An 82-year-old billionaire CEO imparts his counsel to the younger generation: "Take action, don't delay with indecision."
Jack Cowin, a self-made billionaire at 82, has several insights to offer about life and business.
Cowin proudly declared to CNBC Make It that he is self-made and uses the term "self-made" to describe himself.
In 1969, he bought his first KFC store in Australia, which eventually grew into a 55-store franchise. He sold it for over $71 million in 2013.
Cowin is the founder and chairman of Competitive Foods Australia, which operates Burger King as "Hungry Jack's" in Australia, and is also the biggest shareholder of Domino's Pizza in Australia. Additionally, he supports a plant-based meat substitute company called v2food.
Cowin revealed to CNBC Make It that his business is valued at more than $3 billion and generates annual revenue of over $300 million.
Cowin played football in university and had a brief flirtation with playing professionally before starting his fast food empire. "Business is a team sport," he said.
To succeed in a career that is larger and more comprehensive, you must become a team player and interact with others, according to Cowin.
"Remember that you can't accomplish it alone," Cowin stated.
Success in business requires more than just meeting your own needs; it also involves meeting the needs of others, including employees, customers, investors, and business partners. Having a "people person" mindset, along with an innate curiosity and drive to learn, has been crucial to his achievements, he stated.
If you're feeling lost in life, Cowin advised, "Get active with something."
"People who experience setbacks or job loss often lose confidence and remain passive, but success requires active participation," he stated.
It's crucial not to dwell in self-pity after contemplation; instead, engage in activities and socialize with others, as advised. "Take action, don't overthink it," he suggested.
Cowin claims to have created approximately 150,000 jobs worldwide through his Domino's Pizza and Hungry Jack's businesses, which comprise 4,000 stores across 12 countries.
At 82, he declares that he has no intention of leaving the business.
"I've viewed my life as an adventure rather than a daily struggle," he stated. "My life has been an exciting journey of trying new things, starting new businesses, and experiencing new adventures, which has been enjoyable."
To earn extra money online, sign up for CNBC's course on passive income streams, which includes tips for getting started and real-life success stories.
Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.
Make It
You might also like
- One of the most Googled houses in the world, the Chicago-area house from 'Home Alone,' has just sold for $5.5 million.
- A psychologist claims that TikTok is causing harm to children on an industrial scale.
- I won't be consuming these 6 foods that can accelerate the aging process and shorten my lifespan, as advised by a plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience.
- In order to succeed in 2025, the best advice from a career coach is to be proactive.
- Fourteen colleges provide bachelor's degrees in AI, with only one Ivy League institution among them.