Behind every great CEO is a mentor who lit the way. Be it innovation, resilience, or bold calls, the wisdom of a guiding figure leaves a lasting mark. From tech disruptors to automotive trailblazers, these CEOs took their mentors’ playbooks and turned them into million-dollar legacies.
Here’s a look at the visionaries who inspired them – and the heights they’ve soared to since.
Satya Nadella: CEO of Microsoft
Estimated worth: $725 million
Nadella in a nutshell: Nadella is credited with transforming Microsoft’s culture and business model, particularly in pushing the company towards cloud computing and AI, significantly increasing its market value to over $2 trillion.
The leader who inspired him: Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft
Why: “Bill taught me that innovation is not just about product cycles; it’s about having a long-term vision for technology that serves society.”
Hanan Al Kuwari: Minister of Public Health and Managing Director of Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
Estimated worth: Not publicly available
Al Kuwari in a nutshell: Al Kuwari is a leading figure in healthcare in Qatar, driving reforms and advancements within the public health system. Under her leadership, Hamad Medical Corporation has expanded significantly and has become a cornerstone of Qatar’s healthcare vision.
The leader who inspired her: Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Founder and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development
Why: “Her Highness Sheikha Moza’s commitment to healthcare and education has always inspired me to pursue excellence in everything we do.”
Tim Cook: CEO of Apple
Estimated worth: $1.9 billion
Cook in a nutshell: Cook is known for his operational genius and overseeing Apple’s growth into a $3 trillion company after taking over from Steve Jobs. He has steered the tech titan through global expansions, product innovations like the Apple Watch, and a massive services push, including Apple Music and iCloud.
The leader who inspired him: Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple
Why: “Steve was the master of focus. He taught me the importance of deep focus and simplicity in decision-making.”
Sheryl Sandberg: Former COO of Meta (Facebook)
Estimated worth: $1.5 billion
Sandberg in a nutshell: Sandberg revolutionised digital advertising at Facebook, turning it into a profit machine. Her book Lean In became a global manifesto for women in the workplace.
The leader who inspired her: Larry Summers, former US Treasury Secretary
Why: “Larry believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. His mentorship gave me the confidence to take risks.”
Elon Musk: CEO of Tesla and SpaceX
Estimated worth: $240 billion
Musk in a nutshell: Musk is the man behind electric vehicles at Tesla and the space exploration revolution at SpaceX. He’s known for pushing the boundaries of technology and renewable energy.
The leader who inspired him: Thomas Edison, inventor and businessman
Why: “Edison was relentless, and his ability to turn ideas into reality inspired my drive to innovate on a massive scale.”
Mary Barra: CEO of General Motors
Estimated worth: $215 million
Barra in a nutshell: Barra is transforming GM into an electric vehicle leader with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and diversity in the workplace.
The leader who inspired her: Alfred P. Sloan, former President of General Motors
Why: “Sloan’s forward-thinking approach in making GM a corporate powerhouse continues to influence my decisions in steering GM towards an electric future.”
Reed Hastings: CEO of Netflix
Estimated worth: $4.2 billion
Hastings in a nutshell: Hastings transformed the entertainment industry by shifting Netflix from DVD rentals to the world’s leading streaming service, now synonymous with binge-watching.
The leader who inspired him: Patty McCord, former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix
Why: “Patty taught me the importance of trust and freedom in the workplace, values that shaped Netflix’s culture of innovation.”
Sundar Pichai: CEO of Alphabet (Google)
Estimated worth: $1.4 billion
Pichai in a nutshell: Pichai has overseen the continued dominance of Google Search, Android, and YouTube, while also expanding Alphabet’s efforts in AI, cloud computing, and autonomous vehicles.
The leader who inspired him: Larry Page, co-founder of Google
Why: “Larry’s ambition to make the impossible possible inspired me to push the boundaries of innovation at Google.”
Follow us on
