Secret of My Success

In their own words, entrepreneurs revela what it takes to get to the top. Whether it's big hitters such as Microsft, Virgin, and Google or a successful stuntman, private art dealer or seller of forensic prodcuts, their stories expose the common elements to success: work hard, surround yourself with people better than you, have a good product and brand, be adaptable, and hope for a bit of luck.

"It requires discipline and innovation. It also needs attitude, a good sense of humour and, dare I say it, luck." Richard Branson, Virgin

"We had an expansive view of what we wanted to do." Bill Gates, Microsoft

"Be innovative, be creative-always go the extra mile"Karan Bilimoria, Cobra Beer

"For us, it's about negotiating better deals, asking for a better price all the time and keeping on top of all costs at all times" Dr Kartar Lavlani, Vitabiotics

"To be successful you need to know how to handle the difficult stuff." Martin Sorrell, WPP

Jamie X Oliver is a journalist living in London. Over the past ten years he has interviewed thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners about everything from blueberries to diamonds.

He interviewed James Dyson abou the Japanese and perfection; a picture framing expert about working with Madonna, Francis Bacon and David Bailey; a philanthropist who gives 75% of what he earns to charity; and the man who makes staircases for Queen Elizabeth II, Sheikh Maktoum and Adnan Khashoggi.

His Secret of Success column appeared in the Daily Telegraph. He now writes for the Financial Times and a variety of business maganizes about business, management and entrepreneurship. For more about Jamie Oliver, go to www.jamieoliverjornalist.com