The experience of life can show one’s “determination”. Complex challenges early in life helped the following people develop skills that got them to the top of their professions.
Sean Combs, CEO, Sean John
Combs began a generation of hip-hop talent and made a lasting influence on fashion. But his story could have turned out much differently: His drug dealer father was killed when he was 3. “It made me work even harder.” he recently said.
Howard Schultz, Executive Chairman, Starbucks Schultz grew up in public housing in Brooklyn, surrounded by poverty, and was the first in his family to go to college (on a football scholarship).After training in sales, he set up the company that would later buy Starbucks. In the course of the year I spent trying to raise money,Ispoketo242people,and217ofthemsaidno.’’hesaid.
Ursula Burns, Chairwoman, VEON; Former CEO, Xerox
Her family was so poor that her single mother traded office cleaning for health care. But Bums’ early gift for maths won her a scholarship and an internship at Xerox,where she would compete her way to the top. ‘‘ I’m a black lady from the Lower East Side,” she says, S6Not a lot scares me.”
Geisha Williams, CEO, PG&E
Her parents fled Cuba when Williams was 5. By 7, she was her parents, main translator in talks with lawyers and accountants at grocery stores they owned. The experience did help her. I went from thinking I could be a manager to thinking I could do something much bigger.55 she told Fortune.
21. How did the death of Combs5 father influence him?
A.It made him even stronger. | B.He became a drug dealer. |
C.It made him a failure. | D.He became a hip-hopper. |
22. Who did best in math at school?
A.Combs | B.Williams | C.Burns | D.Schultz |
23. What can we learn from the passage?
A.Cuba is a good place to do business. |
B.Difficulty in life pushed Williams forward. |
C.No one wanted to help Schultz at first. |
D.Poor family kids can be successful easily. |