Initial Exposure to Different Cultures:

Masayoshi Son talks about how his trip to Korea and the United States was his first exposure to foreign cultures. These experiences were exciting for him, as they were different from what he was accustomed to in Japan. They stimulated his way of thinking and were eye-opening in terms of lifestyle and vision.

Significance of Life Choices as a Student:

He emphasizes the importance of the time period when one is a student, suggesting that before you choose an official job, your options are limitless. According to him, you have a “360 degree of chance” in choosing your course of life. Exposure to a different environment abroad can be an invaluable experience that helps individuals think more deeply and differently.

The Importance of Globalization:

Masayoshi Son notes that studying in the U.S. was not just about learning English or adapting to American lifestyle; it was a gateway to globalization. He views English as a tool for global communication, stating that, good or bad, this is the de facto reality in today’s globalized world.

Discovering New Technologies:

While studying in the U.S., Masayoshi stumbled upon a page in a Computer Science magazine that showcased an early microprocessor. This was a pivotal moment for him as it gave him an eye-opening introduction to new technology. He notes that the U.S. was ahead of Japan in terms of computer science, and this knowledge significantly impacted his life direction.

Summary:

Masayoshi Son’s experiences studying abroad were not only culturally enriching but also pivotal in shaping his career and perspective on life. He emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities for broadening one’s horizons, especially as a student when life paths are most flexible. This flexibility, combined with exposure to new cultures and technologies, can lead to transformative life experiences.

Early Exposure to Tech:

Masayoshi Son recounts his early exposure to technology, notably visiting a computer show in San Francisco around the time when the Apple II was introduced. He noticed the birth of new technology and the burgeoning influence of pioneers like Steve Jobs.

The Role of College Students in Tech Innovation:

Son acknowledges that many revolutionary tech companies were started by college students. Despite this, he humorously notes that the talk aims to promote study abroad, not quitting college.

Cultural Differences in Entrepreneurship:

Son observes that the culture in places like California encourages a more open, challenge-oriented approach to entrepreneurship, in contrast to more conservative areas. He emphasizes the importance of a “cowboy culture” of risk-taking.

Passion Over Material Gains:

Son stresses that the motivation for entrepreneurship should not be money or fame but passion. He recounts how even his dream of becoming a painter was driven by passion rather than financial or social rewards.

Familial Support:

Son shares a personal story about his decision to study in the United States despite his father being ill. His father supported him, emphasizing that Son’s growth and learning would make him feel happier and stronger.

Self-Determination and Inspiration:

Using the metaphor of Jedi and the Force from Star Wars, Son advises people to listen to their internal force. He emphasizes the importance of making your own decisions and setting your own path, rather than letting others dictate it.

Global Business Opportunities:

When asked about business opportunities in India and the U.S., Son suggests that both countries are ripe with opportunities. He advocates for visiting both and making a decision based on personal feelings and research.

Starting a Company:

Son stresses the importance of having a big dream and working hard towards it, as competition is fierce. Money, he notes, will follow a good business plan and passion.

Mentorship and Role Models:

Son speaks to the importance of having role models or heroes, mentioning Steve Jobs and Bill Gates as his own. He encourages the audience to find and study their own heroes to shape their entrepreneurial journey.

Hero Worship and Mentors:

Masayoshi Son opens by speaking about his own personal hero, Ryoma Sakamoto, who inspired him from the age of 16. He suggests that having a hero or mentor in life can be a significant motivator for young people. Son goes on to categorize mentors into two types: physical mentors who actively guide you in life, and spiritual mentors whom you look up to from a distance, learning from their life stories and imagining what they might do in your place.

Virtual vs Physical Mentors:

Son places considerable value on ‘virtual’ or ‘spiritual’ mentors, stating they can sometimes be even more impactful than physical mentors. The benefit of such mentors is that you can select anyone, without being limited by proximity, and they won’t let you down since they function as a guide in your mind.

Entrepreneurship and Experience:

Son makes the case that entrepreneurship cannot be fully grasped simply by reading about it or hearing about it. He questions the value of business consultants who have never started a business themselves, emphasizing that entrepreneurial skills and understanding come primarily from hands-on experience.

Audience and Entrepreneurial Drive:

Responding to a query about whether having too many entrepreneurs would be problematic, Son states that the audience he’s addressing is already self-selected to be more entrepreneurial. He emphasizes that the general public doesn’t have such a high percentage of people interested in entrepreneurship, so the risk of “too many” entrepreneurs is low.

Importance of Actual Experience:

Son reinforces the idea that entrepreneurship is not something you can just talk or read about—you have to experience it. By doing so, he implies that genuine understanding in the business realm requires lived experience.

The Rarity of Entrepreneurial Commitment:

Masayoshi Son addresses the idea that even if people are considering entrepreneurship, actually committing to it is rare. He notes that the audience he is speaking to is already more inclined toward entrepreneurship than the general population, calling this a positive development.

Personal Progress and Scaling Ambitions:

When asked about his own entrepreneurial journey, Son reveals that his perception of his progress has changed. He once believed he had achieved 10-20% of his ‘mountain climb,’ but now feels it’s only 3%. This suggests that as he’s grown, the scope and ambition of his goals have expanded as well, making him realize he has a lot more to achieve.

Inspiration from Steve Jobs:

Son recounts a personal experience with Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, revealing that even on the day before his death, Steve Jobs was focused on discussing the next product with Cook. This serves to exemplify the ceaseless passion and dedication that Son believes true entrepreneurs possess.

The Sustaining Power of Passion:

Son emphasizes the role of passion in prolonging Jobs’ life, despite his severe illness. According to Son, Jobs’ enthusiasm for his company and products energized him and kept him alive longer than physically expected. This highlights the sustaining and invigorating role that deep passion and commitment can play in an entrepreneur’s life.

Importance of Spirit:

Son concludes by emphasizing the critical role of “spirits in your mind” for entrepreneurs. The phrase encapsulates the idea that mental and emotional engagement in your work can be a powerful force, both for accomplishing your goals and for personal well-being.

Evolution of Dreams:

Masayoshi Son shares that he had four dreams as a child: becoming a teacher, politician, artist, or entrepreneur. He eventually chose entrepreneurship but still harbors a passion for teaching, which he fulfills through Softbank Academia. This institution aims to train future entrepreneurs and potential successors for his company, thus merging his dreams and current profession.

The Teacher Within:

Son also mentions that he’s still in pursuit of his dream to become a teacher of some kind. He intends to teach entrepreneurial skills rather than traditional subjects like science or mathematics. This indicates that for Son, dreams can coexist with current roles and even complement them.

Post-Retirement Plans:

Son has planned out the next phase of his life post-retirement, revealing that he intends to take up painting between the ages of 61 and 69. Notably, the only ambition he has completely abandoned is that of becoming a politician, which offers an interesting glimpse into his value system and priorities.

Importance of Passion and One Life:

Son emphasizes the necessity of having passion and dreams in one’s life, stating that life only occurs once. He advocates for making the most of it by pursuing passions and interests relentlessly.

Family Spirit:

Son shares an anecdote about his 74-year-old father asking for a million dollars to start a company in India. Although he didn’t invest in his father’s venture, he expresses admiration for his father’s audacious spirit. Despite his father’s age and lack of experience in India, he was eager to try something completely new. This, according to Son, embodies the essential spirit of entrepreneurship.

Spirit Over Circumstances:

Son concludes by stressing the importance of maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit, regardless of age or circumstances. He admires his father’s daring spirit and reiterates that this kind of bold attitude is what truly defines an entrepreneur.