6 Pieces of Advice Directly from Leaders at Billion-Dollar Businesses

Have you ever wondered what it takes to run a billion-dollar business? What kind of mindset, strategies, and principles do these leaders live by? I’ve had the privilege of receiving advice straight from the people who helm companies worth billions—and I’m sharing their wisdom with you here.

But remember: everyone has advice to give. The real power lies in knowing whose advice is worth listening to. So here are six golden nuggets from leaders at some of the world’s most successful companies.

1. The Power of Storytelling

This advice comes from the Sales Director of a $6B energy drink brand:
“Tell great stories; develop a narrative that ties your customers into your brand.”

The Importance of a Compelling Narrative

People don’t just buy products—they buy meaning. Storytelling helps you create emotional connections that resonate far deeper than any features list ever could. When customers feel part of your journey, they stick around.

How to Develop a Brand Narrative

Start with your values, your mission, and the unique edge you bring to the table. Understand your audience’s beliefs and aspirations. Then weave those elements into a story where your customer becomes the hero—and your brand is their guide.

2. The Value of Authenticity

From the Managing Director of Global Accounts at a $19B media group:
“Be authentic—too many marketers are obsessed with their brand. They should be more concerned about their consumers.”

Why Authenticity Matters

Today’s buyers can sense inauthenticity instantly. They want real. They want human. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is currency in modern business.

How to Be More Authentic

Know your customer deeply, speak to their real problems, and don’t over-polish your message. Match your words with your actions—whether that’s how you treat customers or how your team shows up online.

3. Start with the End in Mind

From the CEO of a $2B software company:
“Always start with the end in mind—define your purpose, values, and impact.”

Why You Should Start with the End in Mind

Without a clear destination, your efforts can scatter in too many directions. Starting with the end in mind aligns strategy with long-term goals—and keeps you grounded through chaos.

How to Start with the End in Mind

Define why your business exists. Clarify what impact you want to have and what values you’ll never compromise. Then build goals that move you closer to that vision—step by step.

4. Make Customer Centricity Cultural

From the Head of Digital at a $20B electronics company:
“Customer engagement depends on customer centricity being core to company culture and operations.”

Why Customer Centricity Is Crucial

Putting customers at the center of everything you do doesn’t just improve marketing—it transforms your entire business. Loyal customers come from feeling seen and valued.

How to Be More Customer-Centric

Move beyond demographic data. Get curious about customer behavior, motivations, and feedback. Design systems and experiences that prioritize their ease and satisfaction from first click to long-term loyalty.

5. Understand Your Customer Deeply

From a Board Member of an $80B supermarket chain:
“You should be doing everything you can to truly understand your customer.”

Why Understanding Your Customer Is Key

When you understand what drives your customers—emotionally, practically, and psychologically—you can shape offers, messaging, and experiences that convert more consistently.

How to Better Understand Your Customer

Use surveys, interviews, customer reviews, and behavior data. But also practice empathy. Step into your customer’s shoes and see the world through their lens.

6. Focus on the Customer Experience

From the Strategy Lead at a $358B social networking platform:
“Focus on the customer experience in order to ensure you don’t get a false negative.”

Why Customer Experience Is Essential

You might have the right product—but if the experience is clunky or uninspiring, you’ll lose people before they even see its value. CX is the filter through which all your efforts are judged.

How to Improve the Customer Experience

Audit every touchpoint in your customer journey. Eliminate friction. Make your brand feel consistent, intuitive, and personal. The goal? Make every interaction feel like a win for your customer.

Conclusion

These six lessons aren’t just tips—they’re principles shaped by real-world business success. They remind us that behind every billion-dollar result is a relentless focus on narrative, authenticity, clarity, and customer connection.

Take what fits your vision and apply it with intention. Because when the right wisdom meets the right execution, the results can be transformative.

What's the most powerful piece of advice you've ever received from someone you admire? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear it.