Lessons from Masayoshi Son

Masayoshi Son, the founder and CEO of SoftBank Group, is a towering figure in the world of technology and investment, known for his audacious bets and a long-term vision that has shaped industries. His career is a masterclass in entrepreneurial zeal, resilience in the face of massive losses, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of technology. [1][2]

On Vision and Ambition

Masayoshi Son's philosophy is anchored in thinking at a scale that few can imagine, driven by a desire to create a lasting legacy.

"Think big; think disruptive. Execute with full passion." [3][4] This is one of Son's most famous maxims, encapsulating his core approach to business.
"I don't want to become just another company. I want to become the only one." [5] This quote reflects his immense ambition and drive to create a unique and dominant enterprise.
"My style is to have a big vision, a big commitment." [4] He emphasizes that a grand vision must be backed by equally significant dedication.
"Companies must have much longer life cycles than people. I want to build a company that will continue to grow for at least 300 years." [4][6] This highlights his focus on creating an enduring institution rather than seeking short-term gains.
"I am the man who keeps his words." [4][7] A statement of his personal commitment and resolve.
"I think I'm better than others at sniffing out things that will bear fruit in 10 or 20 years while they're still at the seed stage, and I'm more willing to take the risks that entails." [8] This speaks to his long-term, forward-looking investment horizon.
"I always have a big idea. It pops up every two to three years." [4] An insight into his continuous process of ideation and strategic thinking.
"I’m a man, and I think every man wants to be No. 1." [8] A candid admission of his competitive drive.
"I want to be number one." [7] A simple and direct expression of his ultimate goal.
"Have passion, have a dream for your own life. Life is only one time." [4] Son encourages a life driven by personal dreams and passion.

On Investment Philosophy and Strategy

Son's investment strategy is characterized by bold, large-scale bets on technologies he believes will define the future.

"I have no intention of making small bets." [3][7] This quote underscores his strategy of deploying massive amounts of capital into companies he believes in.
"I don't care about the sort of things that will bring in chump change over the next two or three years." [8] His focus is squarely on transformative, long-term investments.
"Those who rule data will rule the entire world." [3][7] This belief is central to his investment thesis in the information age.
"I would say that hardware is the bone of the head, the skull. The semiconductor is the brain within the head. The software is the wisdom and data is the knowledge." [7][8] An analogy he uses to explain the interconnectedness and importance of different technology sectors.
"I look for Founders.” [9] Son has famously stated that his investment decisions are often based on the vision and character of the entrepreneur more than the business plan itself. [9]
"It's not something I can explain in words.” [4] Referring to his intuitive, gut-driven approach to making investment decisions. [9]
"You just need to come up with great ideas with passion, with a business plan and the money will chase you." [4] His advice to entrepreneurs on what it takes to attract investment.
"He has expressed that he would rather invest in a company with a 30% chance of success that could change the world than in one with a 99% chance but limited upside." [10][11] This highlights his high-risk, high-reward investment philosophy.
"Our proposal had more than just money." [8] SoftBank aims to provide its portfolio companies with a collaborative ecosystem and strategic support, not just capital. [11]
"Most of the time, when I make a big move, people say I am out of my mind." [4] He acknowledges that his visionary bets are often seen as crazy by conventional standards.

On Technology and the Future

Son is a firm believer in the information revolution and the impending arrival of artificial super intelligence.

"Mankind had the agricultural revolution, the industrial revolution, and now this third one, the information revolution." [3][7] This is how he contextualizes the current technological shift.
"I believe this artificial intelligence is going to be our partner. If we misuse it, it will be a risk. If we use it right, it can be our partner." [4] A balanced view on the potential of AI.
"My definition of ASI is 10,000 times super smarter than human brain... that's coming in 10 years from today." [12] A bold prediction on the arrival of Artificial Super Intelligence.
"When those super intelligence goes into robots, those robots with the super intelligence will change our lives." [3][7] His vision for the convergence of AI and robotics.
"Our aim is to develop affectionate robots that can make people smile." [3][7] A more humanistic goal for his technological endeavors.
"We believe the singularity is inevitable, and all businesses will be redefined as computers overtake humans in intelligence." [7] A core belief driving the SoftBank Vision Fund's strategy.
"Uber is redefining the transportation industry now; Airbnb is doing it to the hotel industry. You can expect that to happen in every single industry." [3] His observation on the disruptive power of technology-driven business models.
"The autonomous car is definitely coming, and when that stage comes, this ride-share business becomes even more important." [7] An example of his ability to see and invest in future trends.
"I am obsessed by realizing artificial super intelligence." [12] A recent declaration of his primary focus.
"Whatever the country, whatever the culture, whatever the time, when you become a big enough organization, you start to collapse and slow down." [8] A warning about the inertia that can afflict large companies, which he aims to counteract through a network of dynamic startups.

On Failure, Resilience, and Learning

Having lost a historic amount of wealth during the dot-com bubble, Son's perspective on failure is deeply personal and instructive. [13]

"Don't be afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes are proof that you are trying." [5] He views mistakes as an inevitable and valuable part of the journey toward success.
"The year 2000, I was the richest for three days. So I know up and down." [4] A humble acknowledgment of the volatility he has experienced.
"I almost went bankrupt twice... I actually lost 99% of our company's value but somehow I came back." [12] This demonstrates his remarkable resilience.
"We paid too much valuation for WeWork, and we did too much believe in the entrepreneur. But I think even with WeWork, we're now confident that we put in new management, a new plan, and we're going to turn it around and make a decent return." [14] A candid admission of a high-profile failure and his plan to rectify it.
"When you hit an obstacle, do not mourn it. Because it provides growth opportunities." [4] A lesson on reframing challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.
"My belief is that we should never become overconfident." [3][4] A crucial lesson learned from past experiences.
"Every single strategy we try, that actually works, will become obsolete someday. The speed at which it becomes obsolete is becoming faster every day." [5] This quote highlights the need for continuous innovation and adaptation.
"While recognizing your own weaknesses, make the most of your strengths. I think this is the secret of success." [4] A practical piece of advice on personal and professional strategy.
"There are luck and bad luck in life. Do not rely on luck." [4] While acknowledging the role of fortune, he emphasizes proactive effort.
"I learned more and more by my mistake." [12] A simple statement on the educational value of his failures.

On Leadership and Life

Son's leadership style and life philosophy are intertwined with his entrepreneurial spirit.

"Don't wait for opportunity. Create it." [5] This quote embodies his proactive and entrepreneurial mindset.
"Be passionate. Be bold. Take risks. Fail fast." [5] A four-part mantra for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs.
"As long as you continue to challenge, there is no limit." [4] A belief in the power of perseverance.
"My passion never fades out." [4] His enduring enthusiasm is a key driver of his success.
"Wisdom and knowledge are the most valuable things in the body." [4][7] An emphasis on the importance of intellectual capital.
"People can enjoy life when they continue to challenge their dreams." [4] His philosophy on a fulfilling life.
"It's a long journey. There will be good times, and there will be bad times, but SoftBank is always there." [4][7] A statement of reassurance and long-term commitment to his partners and investments.
"I know I should not be a hindrance to SoftBank's future growth and that I need to pass on the baton to the younger generation." [7] A forward-looking statement on succession and the future of his company.
"I think I became an entrepreneur because I have my way of doing business... to do that, you have to have your own company." [7] His reasoning for forging his own path.
"Embrace Your Heritage." [15] Despite facing societal pressures as a person of Korean descent in Japan, Son chose to honor his roots, serving as a role model. [1][15]

Learn more:

Lessons from Masayoshi Son

On Vision and Ambition

On Investment Philosophy and Strategy

On Technology and the Future

On Failure, Resilience, and Learning

On Leadership and Life

Written by Antoine Buteau

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