It's one of the most important things at the end of the day, being able to say no to an investment.
Henry KravisRead
To understand KKR, I always like to say, don't congratulate us when we buy a company. Any fool can buy a company. Congratulate us when we sell it and when we've done something with it and created real value.
Interpretation
The true measure of success in business is not just acquiring companies but creating lasting value from them.
Henry Kravis emphasizes that the act of purchasing a company is not inherently impressive, as it can be done by anyone. The real achievement lies in the ability to enhance the company's value and sell it successfully, reflecting not just business acumen but the creation of tangible results and impact.
In practice
During a business conference when discussing investment strategies.
It's one of the most important things at the end of the day, being able to say no to an investment.
I want people who will stand up to me. People who are not afraid to say exactly what's on their minds, even though that's probably not what I want to hear. That's what I want.
I don't mean I'd mind being rich and famous. That's very much on my schedule, and someday I'll try to get around to it; but if it happens, I'd like to have my ego tagging along. I want to still be me when I wake up one fine morning and have breakfast at Tiffany's.
A man to carry on a successful business must have imagination. He must see things as in a vision, a dream of the whole thing.
I think the ability to hit - some guys have it and some guys don't - but I think how dedicated you are to trying to get the most out of yourself, I think kind of determines how good you are and for how long. I was born with the ability to hit, but my work ethic has taken it to the next level.
The person who is to succeed will never let his mind dwell on past mistakes. He will forgive the past in his life and in the lives of other people. If he makes a mistake he will at once forgive it.
I always looked up there, because I remember a time when the only things on the walls in Fenway were the Jimmy Fund sign and the retired numbers. Never in a million years did you think you'd ever be up there with those guys.
When I was 12 years old, I was just horrible. My parents were ashamed to watch my matches. I would play on a court at the local club and they would watch from the balcony. They would scream, 'Be quiet' to me and I would scream back, 'Go and have a drink. Leave me alone.' Then we would drive home in a very quiet car. No one speaking to each other.
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