venture capitalist at Greylock Partners. Hoffman is a key influencer in Silicon Valley, known for his early investments in numerous successful tech companies.

"An entrepreneur's notebook is a treasure trove. It's where you keep your most valuable asset: your ideas. Regular note-taking helps you to refine them into actionable strategies."

26. Ginni Rometty

Former CEO of IBM, Rometty steered the company through major technology shifts toward cloud computing and AI, breaking new ground for women in technology leadership.

"A notebook is an entrepreneur's best tool for turning disruptions into opportunities. It's where chaos can be organized into potential."

27. Barbara Corcoran

Real estate mogul and "Shark Tank" investor, Corcoran turned a $1,000 loan into a New York City real estate empire before becoming a celebrity investor, known for her keen business acumen.

"Your notebook is your battlefield. It's where you fight out your ideas, your strategies, and your next moves."

28. Brian Chesky

Co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, Chesky revolutionized the travel industry by turning the idea of sharing living spaces into a global phenomenon, overcoming significant regulatory and operational hurdles.

"The discipline of writing your thoughts down is invaluable. It can turn a fleeting idea into a focus for your entrepreneurial vision."

29. Travis Kalanick

Co-founder and former CEO of Uber, Kalanick transformed personal transportation with the creation of Uber, leading to widespread adoption of ride-sharing despite facing regulatory and organizational challenges.

"Entrepreneurs must keep notes meticulously as part of their decision-making arsenal. Every note you take might just be the seed of your next big idea."

30. Phil Knight

Co-founder and former CEO of Nike, Knight started selling running shoes from his car trunk and built Nike into a global icon in sports apparel, known for its innovative products and marketing strategies.

"Take notes like you’ll need them to defend a thesis. For entrepreneurs, those notes could very well define the future of your company."

31. Howard Hughes

An aviator, engineer, and film director, Hughes was known for his reclusive lifestyle and pioneering advances in aviation and business.

"I used to write everything down. You have to when you're an entrepreneur. Your notes are your roadmap to the future."

32. Mary Barra

CEO of General Motors, Barra has led the company with a focus on electric vehicles and self-driving technology, being the first woman to head a major automaker and steering it through recovery post-bankruptcy.

"A well-maintained notebook is a mirror of an entrepreneur’s mind, showing paths taken and not taken, allowing for reflection and better decisions."

33. Michael Bloomberg

Founder of Bloomberg L.P., Bloomberg leveraged his experience on Wall Street to create a global data and media company. He also served three terms as New York City's mayor.

"If you can't measure it, you can't manage it, and if you didn't write it down, it never happened. Entrepreneurs need to document every step on their journey."

34. Deborah Meaden

British businesswoman and investor on the BBC Two television show "Dragons' Den." Meaden is known for her savvy business acumen and numerous successful investments.

"Persistent note-taking is crucial; it allows you to revisit ideas that once seemed insignificant but may hold the key to solving current problems."

35. Richard Feynman

Notable theoretical physicist, Feynman contributed significantly to quantum mechanics and particle physics, known for his accessible teaching style and receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965.

"Writing is a way of thinking. If you write down every step of your thought process, you'll see how to improve it. Entrepreneurs must adopt this method to refine their strategies."

36. John D. Rockefeller

Founder of Standard Oil, Rockefeller became one of the world’s wealthiest individuals and a major philanthropist. His business practices laid the groundwork for the modern corporate economy and antitrust laws.

"I always kept a notebook to jot down my observations. It's invaluable for any entrepreneur to remember where they've been to understand where they're going."

37. Sergey Brin

Co-founder of Google, Brin has been instrumental in pushing the company toward innovation in data management and artificial intelligence.

"Innovation doesn't just happen; it's recorded, reviewed, and refined. Every note an entrepreneur takes is part of the process of turning imagination into reality."

38. Martha Stewart

Businesswoman and television personality, Stewart has built a vast media and merchandising empire under her name, encompassing everything from cookbooks to home goods.

"Your notebook can be your most trusted tool. It holds the blueprint of your initial inspirations and adjustments made along the way."

39. Anita Roddick

Founder of The Body Shop, Roddick pioneered cruelty-free beauty products and ethical consumerism, growing her business globally and championing environmental and social causes.

"I’ve always used notebooks to jot down ideas and insights. For entrepreneurs, capturing every thought can mean catching your next big break."

40. Diane Greene

Co-founder of VMware and former CEO of Google Cloud, Greene was a pioneer in virtualization technology, which transformed enterprise computing, and later led Google’s cloud computing endeavors.

"My notebook has always been a sandbox for testing out ideas—no matter how crazy—each one noted might be the next big thing."

41. Bob Iger

Former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Iger oversaw the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, as well as launching Disney+, significantly expanding Disney’s footprint in the entertainment industry.

"Keep a notebook for every project. Write your thoughts, doubts, successes, and failures. It’s your personal guide through the entrepreneurial journey."

42. Simon Sinek

Author and motivational speaker best known for popularizing the concept of "Why" in his book "Start with Why." Sinek’s theories on leadership and business have gained widespread popularity.

"The act of writing helps to clarify your thoughts, making it easier to identify the Why behind what you do, which is crucial for any entrepreneur."

43. Naveen Jain

Founder of Moon Express and Viome, Jain focuses on solving big problems like healthcare and lunar travel, using business to address global challenges in health diagnostics and space exploration.

"Ideas are fleeting, opportunities even more so. Note-taking isn't just about remembering, it’s about capturing possibilities before they evaporate."

44. David Allen

Productivity expert and author of "Getting Things Done," Allen developed a framework for stress-free productivity which has become a global phenomenon, helping millions organize their professional and personal lives.

"Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them. Entrepreneurs thrive when they transfer their thoughts onto paper and clear their mental workspace."

45. Les Brown

Motivational speaker and author, Brown rose from humble beginnings and legislative careers to inspire millions through his powerful speeches and personal development books, focusing on potential and resilience.

"Write your vision and make it plain. Entrepreneurs who clearly document their goals in their notebooks are setting the stage for their success."

46. Ben Horowitz

Co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, a private venture capital firm, Horowitz has been instrumental in funding and advising various successful startups, known for his insightful blogging and the book "The Hard Thing About Hard Things."

"Write down what you learn, because real learning comes from analyzing your experiences. Your notebook can serve as your own personal consultant."

47. Caterina Fake

Co-founder of Flickr and Hunch, Fake has been a significant figure in tech, focusing on human-driven technology and community building, leading to influential roles in various tech startups.

"I believe in writing things down in a notebook to externalize what’s in my head. It’s a practice that helps me make sense of my thoughts and the world around me."

48. Marissa Mayer

Former CEO of Yahoo and one of the first employees at Google. Mayer was instrumental in the development of Google’s search and email services.

"A notebook is a leader’s tool. It organizes, it clarifies, it inspires. It’s a place where visions can be sketched and responsibilities tracked."

49. Eric Schmidt

Former CEO of Google, Schmidt guided the company through its massive growth phase, including the IPO, scaling infrastructure, and diversifying products beyond search, shaping Google into a global tech titan.

"The simplest tool in our arsenal, the pen and notebook, can also be the most powerful. For an entrepreneur, it's essential for noting down those sudden insights that can lead to transformative changes in your business."

50. Mark Cuban

Billionaire entrepreneur, television personality, and media proprietor. He owns the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and is known for his role on ABC’s "Shark Tank."

"If you're not taking notes, you're not learning. If you're not learning, you're not growing in your business or your life."

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