Carlos Slim Helu (born January 28, 1940) is a renowned Mexican business mogul, investor, and philanthropist. He runs the international conglomerate, Grupo Carso – with business interests spanning telecommunication, manufacturing, construction, energy, commercial, and research & development. From 2010 – 2013, Slim was recognized as the richest person in the world by Forbes business magazine. Apart from his business dominance, Slim is recognized for his philanthropic endeavors through The Carlos Slim Foundation, established in 1986. The Foundation supports healthcare, education, the arts, and strives to improve living standards in impoverished areas.
With his civil engineering background and an innate mathematical ability, Slim does not use a personal computer at the office and he tracks important financial data in handwritten notebooks to assist him in making business decisions. As a young entrepreneur, Slim started a stock brokerage in the 1960’s and was a large real estate investor. His business took off in the 1980’s after winning a bid for Mexican telecom giant, Telmex, during Mexico’s efforts to privatize national industries. Slim officially formed Grupo Carso in 1990, merging and consolidating multiple business entities. While Slim has faced some criticism for practices considered “monopolistic,” there is no doubt he has had a tremendous impact on the business world globally, and especially Latin’s America’s dynamic economic landscape.
Slim espouses a commitment to social responsibility while advocating strongly for free market capitalism, which fosters efficiency and innovation that benefits society as a whole. He believes businesses should operate largely free of government intervention, but should also operate with consideration for their impact on employees, their community, environment, and society. Slim continues to be a prominent voice in the world on the topics of business, capitalism, wealth, and improving society.
Carlos Slim Quotes
“Firm and patient optimism always yields its rewards.”
“All businesses make mistakes. The trick is to avoid large ones.”
“With good perspective of history we can have a better understanding of the past and present, and thus a clear vision of the future.”
“Competition makes you better, always, always makes you better, even if the competitor wins.”
“I don’t believe too much in luck. I believe in circumstances. I believe in work.”
“Do not allow negative feelings and emotions to control your mind. Emotional harm does not come from others; it is conceived and developed within ourselves.”
“All times are good times for those who know how to work and have the means to do so.”
“Work well done is not only a responsibility to yourselves and society; it is also an emotional need.”
“It’s important to give a better country to your children, but it is more important to give better children to your country.”
“Focus on essentials and try not to get distracted and bogged down by things that don’t add value to the bottom line.”
“You cannot have people in your organization who are pessimists. They take you to mediocrity.”
Carlos Slim Books
“Carlos Slim: The Power, Money, and Morality of One of the World’s Richest Men” – by Diego Osorno
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