Intelligence Squared Lionel Barber and Zanny Minton Beddoes on the Story of the World’s Wildest Investor, Part One
Oct 30, 2024
Lionel Barber, former Financial Times editor and author, discusses his book about Masayoshi Son, the vision-driven giant behind SoftBank. Barber reveals how Son's bold investments, like Alibaba, transformed the tech landscape. They explore Son’s risk-taking philosophy and his journey from Japan to Silicon Valley success, highlighting the challenges he faced. Barber shares insights into the highs and lows of Son’s investment strategies, painting a vivid portrait of this enigmatic figure in modern finance.
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Masa's Outsider Origins
- Masa, a Korean-Japanese, faced discrimination growing up.
- This outsider status fueled his drive for success.
Masa's Influence
- Masayoshi Son, known as Masa, is a consequential investor.
- He is not a household name, despite his significant influence.
The Smell of Pig Feces
- Masa had a recurring dream about the smell of pig feces, a reminder of his difficult childhood.
- This further motivated his desire to escape and achieve greatness.
