Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway has a net worth of $63.1 billion and is ranked the fourth wealthiest man in the world according to Forbes. His gift of $2 billion in Berkshire stock to the Gates Foundation in July, brought his lifetime giving to $20 billion. What was the secret to his success?
In his investment letter in 2014, he told shareholders his best investment wasn’t a stock or business, it was buying Benjamin Graham’s book, “The Intelligent Investor” in 1949. He said the book’s simple, logically sound approach changed his financial life. His advice to investors today is to steer clear of market euphoria and focus on the potential for profits over time.
The gist of his advice is also true for succeeding in life–steer clear of the distractions in life and focus on your potential for growth over time by investing in yourself. Invest your time in the continual development of your personal skills and in your character growth. Personal development is the only investment that never fails and can never be taken away from you.
There is no better place to invest in yourself than in your Toastmasters’ club where the club mission is to provide you with a supportive and positive learning experience in which you are empowered to develop effective communication and leadership skills. As a member of Toastmasters, you are also a member of a worldwide organization whose vision is to be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication, and leadership skills development.
Warren Buffet once said, “In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” The four core values of Toastmasters International are integrity, respect, service, and excellence. I am proud to be a member of Toastmasters!