Neels Hattingh

  • Anne Wojcicki

    Anne Wojcicki, born on July 28, 1973, in Palo Alto, California, is a pioneering entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, a leading personal genomics company. Her innovative approach to genetic testing has revolutionized the way individuals access and understand their genetic information.

    Early Life and Career

    Wojcicki grew up in Palo Alto, California, the youngest of three sisters. Her parents, Esther Wojcicki, an educator and journalist, and Stanley Wojcicki, a physics professor at Stanford University, fostered an environment of intellectual curiosity and academic excellence1. Wojcicki attended Gunn High School, where she edited the school newspaper and played varsity ice hockey.

    She went on to study biology at Yale University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1996. During her time at Yale, she played on the varsity women’s ice hockey team and conducted molecular biology research at the National Institutes of Health and the University of California, San Diego1.

    Founding of 23andMe

    In 2006, Wojcicki co-founded 23andMe with Linda Avey and Paul Cusenza. The company aimed to make genetic testing accessible to the general public, allowing individuals to learn about their ancestry, genetic traits, and potential health risks2. Despite initial controversy and regulatory challenges, 23andMe quickly gained popularity and became a leader in the field of personal genomics.

    Under Wojcicki’s leadership, 23andMe has expanded its services to include research partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and the development of its own therapeutics. In 2021, the company went public through a SPAC merger sponsored by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group3.

    Philanthropy and Personal Life

    Wojcicki is also a co-founder and board member of the Breakthrough Prize, an initiative that awards scientists for their contributions to fundamental research. Her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving human health has earned her recognition as one of the most influential women in technology1.

    In her personal life, Wojcicki was married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin from 2007 to 2015, and they have three children together. She continues to be involved in various philanthropic efforts and remains dedicated to promoting the importance of genetic research and personalized medicine.

    Legacy

    Anne Wojcicki’s vision and determination have made 23andMe a household name, empowering individuals to take control of their health through genetic information. Her contributions to the field of genomics and her advocacy for scientific research continue to inspire and shape the future of personalized medicine.

    Anne Wojcicki’s famous quote, “We believe that everyone has the right to know their genetic information,” reflects her commitment to making genetic testing accessible and empowering individuals with knowledge about their health.

    In conclusion, Anne Wojcicki is a trailblazer who has transformed the field of personal genomics. Her contributions to technology and her inspiring personal journey continue to shape the future of healthcare and scientific research.

    Book Recommendations by Anne Wojcicki

    • “The Gene: An Intimate History” by Siddhartha Mukherjee
    • “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
    • “Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters” by Matt Ridley
    • “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer” by Siddhartha Mukherjee
    • “The Double Helix” by James D. Watson
    • “The Selfish Gene” by Richard Dawkins
    • “The Gene: From Mendel to EMD” by Daniel J. Kevles

  • Larry Ellison

    Larry Ellison, born on August 17, 1944, in New York City, is a pioneering entrepreneur and computer programmer best known as the co-founder of Oracle Corporation. As a visionary leader in the software industry, Ellison has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of enterprise technology.

    Early Life and Career

    Ellison was born to Florence Spellman, a single mother, and was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Lillian and Louis Ellison, after contracting pneumonia as an infant. He grew up in a middle-class neighborhood in Chicago and attended South Shore High School1. Ellison showed an early aptitude for mathematics and technology, but he struggled with formal education and eventually dropped out of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Chicago.

    In the early 1970s, Ellison moved to California and worked as a computer programmer for various companies, including Ampex. It was during this time that he met Ed Oates and Bob Miner, who would later become his co-founders at Oracle1.

    Founding of Oracle

    In 1977, Ellison, Oates, and Miner founded Software Development Laboratories (SDL), which later became Oracle Corporation. The company initially focused on developing a relational database management system (RDBMS) based on Edgar F. Codd’s research1. Oracle’s innovative approach to organizing and retrieving large amounts of data quickly gained traction in the business world.

    Under Ellison’s leadership, Oracle grew rapidly, becoming a dominant player in the enterprise software market. The company expanded its product offerings to include enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and cloud computing solutions.

    Philanthropy and Personal Life

    Ellison is known for his adventurous spirit and passion for sports, including sailing and tennis. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, supporting education and medical research initiatives.

    In his personal life, Ellison has had a colorful history, with multiple marriages and a well-publicized interest in Hawaiian real estate. He currently owns 98% of the island of Lānaʻi, making him one of the largest private landowners in the United States1.

    Legacy

    Ellison stepped down as CEO of Oracle in 2014 but continues to serve as the company’s executive chairman and chief technology officer. His contributions to the software industry and his relentless pursuit of innovation have left an enduring impact on the technology world.

    Larry Ellison’s famous quote, “I have a 100 percent failure rate. I’ve started companies that have failed. I’ve invested in companies that have failed. I’ve invested in people who have failed. But I’ve never failed1. I’ve always learned from my mistakes,” reflects his resilience and commitment to continuous improvement.

    In conclusion, Larry Ellison is a trailblazer who has transformed the software industry. His contributions to technology and his compelling personal journey continue to inspire and shape the future of enterprise computing.

    Book Recommendations by Larry Ellison

    • “The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail” by Clayton M. Christensen
    • “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
    • “The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life” by Alice Schroeder
    • “The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America” by Lawrence A. Cunningham
    • “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins
    • “The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses” by Eric Ries
    • “The Little Book of Common Sense Investing” by John C. Bogle

  • Tim Cook

    Tim Cook, born on November 1, 1960, in Mobile, Alabama, is a distinguished business executive and the CEO of Apple Inc. Since taking over from Steve Jobs in 2011, Cook has led Apple to new heights, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.

    Early Life and Career

    Cook grew up in a middle-class family in Robertsdale, Alabama. His father, Donald Cook, worked at a shipyard, and his mother, Geraldine Cook, was a pharmacy worker1. Cook excelled in school and went on to study industrial engineering at Auburn University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1982. He later earned an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in 19882.

    Cook began his career at IBM, where he worked for 12 years and held various positions, including director of North American fulfillment. He then moved to Intelligent Electronics as the chief operating officer of its reseller division and later joined Compaq as vice president of corporate materials3.

    Joining Apple

    In 1998, Cook joined Apple as senior vice president for worldwide operations. His expertise in supply chain management and operations played a crucial role in turning around the company, which was struggling at the time2. Cook’s efforts streamlined Apple’s supply chain, reducing inventory turnaround time from months to days.

    Becoming CEO

    In August 2011, Cook was appointed CEO of Apple after Steve Jobs resigned due to health issues. Under his leadership, Apple has continued to innovate and expand its product lineup, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods4. Cook has also emphasized sustainability and social responsibility, making Apple a leader in environmental initiatives and advocating for privacy rights and LGBTQ rights.

    Legacy

    Cook’s leadership has seen Apple’s market value soar, reaching over $2 trillion. He has been recognized for his calm and methodical leadership style, focusing on long-term growth and innovation4. Cook’s famous quote, “Innovation distinguishes a leader from a follower,” reflects his commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and business.

    In conclusion, Tim Cook is a visionary leader who has continued Apple’s legacy of innovation and excellence. His contributions to technology, sustainability, and social responsibility have made a lasting impact on the industry and society.

    Book Recommendations by Tim Cook

    • “The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail” by Clayton M. Christensen
    • “The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses” by Eric Ries
    • “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
    • “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins
    • “The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life” by Alice Schroeder
    • “The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America” by Lawrence A. Cunningham
    • “The Little Book of Common Sense Investing” by John C. Bogle

  • Satya Nadella

    Satya Nadella, born on August 19, 1967, in Hyderabad, India, is a visionary leader and the CEO of Microsoft. Since taking the helm in 2014, Nadella has revitalized the company, steering it towards innovation and growth in the cloud computing and artificial intelligence sectors.

    Early Life and Career

    Nadella grew up in a Telugu-speaking family with a strong academic background. His father, Bukkapuram Nadella Yugandhar, was an Indian Administrative Service officer, and his mother, Prabhavati, was a Sanskrit lecturer. Nadella attended the Hyderabad Public School and later pursued a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology in Karnataka.

    He moved to the United States to further his studies, earning a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

    Joining Microsoft

    Nadella joined Microsoft in 1992, initially working on the development of Windows NT. Over the years, he held various leadership roles, including executive vice president of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise group. His expertise in cloud computing and enterprise services played a crucial role in Microsoft’s strategic direction.

    Revitalizing Microsoft

    In February 2014, Nadella succeeded Steve Ballmer as CEO of Microsoft. Under his leadership, Microsoft has embraced a culture of innovation and collaboration. Nadella shifted the company’s focus towards cloud computing, leading to the growth of Azure, Microsoft’s cloud platform, which has become a significant revenue driver.

    Nadella also emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence and machine learning, integrating these technologies into Microsoft’s products and services. His vision has helped Microsoft stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech industry.

    Philanthropy and Personal Life

    Nadella is known for his commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility. He has been involved in various initiatives to promote education and technology access. In his personal life, Nadella is married to Anupama, and they have three children, including their son Zain, who has cerebral palsy and is legally blind.

    Legacy

    Nadella’s leadership has transformed Microsoft into a more agile and innovative company. His focus on cloud computing, AI, and a growth mindset has positioned Microsoft for future success. Nadella’s famous quote, “The learn-it-all does better than the know-it-all,” reflects his approach to continuous learning and improvement.

    In conclusion, Satya Nadella is a trailblazer who has revitalized Microsoft and led it into a new era of innovation and growth. His contributions to technology and his inspiring personal journey continue to shape the future of the tech industry.

    Book Recommendations by Satya Nadella

    • “The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail” by Clayton M. Christensen
    • “The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses” by Eric Ries
    • “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
    • “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins
    • “The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life” by Alice Schroeder
    • “The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America” by Lawrence A. Cunningham
    • “The Little Book of Common Sense Investing” by John C. Bogle

  • Warren Buffett

    Warren Buffett, born on August 30, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska, is widely regarded as one of the most successful investors of all time. Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett has built an immense fortune through his investment philosophy and leadership of Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate holding company.

    Early Life and Career

    Buffett’s interest in business and investing began at an early age. His father, Howard Buffett, was a stockbroker and four-term U.S. congressman, which exposed Warren to the world of finance from a young age1. Buffett started investing in stocks at the age of 11 and bought his first shares in the Coca-Cola Company.

    He attended the University of Pennsylvania before transferring to the University of Nebraska, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business. Buffett then pursued a master’s degree in economics at Columbia University, where he studied under the legendary value investor Benjamin Graham1.

    Founding of Berkshire Hathaway

    In 1965, Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway, a struggling textile company, and transformed it into a diversified holding company. Under his leadership, Berkshire Hathaway acquired numerous businesses across various industries, including insurance, energy, and retail1. Buffett’s investment strategy focused on identifying undervalued companies with strong fundamentals and holding them for the long term.

    Philanthropy and Legacy

    Buffett is known for his commitment to philanthropy. In 2010, he founded The Giving Pledge with Bill Gates, encouraging billionaires to pledge at least half of their wealth to charitable causes2. Buffett has pledged to donate the majority of his fortune to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other charitable organizations.

    His famous quote, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get,” encapsulates his investment philosophy and has inspired countless investors around the world.

    In conclusion, Warren Buffett is a trailblazer who has transformed the investment world. His contributions to finance, philanthropy, and business continue to inspire and shape the future of economic growth and social responsibility.

    Book Recommendations by Warren Buffett

    • “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
    • “Business Adventures” by John Brooks
    • “Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger” by Charles T. Munger
    • “The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life” by Alice Schroeder
    • “The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America” by Lawrence A. Cunningham
    • “The Little Book of Common Sense Investing” by John C. Bogle
    • “Security Analysis” by Benjamin Graham and David Dodd