Бизнес-гении. Увлекательные истории для изучения английского языка — страница 22 из 24

This proverb means that success doesn’t happen overnight. The path to success is often paved with obstacles, setbacks, disappointments, and vain efforts. The proverb teaches us that everything can change in an instant. One wrong decision or move can end up in failure. It’s not a secret that it takes a long time to build a great business. But the truth is, a person can lose everything in one second. What I mean is that the road to success is always longer than the road to failure.

Walt Disney

Exercise 1.

1) Walt Disney was an American business tycoon, animator, and film producer.

2) Well, the first thing I think of is probably Disneyland in Paris. Honestly, it was an exciting experience in my life.

3) He had a strained relationship with his father, who was a harsh man with his own parenting style. For example, he encouraged his kids to work at an early age and kept all of the money Walt earned.

4) He was hardworking, persistent, goal-oriented, and imaginative. In my opinion, he was a visionary leader.

5) His brother Roy was his best friend. Later, Ub Iwerks became his life-long friend.

6) He was fired from the newspaper because his editor felt he lacked imagination and had no good ideas.

7) Walt turned all his failures into opportunities. He learned from his own mistakes, drew conclusions, and moved on.

8) Though the shorts were popular with audiences, they didn’t provide enough income as the costs exceeded the returns.

9) On October 16, 1923, Walt and his brother ffounded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio (later known as the Walt Disney Company).

Exercise 2.

there’s no problem that can’t be solved; it is always possible to find a solution; this circumstance played a significant role in shaping his future; everything turned out the way that it was supposed to; an imaginative boy; he was rejected for being underage; he thought of his numerous failures as stepping stones to success and personal growth

Exercise 3.

дела компании шли неважно; его бизнес был обречен на провал; взлеты и падения; затраты превышали прибыль; компания обанкротилась; начинать с нуля; событие, изменившее жизнь; едва сводить концы с концами; удача наконец улыбнулась ему; пример упорства и непоколебимости; вы глубоко ошибаетесь

Creative task No. 3

What makes entrepreneurs successful? Here are some of the qualities of a successful businessman: 1) persistence, perseverance, and commitment; 2) self-discipline; 3) risk-taking skills; 4) self-confidence and optimism; 5) responsibility and initiative and thinking outside the box; 6) excellent communication skills, etc.

In my opinion, successful entrepreneurs never give up, but see any failure as a stepping stone to greatness. They are mostly persistent, self-disciplined, and optimistic. Besides, both creativity and critical thinking skills are essential for success in any profession.

Elon Musk

Exercise 1.

1) Elon Musk is a world-renowned entrepreneur, investor, and innovator who has achieved tremendous success throughout his career. The iconic businessman is the mastermind behind Tesla Motors, PayPal, and SpaceX.

2) He is famous for monumental advancements in futuristic technology such as renewable energy and space travel.

3) His father, Errol, is an engineer, and his mother, May Musk, is a Canadian-born famous model and a nutritionist.

4) Well, that’s a pretty controversial question. Elon denies the rumors about the fabulous income of his family. According to him, he didn’t come from a highly affluent family, and his father’s emerald business collapsed. Elon worked his way through college, ending up in a huge student debt. He insists that his father didn’t provide him any financial support after high school.

5) Elon had a tough childhood. His parents divorced when he was still a kid. The boy had a strained relationship with his harsh father, who was abusive and manipulative. Elon spent most of his time reading to distract himself and minimize communication with his father.

6) Elon didn’t get along with his peers either. He felt like an outsider and was often bullied.

7) Elon insists that his father is good at making life miserable and calls him a terrible human being.

8) Elon was 12 years old. He sold a space-themed game for 500 dollars. By the way, it was his creation!

9) Elon Musk earned his bachelor’s degrees in physics and economics at the University of Pennsylvania. Then, he decided to pursue a Ph.D. in energy physics at Stanford University, but he left the program after just two days to focus on business.

10) Some of Elon Musk’s most notable businesses include SpaceX, Tesla Inc., Neuralink, TBC, and others.

Exercise 2.

there’s always been much speculation around his family income; he had a strained relationship with his father; things sometimes go south; she was a single mother raising her children and working five jobs; his father sent him to a survival camp; he had a photographic memory; he felt like an outsider; he had to share a room with his five roommates in a hostel

Exercise 3.

его отец мастерски умеет превращать жизнь в кошмар; новатор, который за свою карьеру добился головокружительных успехов; он опровергает слухи о баснословных доходах своей семьи; у него было тяжелое детство; ее зарплаты едва хватало, чтобы свести концы с концами; у него не складывались отношения со сверстниками; чтобы как-то отвлечь себя и минимизировать общение с отцом, он проводил за чтением большую часть времени

Creative task No. 4

This proverb means that people are eager to join successful ventures and avoid failures. Everyone wants to win, and no one wants to lose. What I am trying to say is that if something goes well, many people want to say they contributed to the effort and want to be a part of success. However, when things go south, they distance themselves from the problems and behave as if it has nothing to do with them.

Jeff Bezos

Exercise 1.

1) Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon and one of the richest people in the world.

2) First, Bezos’ stepfather was instrumental in helping him grow as a person. He instilled in Jeff the value of hard work, persistence, and resilience. Second, Bezos’ maternal grandfather was almost his third parent, and he learnt a lot from him. His grandfather’s self-reliance made a lasting impression on young Bezos.

3) Jeff showed an early interest in technology and entrepreneurship. Bezos was all about science and technology, but he also loved literature and was an avid reader.

4) He started his first business, the Dream Institute, when he was still a teenager. It was an educational summer camp for kids.

5) After high school, he began his undergraduate education at Princeton University, where he studied computer science and electrical engineering. Interestingly, Bezos graduated from the university with honors.

6) Jeff Bezos started his career on Wall Street, working at various reputed companies, such as the multinational investment company D. E. Shaw & Co.

7) He quit his job to open an online bookstore in his garage. The company would eventually become the greatest e-commerce empire known as Amazon.

8) Jeff’s parents, Jackie and Mike, lent him about 245 thousand dollars.

9) The name was chosen after the Amazon River, the biggest river on the planet.

10) This is a customer-focused company with a wide choice of goods, low prices, and convenient delivery options.

Exercise 2.

success comes to those who aren’t afraid of taking risks; their love was short-lived; his mother was still under 18 when she gave birth to Jeff; he raised him as his own son; he knew how to succeed in life, not by hearsay but by experience; if there’s a problem, there’s a solution; he showed an early interest in technology and entrepreneurship; he was known for his ability to think outside the box and exceptional problem-solving skills

Exercise 3.

именно он привил Джеффу такие ценности, как трудолюбие, настойчивость и выносливость; он умело решал проблемы; он был заядлым читателем; он всегда работал, чтобы изменить мир к лучшему; он окончил Принстонский университет с отличием; принял судьбоносное решение; он горел своей новой идеей; как вы лодку назовете, так она и поплывет

Creative task No. 5

This proverb is a reminder of the importance of financial responsibility and self-control. It discourages reckless spending and going into debt, warning people not to spend money they don’t have. It teaches us self-discipline and financial planning. The message is clear: earn, save, and avoid unnecessary financial stress. Today, many people are accustomed to living on credit. They often get into debt by buying things they can’t afford in order to keep up with the latest trends. They live beyond their means and struggle financially to make ends meet.

There is a proverb with a similar meaning in the Russian language: «Цыплят по осени считают». (Literal translation: “chickens are counted in autumn.”)

Henry Ford

Exercise 1.

1) Henry Ford was the founder of Ford Motors Company and the greatest businessman of all times.

2) His father hoped that Henry would follow in his footsteps and take over the family farm business. However, the boy wasn’t interested in farming and had different plans for his life.

3) Henry was very attached to his mother.