Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller, of Denmark was just such a man. He passed away at 98 years of age in April of 2012. Even during his final days, he was a part of his company's successes Although Danish culture is socially relaxed, he was one of the few people that was still called “Herr” (or sir) by almost everyone he dealt with. This was not because he demanded it, but because his accomplishments and achievements did.
Even at his advanced age, his involvement in the running of his financial empire was staggering. He spoke directly, with both wit and eloquence. His etiquette was rarefied, and his manner was genteel. In many ways, he was the heart and soul of Mærsk Group. His employees respected him highly, and this respect was returned.
He did have his detractors. Many investors suggested that his grip on his company was too harsh, and that his management left little leeway to explore new ideas as a result. Others simply said that the company was too closed off, and that it was too unfriendly to investors. Whether their complaints are valid are not is hard to say, though it's difficult to imagine that the richest man in Denmark had any regrets with regards to his financial successes.
Whatever one chooses to say about him, it's impossible to characterize him as lazy. His attention to detail, meticulous consideration, and vision afforded Mærsk Group immense safety and security even during difficult times. His philanthropy spread to areas and venues well outside the interests of his stock portfolio. He had earned the respect of the common man, as well as the ear of royalty both foreign and domestic.
When any enterprising entrepreneur hears a story filled with such unmitigated success and prestige, the common question asked seems to be what was the secret involved. They want to know what the common axis to their plans is, and how it catapulted them to success. With Herr Møller, the answer is easy.
Even at his advanced age, his involvement in the running of his financial empire was staggering. He spoke directly, with both wit and eloquence. His etiquette was rarefied, and his manner was genteel. In many ways, he was the heart and soul of Mærsk Group. His employees respected him highly, and this respect was returned.
He did have his detractors. Many investors suggested that his grip on his company was too harsh, and that his management left little leeway to explore new ideas as a result. Others simply said that the company was too closed off, and that it was too unfriendly to investors. Whether their complaints are valid are not is hard to say, though it's difficult to imagine that the richest man in Denmark had any regrets with regards to his financial successes.
Whatever one chooses to say about him, it's impossible to characterize him as lazy. His attention to detail, meticulous consideration, and vision afforded Mærsk Group immense safety and security even during difficult times. His philanthropy spread to areas and venues well outside the interests of his stock portfolio. He had earned the respect of the common man, as well as the ear of royalty both foreign and domestic.
When any enterprising entrepreneur hears a story filled with such unmitigated success and prestige, the common question asked seems to be what was the secret involved. They want to know what the common axis to their plans is, and how it catapulted them to success. With Herr Møller, the answer is easy.