The Forbes Under 30 Summit happened last week, bringing together over 2000 of the world's top young entrepreneurs, and making it clear that the idea of being a boss has changed considerably since the days of the middle aged boys club on the golf course. Here we look at some of the featured women and men who have reached the top in their fields, and how they got there. And keep your eyes peeled for the faces featured in our own 30 under 30 list.
Words: Radhika Seth
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Emily Weiss, 29
Founder, Glossier
‘For all the books I read, at some point you also just really have to trust your gut and just do it. You learn by doing.’
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Alex Klein, 24
Co-founder, Kano
‘You don't have to be an expert to do something cool. You don't have to have letters after your name or lines under it on the resume to go out there and explore the world and start reshaping it.’
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Michelle Phan, 27
Founder, ipsy
‘Luck is opportunity meets preparation.’
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Ryan Israel, 29
Partner, Pershing Square Capital Management
‘My dad always told me since I was young kid, 'The harder you work, the luckier you get.' I've tried my hardest to say yes to opportunities and then work as hard as I can.’
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Julie Johnston, 23 (Speaker)
USA National Women's Soccer Team
'It won't be easy. But if you love the game, it will be fun and it will be worth it in the end.'
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Brennan Potts, 29
Co-founder, Titanium Exploration Partners
'I really believe it’s about being in the right place at the right time and recognising the opportunity.'
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Blake Lively, 27
Actor, and Founder, Preserve
‘It’s less about others’ perception and more about my own. You can’t be an entrepreneur for other people. You can’t start a company for other people. You have to love it.’
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Jason Wang, 28
Founder, Caviar
‘Anyone can start a company but perseverance is what will keep you in the game. So when you feel like quitting, just stay on. That's the only way to succeed.’
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Tavi Gevinson, 19 (Alumni Speaker)
Actress, Writer, and Founder, Rookie
'When it comes to creating art, remove responsibility in a way so that you can fail and be fine. Chill out and be nice to yourself.'
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Jeffrey Rosen, 28
Co-founder, Humble Bundle
‘Make sure that what you're doing is notable. A lot of people get attracted to interesting technology and crazy algorithms and spend years building something that nobody actually wants to use.’
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Danielle Weisberg, 28 and Carly Zakin, 28
Co-founders, theSkimm
'The scariest day we've had was quitting our jobs to start this. The second scariest day was convincing other people to quit their jobs and go on this journey with us.' - Danielle Weisberg
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Nat Turner, 28
Co-founder, Flatiron Health
‘Forget the Goldman job. It's always going to be there. But if want to be an entrepreneur, just get started. Find a cofounder, buddy up with engineers, and take off your jacket.’
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Alex Morgan, 26
USA National Women's Soccer Player
‘I was 7 or 8 years old and I remember telling my mom that when I grow up I want to become a professional soccer player. That was my dream and I stuck to it.’
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James Harden, 25
Basketball player, Houston Rockets
‘If you have a dream, chase it no matter what it takes. No matter what the haters say or when people doubt you, focus on what you want to do and go out there and achieve it.’
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Tyler Hubbard, 27 Brian Kelley, 29
Musicians, Florida Georgia Line
'You've always got to evolve, otherwise you're going bacwards' - Brian Kelley.
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Jan Rezab, 27
Co-founder, Social Bakers
‘I quit high school. I never went to university. I started a business, which didn't succeed, but it was a great learning experience that no educational institution could pay for.’
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Alan Schaaf, 27
Founder, Imgur
‘The best advice I’ve received is trust your gut.’
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Austin McChord, 29
Founder, Datto
‘Turning down $100 million was a big turning point because it sets you free. You really know that I'm doing this not for the money but because it's something that I truly love.’
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FKA Twigs, 27
Musician
‘Sometimes you're going to have to work ten times harder than somebody else to get the same appreciation, but never use it as an excuse.’
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Amy Odell, 29
Editor, Cosmopolitan.com
‘I feel like it’s important for women to stand up for themselves and always demand the very best.’