Here are some of the influential people in the eyes of SIR RICHARD BRANSON. Lists are:
Tim Cook
As the CEO of Apple, Tim has the tough job of following in the footsteps of the entrepreneur I admire most, Steve Jobs. But his leadership principles of “people, flexibility, strategy and execution” are pushing Apple even further forwards. His commitment to tackling climate change – telling deniers who had invested in Apple to “get out of this stock” is encouraging more businesses to stand up and be counted on this most crucial of issues.
Marc Benioff
As Marc and I discussed recently, businesses have a responsibility to make a positive difference in the world. Marc, as the leader of Salesforce, is utilising his digital influence to have a direct impact. When Georgia proposed a “religious liberty bill” that would allow officials and organisations to discriminate against same-sex couples, Salesforce took a stand and threatened to take their business elsewhere, with yours truly and many others supporting the Marc’s move. It’s a great example of corporate social responsibility in action.
Bill and Melinda Gates
I’ve known Bill and Melinda for many years, and the way they have transferred their digital skills with Microsoft to the non-profit world with their wonderful foundation has been a huge influence and inspiration for me personally and Virgin Unite. My wife Joan and I also have joined the Giving Pledge, a commitment to dedicate the majority of our wealth to philanthropy and good causes, which was started by Bill and Warren Buffett.
Sheryl Sandberg
Whether Sheryl is continuing to expand the impact of Facebook, or running Lean In to help all women achieve their ambitions, she goes about it with relentless enthusiasm and creativity. As a fellow keen note-taker, I love seeing how Sheryl is able to take things she learns in real life and translate them to the vast digital audiences Facebook commands, and then use these insights to inspire action in the non-profit space with Lean In.
Jack Dorsey
Jack, the CEO of both Twitter and Square, is leading the way when it comes to flexible working and digital disruption. As an investor in both Square and Twitter, I have seen Jack rethink the way we communicate, transact and think online. But what stands out for me is his human-centric approach to working in digital, as he explained his typical day: "Mainly I am just walking around the office. Sitting down with people. Figuring out what is going on. What the biggest challenge is.”
I’m sure if I made another list tomorrow, I could pick a different half-dozen digital influencers. Who would make it onto your list?
*** This article was picked up from VIRGIN.COM
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