Wisdom in fragments

The key component of bravery is integrity. My father's nickname for me was, 'the brave one,' and what I saw growing up was the reality that people would often give their integrity to make life more comfortable in the short term; but guess what, that leads to your integrity being chipped away until you are left with nothing – just with the shell of who you are, and who you could have been.

Actress & #MeToo activist who exposed Harvey Weinstein harassment

Individuality is my biggest fight, not #MeToo. People need to realise their own power, their own freedom, and their own ability to be better. My book Brave is not about #MeToo, but when I went on my first book tour – that was all people were asking me about; and once again, I had my narrative stolen – and I was portrayed as this figure, full of rage, because – perhaps – it's easier for people to not understand my narrative and write me off as angry, and that's a real shame.

Actress & #MeToo activist who exposed Harvey Weinstein harassment

I always tell people to not risk their own money, and to get venture funding. You should fail fast and spend as little money as possible to get your ideas validated.

Co-Founder and Former CEO of Infosys, Indian IT Pioneer

When you innovate under constraints like this, you go to a different level- that's the opportunity India provides.

Co-Founder and Former CEO of Infosys, Indian IT Pioneer

In India affordability and improving life are also key pillars of entrepreneurship- coming from the circumstances and context of the country; for example, India has 1,000 radiologists for a population of 1.4 billion.

Co-Founder and Former CEO of Infosys, Indian IT Pioneer

We are first generation entrepreneurs, with middle class values, coming from middle class backgrounds, we never expected to be so wealthy! Our first reaction therefore is to share.

Co-Founder and Former CEO of Infosys, Indian IT Pioneer

Scaling any business is about creating a model, debugging the model, making sure you understand the ingredients that need to be scaled up, and making sure you have a process to scale. All of this needs to be wrapped-up in a financial model that allows the scale to be funded.

Co-Founder and Former CEO of Infosys, Indian IT Pioneer

We cannot use the existing models of development, because those existing models have brought us pollution, disparity of income, and significant challenge. Consumption-led economic development has been the narrative of the 20th century.

Co-Founder and Former CEO of Infosys, Indian IT Pioneer

One of the common myths about setting up business in the UAE is that funding is challenging to obtain in the country. This couldn't be further from the truth. With UAE's pro-investment laws and a robust financing sector, new businesses find it very easy to secure funds through various channels.

Founder and Chairman of Damac Properties, major UAE real estate developer

In my own experience, I have realised that diverse groups perform better and tackle challenges far more effectively than homogeneous teams. Contrary to what is happening in many parts of the world, the UAE firmly believes in and celebrates the principles of tolerance and diversity.

Founder and Chairman of Damac Properties, major UAE real estate developer

Entrepreneurship is an integral aspect of the human condition. Our inner desire to start something new and make it big has been one of the most catalysing factors behind our collective evolution as a species.

Founder and Chairman of Damac Properties, major UAE real estate developer

The UAE has a rich history of trade and has, for centuries, offered fertile grounds for dreamers to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations. The UAE also has a history of opening its home to people from all over the world, and this diversity brings with it a unique opportunity of creating new markets and businesses.

Founder and Chairman of Damac Properties, major UAE real estate developer

For a civilisation to succeed, it must learn from failures. Dubai is a land of innovation and failure here is perceived as an opportunity to learn and not the end of an endeavour.

Founder and Chairman of Damac Properties, major UAE real estate developer

written word is the base of culture, the spine. The other limbs and torso that attach to the spine, still depend upon the spine. Without the written word, there can be no other form of communication….

Renowned poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist; author of "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

art has always played a role in revolution, evolution and change. Art has always been a great changing force, the great common denominator, and a force to help people understand the world we live in, and the people within that world.

Member of hip-hop group The Roots; drummer and co-founder

The world would be a different place today if we would find a way to really empower girls and women globally. It is the solution, and I'm definitely not the only person that thinks that.

Founder and CEO of dating app Bumble, feminist entrepreneur