Have you ever wondered what the most powerful leaders on the planet studied? What training did they have before changing the world? Spoiler: not all of them went to Harvard, and many did not even study careers directly related to their current business. However, they all have one thing in common: they never stopped learning.
In this article, we look at what Jeff Bezos, Indra Nooyi, Warren Buffett, Steve Jobs, Larry Page and Brian Chesky, studied, and how their academic careers can inspire you if you too dream of leading, entrepreneurship or transforming your industry.
Jeff Bezos – Engineering and long-term vision
Before founding Amazon, Jeff Bezos graduated from Princeton with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His background gave him a solid foundation to understand the potential of the Internet before anyone else.
Beyond the technical, Bezos has always advocated constant learning and experimentation. In his annual letters to shareholders, he insists that the key to success is to remain “day one,” i.e., never stop thinking like a startup.
What can you learn from him?
- The importance of understanding technology if you want to scale a business.
- Strategic vision as a key leadership tool.
Indra Nooyi – Business with purpose
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, studied physics, chemistry and mathematics before earning an MBA at Yale. Her career demonstrates that ethical leadership and cross-disciplinary education make a lasting impact.
Throughout his tenure, he has transformed PepsiCo into a healthier and more sustainable company. He has always been committed to education that builds conscious leaders with global vision and human sensitivity.
Lessons from Indra:
- The combination of technical and business expertise is very powerful.
- Leadership with values is more necessary than ever.
Warren Buffett – Finance, Numbers… and Patience
Buffett graduated in Business Administration at Nebraska and completed a Masters in Economics at Columbia, influenced by Benjamin Graham. His academic discipline was key to building one of the world’s most stable financial empires.
His story reminds us that a solid foundation in finance can make a difference, but what really matters is how you apply that knowledge consistently, strategically and with long-term vision.
What Buffett leaves us with:
- In-depth financial knowledge is key to high-impact decisions.
- Continuing education is vital: Buffett still reads 5 hours a day.
Steve Jobs – Creativity, Intuition and Critical Thinking
Steve Jobs dropped out of college, but continued his education on his own. He studied calligraphy, design and philosophy. These seemingly “useless” skills defined Apple’s aesthetic and approach.
Jobs teaches us that a passion for learning, even outside of traditional paths, can be a source of brutal innovation. Self-taught education also transforms.
What Jobs teaches us:
- Education is not just degrees, but constant curiosity.
- Thinking differently (and out of the box) can take you far.
Brian Chesky – Design applied to business
Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, studied Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design. He understood that good design can build trust among strangers around the world.
His user-centered approach revolutionized the hospitality industry. Learning design allowed him to visualize the end-to-end experience and build a product that connects emotionally with its users.
His great contribution:
- Design is also business.
- Listening to the user is part of success.
Larry Page – Technology with ambition
Larry Page holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Stanford. His thesis project was the basis for Google’s algorithm, one of the most disruptive tools of the 21st century.
His track record demonstrates that technical training, combined with ambition and leadership, can scale ideas that transform entire industries. Moreover, he has always promoted innovation as a business culture.
Clear conclusion:
- Thoroughly understanding what you do allows you to create revolutionary things.
- Surrounding yourself with talent (like Sergey Brin) is also a strategic decision.
And what do they all have in common?
- Continuous education: They never stop learning.
- Insatiable curiosity: They constantly ask questions.
- Strategic vision: They think about the future beyond the short term.
- Resilience: They have failed… and learned.
- Growth mindset: They adapt, evolve and reinvent themselves.
It’s not so much what you study that matters, but how you apply it
Each of these leaders had different backgrounds: some were engineers, others economists, others designers or even self-taught. What unites them is not the degree itself, but their ability to apply knowledge in a strategic, human and innovative way. True learning does not end with a diploma. It begins when you decide to apply what you know to solve real problems, make complex decisions or lead with impact. That’s why training today is more important than ever. And doing so with a global, practical and accessible vision is key.
At ENEB, we believe that everyone has the potential to become a leader. With programs like the Global MBA, you can acquire that comprehensive vision of the business that will allow you to make decisions like a CEO. With our flexible methodology, 24/7 support and practical guidance, we prepare you to lead with purpose and results. Investing in your education is the best decision you can make to build the career you dream of. Just as they did, you too can leave your mark.
