In a brief video presentation for the World Economic Forum, Wharton Business School’s organizational psychologist Adam Grant said, “It’s character, not just talent, that determines success.” He was echoing the Greek philosopher Heraclitus (500 BC) who said that “Character is destiny.” In other words, one’s future is not preordained but is determined by one’s character. However, circumstances play a big role in forming one’s character as we see in the life stories of Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Gautam Adani, and many other rag-to-riches tales of modern times. Character plays a significant role in determining success, alongside talent, emotional intelligence, and strong leadership skills.

Traits like perseverance, resilience, work ethic, and selfdiscipline drive individuals to push through challenges, learn from mistakes, and constantly improve. These qualities are crucial for long-term success, regardless of natural talent. Character fosters positive behaviours. Honesty, integrity, empathy, and teamwork allow individuals to build trust and collaborate effectively with others. Strong relationships lead to better communication, support networks, and opportunities for collaboration, which are essential for success in many fields. Character builds strong relationships. Ethical values, responsibility, and self-awareness help individuals make sound decisions, even in difficult situations. Poor character choices, fuelled by greed, impulsiveness, or a lack of empathy, can often derail even the most talented individuals.

Character shapes decision-making. Grit, flexibility, and a willingness to learn are crucial for navigating the ever-changing world. Strong character helps individuals adapt to new situations, acquire new skills, and bounce back from setbacks. Character promotes adaptability. Individuals with strong character often serve as role models, inspiring and motivating others. This can create a ripple effect, leading to a more positive and productive environment, which can benefit everyone involved.

Character inspires others. Of course, talent plays a big role in being successful in any field. Natural ability and aptitude can provide a head start in many fields. However, without the right character traits, it can be difficult to sustain success, overcome obstacles, or leverage talent effectively. Ultimately, success is rarely a single factor. It is a complex interplay of talent, character, opportunity, and circumstance. However, strong character provides a solid foundation that can help individuals maximize their potential and navigate the challenges and opportunities they encounter along their journey.

Character opens doors to future opportunities. Let’s consider the case of Oprah Winfrey. Born into poverty and facing significant personal challenges, Oprah’s resilience, work ethic, and unwavering determination propelled her from a young age to become a media mogul and philanthropist. While talent for communication certainly played a role, her strong character traits were crucial in overcoming obstacles and building a lasting legacy. Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are interesting cases to consider in the context of character and success. Both men have achieved immense success, but their paths and the role of character are complex and have been the subject of much debate. Musk is known for his visionary thinking, risk-taking, and relentless work ethic.

He has a clear vision for the future and pushes boundaries in fields like electric vehicles and space exploration. His drive and determination are undeniable. Critics point to his impulsive behaviour, tendency to make controversial statements, and demanding leadership style. These aspects can create conflict and instability and raise questions about his judgment. Bezos is known for his customer focus, long-term vision, and focus on innovation. He built Amazon into a powerhouse by focusing on customer satisfaction and constantly reinvesting in the company’s future.

His strategic thinking and ability to execute are impressive. Some criticize his aggressive business practices, treatment of employees, and vulgar display of wealth. These aspects raise concerns about his ethics and societal impact. Both Musk and Bezos have complex personalities and their success likely stems from a combination of factors, including talent, opportunity, and character. Regarding the Apple visionary founder Steve Jobs, the role of character in this case is certainly intriguing. Like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, his achievements were undeniable, but his character traits were complex and sparked numerous interpretations. Jobs possessed a unique ability to envision and define groundbreaking products that resonated with consumers.

This forward-thinking perspective was instrumental in driving Apple’s innovation and success. Jobs was known for his intense passion for design, functionality, and user experience. This relentless pursuit of perfection fuelled his work ethic and motivated those around him. Jobs understood the power of storytelling and branding, crafting a distinct image for Apple that transcended mere technology, creating a devoted following. Jobs’ desire for control often led to micromanagement and demanding behaviour towards employees. This created a challenging work environment for some and raised questions about leadership style. Jobs was known for his ability to bend reality, exaggerating timelines, and capabilities to motivate others.

His abrasive and occasionally arrogant public persona alienated some critics and fostered perceptions of him as difficult and self-centred. The demanding leadership style, control issues, and reality distortion sometime created a toxic work environment and impacted relationships. Additionally, ethical concerns arose surrounding certain business practices. He remains a complex figure whose legacy continues to be debated. But the ultimate question is: Could these remarkable individuals of great natural talents, cultivated skills, and superb character, have been as successful anywhere else as they have been in an open free market dynamic society as the United States? Of course! Gautam Adani, a business tycoon, the founder of the Adani Group, a vast Indian conglomerate spanning ports, infrastructure, and renewable energy including solar and hydrogen, is an example of how character shapes one’s destiny. His rags-to-riches story from diamond sorter to one of Asia’s richest persons resonates with aspirational India. In January 2023, short-seller Hindenburg released a report accusing the Adani Group of stock manipulation and accounting fraud for decades, which sent Adani stocks tumbling, significantly impacting his net worth and ranking.

But a year after the setback, the Adani Group is back at the top making its founder the 12th richest person in the world, a member of the $100 billion club. Adani like Musk, Bezos, and Jobs is a complex figure, admired for his business acumen but also facing significant controversies. It is important to note that while talent can be a contributing factor, the presence of strong character traits like perseverance, integrity, and resilience are common threads in individuals who achieve lasting success and create positive impact.

(The writer is the author of India In A New Key: Nehru to Modi. He is affiliated with the Graduate College at Norwich University, US)