The Billion Dollar Secret Read online

  The Billion Dollar Secret

  20 Principles of Billionaire Wealth and Success

  First published in 2019 by

  Panoma Press Ltd

  48 St Vincent Drive, St Albans, Herts, AL1 5SJ UK

  [email protected]

  www.panomapress.com

  Cover design by Neil Coe

  Typeset by Westchester Publishing Services

  ISBN 978-1-784521-64-6

  eISBN 978-1-784524-09-8

  The rights of Rafael Badziag to be identified as the author of this work have been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

  A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

  All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any material form (including photocopying or storing in any medium by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other use of this publication) without the written permission of the copyright holder except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Applications for the copyright holder’s written permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be addressed to the publishers.

  This book is available online and in all good bookstores.

  Copyright © 2016 Rafael Badziag

  PRAISE FOR THIS BOOK

  This book can transform your financial life.

  —Brian Tracy, author of numerous bestsellers on success psychology, such as Million Dollar Habits, Eat That Frog!, and The Psychology of Achievement

  The Billion Dollar Secret is a thorough and insightful masterpiece that puts on full display the dedication, ingenuity, and grit that are woven into the souls of Rafael Badziag and the 20+ billionaires he interviewed. Its strength as a worthwhile read for any entrepreneur is the almost scientific nature of Badziag’s methods: meticulously researching data from a diverse set of individuals who have exponentially divergent backgrounds and paths and finding the common threads among each experience that can be attributed to shared traits of their financial and professional successes.

  This is not a piece written from the imagination and opinions of an armchair writer, but a labor of love written by a man who has literally traveled the world to learn from the best and share what he has learned with the people who have the same passion for success burning within.

  —Jannelle So, TV host/producer at TFC and Lifestyle Network

  I highly recommend this book. It is a very thoroughly researched book on successful philosophies of life.

  —Tony Tan Caktiong, Filipino billionaire, the World Entrepreneur of the Year 2004

  Thank you, Rafael! A “must-read book” because every decade a book comes along that opens doors otherwise closed to most of us that changes the way we think about growth, financial success, and business. Excellent research, thought-provoking, and inspiring.

  —Dr. Albert Allen, Lord of Crofton of Greater London, best-selling author, Emmy Award-winning film documentary co-producer, entrepreneur, commercial real estate investor, philanthropist

  This is an unusually thoughtful book on the topic of success. It is also a product of extraordinary effort on the part of Rafael Badziag meeting with and extracting valuable lessons from the world’s top entrepreneurs. I am confident that the lessons can improve the businesses and lives of many people around the world.

  —David Choi, PhD, professor of entrepreneurship and director of the Fred Kiesner Center for Entrepreneurship, Loyola Marymount University

  Since the current economy is under huge competition, I recommend all entrepreneurs to go and have a look at this sensational book.

  —Cho Tak Wong (Cao Dewang), Chinese billionaire, the World Entrepreneur of the Year 2009

  Rafael Badziag demonstrates that privilege, education, upbringing, and big inheritances are not the prerequisites to building wealth. The billionaires in this book made their own way through hard work, ingenuity, dedication, nonconformity, and unbridled passion for what they do. The book is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere.

  —Nikos Kalaitzidakis, general manager, Coca-Cola HBC Poland

  Finally, a book that unlocks the window to the highly guarded world of the most prolific, enigmatic, and mega-successful business icons across the globe. Rafael Badziag was able to masterfully weave the unique life stories of each of the featured rags-to-riches billionaires into a tapestry of traits and principles commonly shared by the ultra-successful. I also applaud the amount of in-depth research conducted to bring this book to life. A must-read for entrepreneurs, executives, and practically anyone who wants to learn from the best of the best and are tired of the usual run-of-the-mill motivational books flooding the market today. At last, a modern-day Napoleon Hill.

  —Melody Avecilla, entrepreneur, founder, Runway Heels

  I recommend this book because it contains all the essentials of how you can make your business a big success.

  —Vincent Lo, Hong Kong billionaire, founder and chairman of Shui On Group

  Badziag gives a narrative journey of the private lives of billionaires with candid insight into their trials and tribulations and ultimate path to success. He identifies society’s misconceptions of this very small percentage of the population and a deep insight into the distinct similarities amongst billionaires. Badziag’s book brings out the entrepreneurial spirit in us all and the realization that anything is possible with hard work, passion, and a little bit of luck along the way.

  —Tatania Minguet, senior manager, National Accounts, Mattel

  Rafael’s book gives a unique insight into the mindset of this rare breed of beings who have the power and financial resources to change our world—for better or for worse. Rafael’s personal relationships have given him unrivaled behind-closed-doors access to this exclusive (and often reclusive) club of the wealthiest 0.0001%. His interviews and anecdotes both dispel and sometimes confirm the myths that surround this Ultra High Net Worth Magic Circle. Definitely a fascinating and riveting read!

  —Adam Jenkins, entrepreneur and CEO of Pekao TFI, preeminent investment fund manager in Poland

  I highly recommend this book. It gives real-life stories of not only 1 but over 20 successful billionaire entrepreneurs. It’s not only a great pleasure to read this book, but I think it gives really exciting and valuable insights on how these entrepreneurs became so successful and how they built their fortune. And all of them did it from scratch. They did not inherit a family fortune. These are the stories of entrepreneurs who started with nothing and built a billion-dollar fortune. I think it’s really useful, interesting and enjoyable to read.

  —Lars Windhorst, German billionaire, founder of Sapinda Group

  Rafael Badziag knows what he wants, and he approaches his goals with focus. In the same way, he selectively and with determination interviews 20+ extremely successful people. It is great cinema: take a seat and marvel at how billionaires think and act. It is a great privilege for the reader to learn many aspects of these extraordinary entrepreneurs and human beings.

  —Wolfgang Allgäuer, entrepreneur, author, and coach, awarded the Entrepreneurial Oscar by the Austrian Secretary of Commerce

  This book has great insights and a unique perspective about the successful billionaires who have earned that revered title. Their battle scars and war wounds come from breaking barriers and disregarding norms, without compromising their values or quelling their inner rebels. It has many inspirational tales and uplifting stories that can inspire many an entrepreneur or a disruptor to reach for the stars, instead of just stardust—that is the difference between being a millionaire or a billionaire.

  —Sandy Bhargavi, CEO VR.org, entrepreneur

 
This book would have been the right book for me when I was young. It would have saved me reading more than 20 biographies that I bought and read at that time.

  —Lirio Albino Parisotto, Brazilian billionaire, founder and president of Videolar

  I will never forget the first time Rafael told me about his book project. Back then I simply thought this would be impossible—but I soon realized that if anyone could pull this off, Rafael could. The book is more than a portrait of brilliant minds. It provides unprecedented insights on how the world’s wealthiest people think. Instead of repeating the stories of celebrity billionaires, Rafael made the right choice to focus on “off-radar” personalities, billionaires with contrasting backgrounds and compelling stories you have never heard before. A must read!

  —Thomas Pamminger, serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and founder at Wollzelle and WeAreDevelopers

  [This book contains] guiding success principles wrapped in compelling real-life stories of living self-made billionaires. Rafael delivers access and insights you have not read before, without Western world boundaries. A practical, inspiring read that is well worth your time … if you could use a billion.

  —Paul Finck, State Farm executive

  Most successful people I know have an innate curiosity and desire to find out what paths others took that led to their success. This book answers that challenge for everyone as it spells out the characteristics and steps that enabled many successful entrepreneurs to reach their goals.

  A great road map that everyone can benefit from by learning from others.

  —Jack Cowin, Australian billionaire, founder, chairman, and managing director of Competitive Foods Australia

  Rafael Badziag’s The Billion Dollar Secret is both a motivational and informative read for any entrepreneur seeking to build a highly successful business enterprise. His research on the guiding principles and mindset of self-made billionaires provides insights and a useful framework for anyone determined to build wealth.

  —Richard Stafford, PhD, associate dean and director of Executive MBA program, Loyola Marymount University

  I got to know the author at a 100 km run through the Namib desert. He was well prepared, following the advice of an accomplished ultra runner. With this book, he follows the same strategy: modeling excellence.

  I believe that learning from the most successful people, like those interviewed for this book, will help me a great deal in my upcoming projects.

  —Martin Jansen, ultra runner, adventurer, and speaker

  I come from an era when everyone wanted to know how to be a millionaire. Rafael Badziag has compiled a new age book about what it is to be a billionaire in the world of digital and exponential growth. Over the decades I think the reader will find the foundations for being a leader are still the same, but with a twist. It is the twist that makes this book exceptional.

  —Chip Wilson, Canadian billionaire, founder of Lululemon Athletica

  I have always believed that if you dream big, you must go for it. This book proves that point. The billionaires in this book—who come from all around the world—are dreamers who think big but started small and never gave up. The 20 principles in The Billion Dollar Secret light up all of the possibilities and guide you toward a life of abundance.

  —Jacek Walkiewicz, psychologist, lecturer, top Polish TED speaker

  I first met Rafael at a personal development workshop. Among all of the speakers I heard, he was the only one who had extraordinary passion, credibility, and true commitment to his mission. He was so good I asked him to speak at one of my sports clubs. After that, he became one of my mentors. It is thanks to him that I started to believe I had to aim higher. I started my business following the rules I believe in, doing what I love, and doing it as good as I can. And it worked!

  —Miłosz Świć, owner and guide at the runners’ club Wild Boar Commando

  It was a unique and inspiring experience to take part in this global book project. I would like to thank the author of the book for giving me this opportunity to pass my message to the audience of ambitious people and share my real-life experience with them. It would be my pleasure if my words could inspire these people and help them to achieve their goals in life.

  I would also like to thank Rafael Badziag for conducting such an intriguing interview in a pleasurable, personal atmosphere. He took me for an enjoyable trip to the early days of my life during which I had the opportunity to touch my memories of how I built the success I have today. His questions let me think about every aspect of an entrepreneurial life. I had the chance to revisit the different stages of my career.

  I’ve always valued the real stories of successful people from their very own tone of voice. Therefore, I would really be interested in learning about the success stories, mindsets, and motivations of the chosen business people around the world.

  —Petter Stordalen, Norwegian billionaire and hotelier

  I met Rafael in January 2015, and from the very beginning, I was impressed by his enthusiasm. He has an extraordinary ability to evoke positive emotions and fascination. Whatever he does, he does on a BIG scale and always with a smile: desert ultra marathons, relentless travels, Internet businesses, and, above all, this project. The fruit of his labor is this exceptional book, which I am sure will change the lives of millions of people around the world in the coming decades.

  —Kamil Stasiak, ultra runner and entrepreneur

  Rafael is truly inspiring.

  —Y, magician, mentalist, and TV star, founder of Magic of Y

  I was dubious about agreeing to be interviewed for this new book. I was, however, pleasantly surprised at how well you had researched both myself and my company and came fully prepared. Today there is a distinct lack of professionalism throughout all walks of life and industry. It was refreshing that you restored my faith.

  I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you. I thought the questions you asked were relevant and sensible, and I look forward to not only reading what is said about me but also the many other successful people you hope to include in the book.

  —Peter Hargreaves, English billionaire, founder and chairman of Hargreaves Lansdown

  Rafael Badziag knows even more about how billionaires think than the billionaires themselves do. Unlike dime-a-dozen books that pitch overnight “get rich” schemes, Badziag’s work gives you a front-row seat inside the brains of many of the world’s wealthiest people and insights that can’t be found anywhere else. The Billion Dollar Secret is a road map to help entrepreneurs at any stage achieve even the most seemingly insurmountable financial goals.

  —Rick Frishman, publisher, publicist, speaker, and author of numerous bestsellers, including Guerrilla Publicity and Networking Magic

  For my family

  I love you all

  CONTENTS

  Foreword by Jack Canfield

  How It Came About and What to Expect

  1. It’s Inside You

  2. If You Want to Fly, First Leave the Nest

  3. Hungry Eagles Soar Highest

  4. Build Your B.O.A.T.

  5. The Gold Digger’s Trap

  6. The Six Skills of Business Mastery

  7. The Six Habits of Wealth

  8. Sharpen Your Vision

  9. Don’t Be the Flag, Be the Wind

  10. Be Bold or Be Broke

  11. Stumble Forward

  12. Keep Fighting to Win

  13. Do Not Conform

  14. Outwork Them All with Passion

  15. Are You F.A.S.T.?

  16. Be Smart with Money

  17. Never Stop Improving

  18. Live with Integrity

  19. Gratefully Give Back

  20. Pay the Price

  Epilogue

  Appendix: The Billionaires

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  FOREWORD

  When Rafael Badziag approached me five years ago with his idea to interview over 20 billionaires from all arou
nd the globe and get them to share the secrets of their success, I wasn’t at all convinced he could pull it off. Think about it. How do you convince over 20 billionaires to take serious time out of their incredibly busy schedules to work together on a book project? Millionaires, maybe. But billionaires who are running large multifaceted empires? I had been studying the principles and practices of successful people for more than 40 years, and I knew nobody had ever attempted that before.

  As I continued to meet and correspond with Rafael several times over that five-year period, to my surprise I discovered how doggedly he was committed to the project, and by applying the same principles and disciplines he was learning from the billionaires he was interviewing, he actually pulled it off. And he did it on a global scale. And he not only managed to get access to 21 billionaires, he convinced some of the very best billionaire entrepreneurs in the world to work with him.

  Since 2003, the most successful entrepreneurs from each country in the world have been coming together each year in Monaco to choose the World Entrepreneur of the Year, the person they believe to be the very best entrepreneur in the world that year. And since 2003, 8 of those 15 people named World Entrepreneur of the Year have been billionaires. And out of those 8, 5 chose to participate in this book and share their wisdom with Rafael and now you, the reader.

  There is no other book available anywhere in the world that contains this much entrepreneurial experience, insight, and wisdom in it. From his countless hours of interviews with these highly accomplished billionaires, Rafael has managed to identify 20 powerful principles that led to their success … and that are now available to you to help you achieve your entrepreneurial and financial dreams.

  You are now about to intimately get to know and learn from 21 no-nonsense business heroes who started with nothing and have gone on to build hugely successful companies, as well as contribute greatly to their local and global communities through their extensive philanthropic activities. They are now available as true role models for anyone with a compelling vision and who is willing to work hard and work smart to make that vision a reality.