In a recent interview on South Korea’s KBS world, Jack Ma of Alibaba fame was asked by a young South Korean entrepreneur hopeful on what he would do if he were a 25 year-old man. The founder of the Chinese e-commerce giant drew laughter from the audience when he replied, “Well, first I would love to go back to when I was 25 years old.”
In the video, Jack Ma not only told the audience what he thinks they should do when they are in their 20s, but up to their 60s.
- Before your 20s, be a good student.
- In your 20s, make as many mistakes as possible to gain experience. Go to a small company; learn the passion, the dreams, and how to do lots of things at one time. In a big company, you will learn the processes as more often than not, you are part of a machine. It is also about not the company you go to, but the bosses you follow. A good boss will teach you differently.
- In the 30s, work for yourself if you really want to be an entrepreneur.
- In the 40s, specialise and do the things you are good at. The risk is too big when jumping around doing new things.
- In the 50s, work for the young people because the young people can do better than you. Rely on them, invest on them.
- In the 60s, spend time for yourself. Relax and enjoy life.
Jack Ma ended off by telling the audience, “(At) 25 years old, make enough mistakes. Don’t worry. You fall, you stand up. You fall, you stand up. Enjoy it. Enjoy the show.”
Nicely put, Mr Ma.
Watch the video here:
