Business

Joseph Wilson: Xerox’s true grit

December 12, 2008

Joseph C. Wilson, the man behind the first Xerox copier, created an industry from scratch because he was willing to ignore market studies and act on faith. He could imagine people wanting “complicated”—though they said they wanted “simple.” He also possessed these five “quiet leadership” traits that led to his ground-breaking success …

Tips from the father of ‘spin’

October 1, 2007
Edward Bernays, father of public relations, swung his trade from propaganda to publicity in the early 20th century. It didn’t matter what he hawked.

Bill Marriott: folksy and fair

September 1, 2007
Like many leaders, Bill Marriott, the 78-year-old chairman and chief executive of Marriott International, finds it difficult to find time for rest and relaxation. His vacations don’t last more than a week, and then he’s off to check on his hotels. He visits about 300 a year. Besides being restless and exacting, Marriott also possesses these other marks of a leader …