[Music] I want to ask you a question. Think of your personal giving. Be a person that you that we look up to that we aspire to and learn more.All right, you guys got hold on. Perfect. Now imagine two worlds.One where our heroes are born, not many. And the second world where our heroes are made and not born. Now, which world would you rather.Growing up in the mid20s, I chose to believe the second world. The one where success comes from merit. I was obsessed by Iron Man.Unlike other superheroes blessed by fat ...

Societal Values and Meritocracy - Singaporean society emphasizes speed, efficiency, and results, leading to a culture where falling behind equates to becoming irrelevant [2] - The pursuit of external validation and recognition is deeply ingrained, with self-worth often tied to achievements and results praised in a meritocratic system [9][11] - The meritocratic system rewards "seen effort," creating pressure to maintain unsustainable lifestyles to stay relevant [9][11] Personal Growth and Redefining Success - The speaker initially prioritized academic success and external validation, feeling like "nothing" if not recognized by important figures [4][5] - A shift in perspective occurred through interactions with individuals in the background, such as the drink stall auntie and the cleaning uncle, leading to an understanding of the value of presence and consistency [7][8] - The speaker learned to slow down, let go of rigid plans, and stop needing to be seen, finding value in the quiet moments and the contributions of those often overlooked [6][7] Foundations and Character - True character is built in quiet, invisible moments, emphasizing that not everything needs to be seen to be valuable [13][14] - Foundations are built in the background, unseen but essential, suggesting that who one is in private shapes who one becomes in public [13][15] - Growth and refinement occur in the quiet, unnoticed work, highlighting the importance of the moments before results and recognition [16][17]

Group 1 - Ken Griffin, founder of Citadel, is transitioning from market activities to philanthropy with the launch of Griffin Catalyst, aimed at directing his charitable giving [1] - Griffin has committed over $2 billion in donations, focusing on six priority areas including education, healthcare, and civic life [1] - The initiative reflects Griffin's vision for changing the country and establishing a legacy beyond finance [1][3] Group 2 - Griffin has supported various causes such as Parkinson's disease research, charter schools, and the U.S. men's soccer team [2] - His philanthropic efforts are characterized by a focus on values like innovation, meritocracy, and national pride rather than a partisan agenda [3] - Griffin's wealth is reported to exceed $48 billion, and he gained prominence during the 2021 GameStop saga [4] Group 3 - Since relocating Citadel's headquarters to Miami in 2022, Griffin has expanded his influence in business, real estate, and philanthropy in South Florida [5] - He is funding the construction of 50 mini soccer fields in Miami-Dade County and has made donations to local hospitals [5] - Griffin has also invested in real estate, including a $107 million compound in Coconut Grove and plans for a new tower in Miami [6]

#Forbes250: In 2026, Forbes will commemorate America’s 250th birthday with a year-long, cross-platform initiative celebrating this great nation of problem-solvers, mavericks and risk-takers—where hustle, reinvention and meritocracy rule.https://t.co/EIr1PrHnVV ...