Sanford I. Weill quotes

Sanford I. Weill, a renowned American financier and philanthropist, is a prominent figure in the world of finance. With a career spanning over five decades, Weill co-founded the financial services behemoth, Citigroup, and played a pivotal role in shaping the modern landscape of banking. Weill's visionary leadership transformed Citigroup into a global powerhouse, expanding its presence across diverse financial sectors. Under his stewardship, Citigroup emerged as a pioneering force in investment banking, insurance, and consumer lending. Beyond his formidable achievements in finance, Weill is equally recognized for his philanthropic endeavors. He has been actively involved in various educational and healthcare initiatives, making significant contributions to renowned organizations like Weill Cornell Medicine and Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall. Sanford I. Weill's indomitable spirit continues to inspire budding entrepreneurs and finance enthusiasts worldwide. His strategic foresight, relentless determination, and commitment to philanthropy remain emblematic of his enduring legacy. Whether it is his groundbreaking financial ventures or his unwavering dedication to improving society, Weill's influence is an integral part of the modern financial landscape.

And it was where I learned how to play tennis and eventually became captain of the tennis team at the school and was on the Junior Davis Cup in New York City.

- Sanford I. Weill

I wonder how many people would have thought at the end of World War II that the capitalist system would be one that was meeting the challenges and making things better for people as we approach the 21st century.

- Sanford I. Weill

I believe in giving back very strongly.

- Sanford I. Weill

From the business point of view, always encouraging the people in our company to own stock in the company, and if we're going to build something great, to have a lot of people share in the benefits of that greatness.

- Sanford I. Weill

You never want to think the best things are in the past. You want to get yourself to believe that the best things are going to be in the future.

- Sanford I. Weill

My mother really didn't know a heck of a lot about business. She was a very good mother, that made sure we ate right and we had our cod liver oil, but didn't know a heck of a lot about what I did.

- Sanford I. Weill

Learn how to be a loser, because it's important to be a loser to be a winner.

- Sanford I. Weill

I'm not as involved in every little thing as I used to be.

- Sanford I. Weill

I would say that my parents were supportive of me.

- Sanford I. Weill

I read a lot, but I read about the areas that I'm interested in.

- Sanford I. Weill

I think life is sort of like a competition, whether it's in sports, or it's achieving in school, or it's achieving good relationships with people. And competition is a little bit of what it's all about.

- Sanford I. Weill

Our company is working with Disney to create a game for children between the ages of maybe four and 12, so we can teach them what the capitalist system is all about.

- Sanford I. Weill

Details create the big picture.

- Sanford I. Weill

If a person is not willing to make a mistake, you're never going to do anything right.

- Sanford I. Weill

I've had a terrific life, from building one company to be the second largest company in the securities industry and merging that into American Express, and becoming president of that company.

- Sanford I. Weill

I think the American Dream says that anything can happen if you work hard enough at it and are persistent, and have some ability. The sky is the limit to what you can build, and what can happen to you and your family.

- Sanford I. Weill

So it's the kind of business where you can't wait to get up in the morning and read the papers, or listen to what's on the news, and you know, how the world's going to change.

- Sanford I. Weill

If we build something great, like we have at Travelers Group so far, a whole host of people benefit.

- Sanford I. Weill

And when we used to play and fight in the streets in Brooklyn and I would get hurt or something, my mother would always come out and save me. So that sort of postponed the inevitable about getting a good beating, without having somebody to come and save you.

- Sanford I. Weill

My parents moved back to New York from Florida when I was in the ninth grade.

- Sanford I. Weill

I've been involved with Carnegie Hall for the last 13 years, and Chairman for the last six. I feel really good about what we've done growing our educational programs there, building a board that has made Carnegie Hall really a world-class institution.

- Sanford I. Weill

The whole financial industry is consolidating in the United States.

- Sanford I. Weill

What turned me on then, and turns me on even today - and when the time comes from me to retire from management I think I'd still be interested in it - is that everything that happens in the world affects the price of securities.

- Sanford I. Weill

One of the people that I respect the most now, a person I think has done a heck of a lot for this world as a leader, is Margaret Thatcher. She helped create a world that offers us a lot of excitement as we look to the next century.

- Sanford I. Weill

I think we are a product of all our experiences.

- Sanford I. Weill

The more we can do to create a better society, that benefits more people, the better chance we have that our society will continue to grow and prosper.

- Sanford I. Weill

A lot of people at Shearson ended up making a lot of money because they had stock or stock options. Their kids were able to go to college, and it changed a lot of people's lives.

- Sanford I. Weill

And learn that when you do make a mistake, you'll surface that mistake so you can get it corrected, rather than trying to hide it and bury it, and it becomes a much bigger mistake, and maybe a fatal mistake.

- Sanford I. Weill