Being Forbes: Why it is much more than a prestigious media brand

We at Forbes India often like to talk about what being a part of Brand Forbes means. In this age of fierce competition in media—complete with the challenges in traditional media and the growth of digital—Forbes stands for a number of important things. It is the celebration of entrepreneurial capitalism, of innovation, drive and the pursuit of success. Alongside, it is also about giving back, and as much about sharing wealth as it is about generating it. In the newsroom, we like to believe it is much, much more than a prestigious media brand: Forbes is an institution, one that has had a lasting impact on entrepreneurial ecosystems the world over. Indeed, one that has outlived governments and regimes and lasted a hundred years and is continuing on that path even as the world around it changes rapidly. The hallmark of a lasting institution is its ability to change with the times and Brand Forbes has done so with passion and fervour, striking a balance between print and digital, making itself even more relevant as the days go by. Over the decades, being on the cover of Forbes has come to be seen as a landmark, a recognition of the ultimate success in entrepreneurship and leadership. Even songs have been written about it.

It is, therefore, an honour and a privilege for me to bring to you the Forbes 100th Anniversary special issue, a collector’s delight which celebrates all that Forbes stands for. In the pages that follow, we also bring you the very best of Forbes through the years—from the first-ever Rich List to the magazine’s hits and misses. It also brings together for the first time a galaxy of the world’s 100 greatest living business minds: From the legendary Warren Buffett who is seen on the cover holding the very first issue of Forbes Magazine to Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Ratan Tata. They share their experiences, learnings, failures and successes in what we believe is a treasure-trove for business leaders across the world.

Sample, for instance, Zuckerberg’s comments on motivation, where he says “…your goal should never be starting a company. Focus on the change you want to make…”, or Acumen Fund founder Jacqueline Novogratz’s advice: “Don’t worry about reputation but about character.” And Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’s view that “making money is a happiness; making other people happy is a super-happiness.” The names featured also reflect the growing emphasis on diversity: As the editor of Forbes magazine Randall Lane writes, change is coming, with 23 in the list being non-white, 25 non-American, 11 from Asia, 10 women and 11 being under 50 years of age. “When someone reads the 200th anniversary issue of Forbes, I expect all these numbers will increase substantially,” Lane adds.

As rapid change becomes the order of the day, Brand Forbes will continue to chronicle stories of brilliance and success from India and around the world. As Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief, Forbes, writes: “What’s ahead? Here’s betting that in 2117 people will be infinitely richer with an unimaginably higher standard of living than that we are experiencing today. And Forbes, if guided by the spirit of its founder, will be there to celebrate it.” Happy reading!

Best,
Sourav Majumdar
Editor, Forbes India
Email:sourav.majumdar@nw18.com
Twitter id:@TheSouravM