Billionaire investor Bill Ackman revealed two pivotal influences that shaped his career: a book that inspired Warren Buffett and a $14,000 side hustle during his Harvard days. Ackman, who manages a $35 billion hedge fund and holds stakes in companies like Amazon and Microsoft, shared these insights on Fortune’s Titans and Disruptors of Industry podcast this week.
Ackman explained that while at Harvard, he worked for Harvard Student Agencies selling advertising for the Let’s Go travel guides, a commission-based role where he excelled. “I made $14,000, which felt like a huge amount of money,” he said. This early success gave him his first taste of business achievement. After graduation, Ackman worked at his father’s commercial real estate firm but found greater interest in entrepreneurs and developers, which helped him define his career path, according to fortune.com.
The book that inspired Ackman was the same one that influenced Warren Buffett, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge in investing. Ackman’s career has since included leading major corporate restructurings, such as at Chipotle, and building a diverse portfolio. His early experiences underscore the role of practical sales skills and mentorship in developing investment acumen.
Ackman’s $35 billion hedge fund continues to be a major player in the market, with investments spanning tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. His reflections on Fortune’s podcast provide a rare glimpse into the formative moments behind his rise in the investment world.