Today, we have a very special guest, Steve Forbes, who is arguably the world's leading authority on billionaires. Each year, Forbes magazine publishes the Forbes 400, listing the 400 wealthiest people on the planet. Although I sometimes disagree with the list, Steve always provides fascinating insights into what it takes to become a billionaire. Our conversation covers various intriguing topics about wealth, success, and the unique traits that make these billionaires stand out. Let's jump into it.

In this episode, originally recorded on August 10th, 2018, James sits down with Steve Forbes, the chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, to explore the traits and strategies that define billionaires. Steve shares his wealth of knowledge from years of curating the Forbes 400 list, offering a rare glimpse into the minds and habits of the world's richest individuals. This conversation is not just about money; it’s about understanding the relentless drive, innovative thinking, and strategic decisions that set billionaires apart. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone fascinated by success stories, this episode offers unparalleled insights you won't find anywhere else. 

• The key habits and mindsets that distinguish billionaires from millionaires.
• How billionaires maintain agility and innovation even as their companies grow.
• The role of passion and obsession in achieving monumental success.
• Insights into the economic and technological trends shaping the billionaire landscape.
• Real-world examples of how billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffett manage their businesses.

• 01:30 - Introduction to Steve Forbes and the Forbes 400 list.
• 03:12 - Why billionaires fascinate the public and insights on the self-made nature of most billionaires.
• 05:00 - Discussion on Jeff Bezos hitting the $100 billion mark and the strategies of top billionaires.
• 08:46 - The actual number of billionaires and their strategies for staying under the radar.
• 13:10 - The differences in habits between millionaires and billionaires.
• 18:14 - The importance of passion and seeing opportunities where others don’t.
• 21:11 - The evolution of media and Forbes' approach to digital transformation.
• 25:15 - Inflation, deflation, and the economic impacts of technology and productivity.
• 29:26 - Potential billionaire candidates for the presidency and their political prospects.
• 32:11 - Billionaire Blitz! Quick thoughts on notable billionaires featured in James's book "Think Like a Billionaire."

• Forbes 400 List
• Think Like a Billionaire by James Altucher
• I Love Capitalism! by Ken Langone
• Forbes Magazine
• The Two Pizza Rule: How Amazon Delivers High-Impact Results

Tune in for an enlightening conversation that goes beyond the numbers to reveal the essence of what it means to think and act like a billionaire.

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