Good Bad Billionaire

Explore the inspiring journey of Patrice Motsepe, South Africa's first black billionaire, who navigated apartheid to rise as a mining mogul. Discover his philanthropic efforts driven by the Ubuntu philosophy and how he balances shareholder interests with charity. From owning a football club to facing ethical controversies in the mining industry, his story is a complex tapestry of success and societal impact. Dive into the evolving landscape of wealth in post-apartheid South Africa as he transitions from mining to renewable energy.

Jack Ma is the king of ecommerce in China. Nicknamed 'Daddy Ma', the former school teacher even appeared alongside martial arts legend Jet Li in a kung fu movie. But how did a scrawny, belligerent child, who was the only person who failed to get hired at his local KFC, become the chairman and CEO of online mega-platform Alibaba? BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng explain how a crazy trip to America, where Jack had to flee from a conman, ended up introducing him to the internet, which would make him his fortune. Then they decide if they think he’s good, bad, or just another billionaire.We’d love to hear your feedback. Email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or drop us a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. To find out more about the show and read our privacy notice, visit www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire

Discover the intriguing journey of Yvon Chouinard, a billionaire who prioritized nature over wealth. His unconventional philosophy led to the creation of Patagonia, where eco-friendly practices reign. From a childhood spent climbing and surfing to redefining outdoor apparel, his story is a blend of adventure and sustainability. Learn about his drastic decision to give away his fortune to combat climate change, and delve into the ethical dilemmas faced by his company in the quest for responsible business practices.

Whitney Wolfe Herd transformed the dating app landscape with Bumble after facing trauma at Tinder. Her journey from scandal to success illustrates the struggles women face in tech. She launched Bumble to empower women to make the first move, challenging norms in the industry. The discussion also highlights the implications of her company going public and examines the dualities of dating apps: fostering connections or breeding superficiality. Listeners will be intrigued by her rise as one of the youngest self-made female billionaires.

Join billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, famed for ruling Nigeria's cement, sugar, flour, and fertilizer markets. He shares his journey from selling sweets in the playground to becoming Africa's richest person. Discover his vision of self-reliance for Nigeria, insights into his multi-billion dollar refinery, and the challenges of monopolistic practices. Alongside BBC's Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng, they discuss philanthropy, local community impacts, and the legacy of this influential titan in Africa's economy.

How is freshly minted billionaire Sam Altman shaping our future through his company OpenAI and ChatGPT? He made his fortune by investing in huge tech start-ups like Reddit and Airbnb, before turning his attention to artificial intelligence - being fired and re-hired by his own company in the process. Altman believes that OpenAI, with him in charge, can make the world a better place. Yet he’s also preparing for the apocalypse, just in case AI turns on its creators and attacks humanity. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng tell the story of Sam Altman - the first openly gay billionaire on the podcast so far - before deciding whether they think he’s good, bad, or just another billionaire.We’d love to hear your feedback. Email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or drop us a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. To find out more about the show and read our privacy notice, visit www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire

Discover the fascinating journey of Zhang Yiming, the mastermind behind TikTok, as he navigates the tech landscape. From his humble beginnings as a software engineer to creating a social media sensation, his story is filled with challenges and triumphs. The discussion highlights TikTok's profound impact on youth culture and the ethical dilemmas it faces. Delve into the controversies surrounding data privacy and the addictive nature of short-form videos while exploring Yiming's philanthropic efforts and the complexities of his legacy in the tech world.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, India’s first self-made female billionaire, built her pharmaceutical empire Biocon after initially failing in the brewing industry. She shares her journey from childhood in a brewery compound to facing gender bias as a pioneer in biotech. Discover how she navigated challenges, pivoted to producing insulin, and became a global figure in pharmaceuticals. The discussion also touches on her philanthropic efforts in cancer care sparked by personal experiences, revealing the heart behind her success.

George Soros, a legendary investor and philanthropist, reflects on his journey from escaping Nazi-occupied Hungary to becoming a financial titan. He shares the thrilling story of how he made a billion dollars in a single day by shorting the British pound, an act that earned him the title of 'the man who broke the Bank of England.' The conversation dives into the ethical dilemmas of investing, his philosophical influences, and the duality of his legacy, exploring how he balances being a notorious billionaire with his impactful charitable efforts.

Jerry Seinfeld, a legendary comedian and the creative force behind one of TV's most successful sitcoms, shares his journey from stand-up to billionaire status. He delves into his lifelong obsession with comedy and how streaming syndication skyrocketed his wealth. Transcendental meditation, navigating personal grief, and his unique approach to acting are all part of the recipe for his success. The conversation touches on his iconic sitcom's cultural impact and Seinfeld's legacy in reshaping the comedy landscape, posing the question of whether he embodies a 'good billionaire'.