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Les Wexner Quotes

Powerful Les Wexner for Daily Growth

About Les Wexner

Leslie Wexner, born on January 22, 1946, in Dayton, Ohio, is an American business magnate renowned for his significant contributions to the fashion industry. Known primarily as the founder of Limited Brands, later rebranded as L Brands, Wexner's influence extends beyond the retail sector into philanthropy and the arts. Born into a working-class Jewish family, Wexner showed an early interest in business, selling newspapers and later shoes from his bicycle during high school. He attended Ohio State University but dropped out to focus on building a career. In 1963, at just 18 years old, he opened a store called 'The Limited Shoe Store', marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. In 1969, Wexner expanded his business model to include women's clothing and renamed it The Limited. The success of this venture led to further expansions, including the introduction of Victoria's Secret in 1982, Bath & Body Works in 1990, and Henri Bendel in 1997. Today, L Brands operates a diverse portfolio of brands worldwide. Wexner's leadership style is marked by a focus on customer satisfaction and employee development. He emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where employees feel valued and empowered. Beyond business, Wexner has made significant philanthropic contributions, particularly to higher education institutions and medical research organizations. He is a prominent figure in the Jewish community, supporting numerous charitable causes. His love for art is evident through his support of various museums and cultural institutions. Les Wexner's life story reflects a journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary success, driven by an unwavering commitment to quality, customer service, and personal growth. Quotes attributed to Wexner often reflect these values, such as, "Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"In life, you get what you tolerate."

This quote by Les Wexner emphasizes that people tend to accept circumstances or behaviors in their lives without challenge. The implicit message is that one's experiences, good or bad, are a reflection of what they allow in their life. If someone does not take action to change an unfavorable situation, they effectively "tolerate" it and thus receive more of the same. To improve our lives, we must identify what we tolerate and strive for positive change where necessary.

"Success is not about being number one; it's about always getting better than the day before."

This quote emphasizes that success should be measured through personal growth rather than comparison with others. It suggests that continuous improvement over time, rather than beating competitors, is a key component of true success. In other words, focus on self-development, strive for progress each day, and the number one position will naturally follow as a byproduct of this mindset.

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today."

This quote by Les Wexner emphasizes the importance of taking action, particularly regarding long-term initiatives, without delay. The "tree" symbolizes growth, development, or opportunities that take time to mature. The first part implies regret for not having started something beneficial earlier, while the second part encourages starting today – it's never too late to make a positive impact. In essence, this quote serves as a reminder to prioritize and invest in worthwhile endeavors promptly but also highlights that it is better late than never.

"When I think of greatness, I think of service to others."

Les Wexner's quote emphasizes that greatness is not achieved through self-interest or personal gain alone; rather, it is defined by serving others. By focusing on helping and uplifting others, individuals can reach their full potential and attain a level of success that has positive, far-reaching impact. This perspective encourages altruism, empathy, and compassion in leadership, ultimately creating a more equitable and interconnected world.

"To be successful, you have to find something to love and be passionate about and keep tremendously interested in that."

Les Wexner's quote emphasizes that true success in life comes from finding a purpose or passion that you deeply love and are passionate about. Rather than pursuing success for its own sake, he encourages one to focus on an area of interest that keeps you engaged and motivated. By maintaining a high level of enthusiasm and curiosity, you are more likely to achieve sustainable success and fulfillment in your chosen endeavor.

As an entrepreneur, you work out solutions.

- Les Wexner

Work, Solutions, Work Out, Entrepreneur

A woman at the Limited once asked me, 'Why do you work?' She said, 'You made a lot of money as a young man, so why are you still working?' I had never thought about it before. Forced to consider it, I told her, 'You know why? Because I think that if you stop to smell the roses, you'll get hit by a truck.'

- Les Wexner

Woman, Thought, I Think, Roses

I don't think most analysts understand that whether I work a 70-hour week or an 80-hour week, I take my head with me when I go home.

- Les Wexner

Think, Week, Go Home, Analyst

Entrepreneurs, guys that start businesses, grow with them. It's more painful than it would appear.

- Les Wexner

Grow, Appear, Would, Painful

In the '70s and '80s, the mentality of America was that everything was disposable. The notion of quality wasn't important.

- Les Wexner

Important, Mentality, Notion, Disposable

Sometimes I wish I lived more in the day, but I'm happier thinking about tomorrow or the day after. The way I see it, there's always a new or next thing.

- Les Wexner

New, Next, Always, Happier

Growing up, I knew you were supposed to have a profession - and something better than being a shopkeeper, which is what my parents were.

- Les Wexner

Knew, Being, Which, Profession

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