Timing, luck or talent - what makes a billionaire?

Recently, pop star Taylor Swift has joined the ranks of the world's wealthiest individuals, becoming a member of the exclusive billionaire club. This club includes notable figures such as Miuccia Prada, Tiger Woods, and Jerry Seinfeld, totaling around 2,800 billionaires globally. According to Forbes, a media company that tracks the wealth of the richest people, the United States leads with 813 billionaires, followed by China, which includes Hong Kong, with 473, and India with 200. The BBC World Service podcast, Good Bad Billionaire, has returned to explore the lives of these billionaires, from celebrities and CEOs to sports stars and tech innovators. The hosts, Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng, delve into how these individuals amassed their fortunes, their influence, charitable contributions, and whether they are perceived as good or bad based on their wealth. The sheer scale of billionaire wealth can be difficult to comprehend. To illustrate, one million seconds is equivalent to just 11 days, while one billion seconds stretches to an astonishing 32 years. This vast wealth has led to criticism, with some arguing that the existence of billionaires is morally wrong. A report from Oxfam in 2023 highlighted that 81 of the world's richest individuals possess more wealth than the poorest four billion people combined. This stark inequality has sparked discussions in various countries about implementing taxes on extreme wealth rather than just income. In the United States, Senator Elizabeth Warren has proposed an Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act, suggesting a 2% tax on assets exceeding $50 million and a 3% tax on those over $1 billion. On the other hand, some argue that billionaires play a crucial role in fostering innovation and progress that benefits society as a whole. Economist Michael Strain contends that we should encourage the creation of more billionaires, citing Nobel laureate William Nordhaus, who found that only about 2% of the profits from technological advancements go to the inventors, while the majority benefits society. Strain describes billionaires as self-made innovators who have transformed our lives, referencing figures like Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk, who have all made significant contributions to their respective industries. He concludes that rather than resenting their existence, we should appreciate the positive impact they have made. Many billionaires are also known for their philanthropic efforts. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett initiated The Giving Pledge, a commitment to donate at least half of their wealth during their lifetimes. Jay-Z, a billionaire rapper and entrepreneur, although not a signatory of the pledge, has expressed his belief that he cannot help the poor if he is poor himself, stating, 'So I got rich and gave back. To me that’s the win-win. ' The success of billionaires often reflects broader societal trends. It is challenging to achieve immense wealth without providing something that people desire or need. Whether it’s the minimalist designs of Prada, the blockbuster Star Wars films, or the viral TikTok app, the billionaires featured in the podcast have significantly influenced the world. For instance, the founders of Google once attempted to sell their search engine for $1 million, but there were no buyers. Today, Google is valued at $2. 3 trillion, and co-founder Sergey Brin has a personal fortune of $135 billion, roughly equivalent to the GDP of Morocco. The stories of these billionaires often reveal how historical, political, or technological changes have shaped their paths to success. Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba, benefited from the rise of online shopping and China's growing economy. Chuck Feeney, who pioneered duty-free shopping, capitalized on the surge of Japanese tourism after World War II. Luck has also played a role in some success stories. Bill Gates attended one of the few schools in the US during the late 1960s that had a computer, giving him an early advantage. Similarly, Rihanna's career took off after a chance audition with a record producer on vacation in Barbados. Family support has also been crucial; for example, Taylor Swift's family relocated to Nashville to support her music career, while Michael Jordan's mother encouraged him to consider Nike before signing a deal with another brand, leading to a groundbreaking endorsement deal. These narratives highlight how seemingly small moments can significantly impact the lives of billionaires. However, when opportunities arise, it is essential to seize them. A common trait among these successful individuals is their relentless drive and commitment to their goals. They continue to push forward, even when faced with challenges. My co-host Zing Tsjeng and I often joke that if we reached a net worth of $10 million, we would disappear to enjoy life. Yet, we remain captivated by the stories of those who have achieved remarkable success.