Analysis of Contemporary American Icons

The three icons that I chose to represent in this segment are Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs. Oprah is undoubtedly most well known for her warm personality but probably more important is her ability to continually command attention. The next icon on my list is Bill Gates. Bill Gates is probably one of the most well admired entrepreneurs in the world. Finally, Steve Jobs is on the list due to his artful ability to innovate and remain competitive, as well as, relevant in the electronics world. Each of these figures are entrepreneurs in every sense of the world, but in my mind they are also American Icons due to their ability to rise above the tremendous challenges that each have faced throughout their careers.

Despite being wealthy beyond most people’s imaginations, these three people have not only shaped what it has meant to persevere through challenge, but also be extraordinarily innovative in their respective careers at the same time. Many people may not think of them as being a great leader but more so of remarkable character. Each of them commands the respect and admiration of many people throughout the world who continue to follow and seek their vision and hope for the future. Huge responsibilities are their appetizers as they continually look to feast on the opportunities of tomorrow.

I chose these three individuals as my focus, not since they are wealthy or great business minds, but because each of them embodies the philanthropic qualities necessary to be deemed truly successful. These three individuals are of particular interest to me since they are such esteemed givers. In a poll given by the Reputation Institute (2008), they were each listed in the Top 5 most admired CEOs due to their charitable giving, business success and the sense that they are truly authentic, trustworthy and sincere. It is only the right of the truly successful to claim the title of philanthropist after they give of themselves in a sincere act without the promise of material reward.
The old motto goes “Doing well by doing good”, but my thoughts are that this is a little off base. In my mind, “doing good” arises out of “doing well”. Social responsibility is an important quality and one to be admired. It is that same responsibility that makes America great in the eyes of people around the world. We would all be well served to strive to give away a million dollars instead of striving to make a million dollars. No one asks how much you have when they ask for a donation, only how much you can give. If someone can afford to give great amounts of money to charity, their wealth is counted in dollars but measured in goodwill. Philanthropic acts are a result of acquired wealth and could be stated that with great wealth comes great responsibility.

Medland, M. (2008). Philanthropic Roles Help Elevate Corporate CEO’s on Most-Admired List. The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Retrieved July 9, 2009, from http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/6067/philanthropic-roles-help-elevate-corporate-ceos-on-most-admired-list

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