One year ago, I had the honor of interviewing William Green. He shared something profound about the power of kindness—how it can inadvertently lead to success in life. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp it.
But recently, while reading Guy Spier’s The Education of a Value Investor, it all clicked.
Guy Spier shared a story about preparing for his first meeting with another investing legend, Mohnish Pabrai. He meticulously chose the Mandarin Oriental Hotel with its stunning Central Park views, ensured the location was convenient for Mohnish’s schedule, and even pre-arranged for the bill to come to him.
It may seem like over-preparation for a simple lunch, but it wasn’t. It was a deliberate act of thoughtfulness and respect—of going the extra mile to make the experience effortless and memorable for someone else. This level of attention to detail is a reflection of something greater:
From writing thoughtful thank-you notes to listening actively and treating others with respect, these micro-actions compound over time. They build reputations, strengthen relationships, and create opportunities—not through luck but through intentional effort and kindness.
And this lesson doesn’t stop with personal relationships. It applies to business and investing on a much bigger level. As Guy wrote:
“Some businesses succeed because they get one thing right, but most succeed because they get a lot of small things right.”
These small acts, like the precision behind Walmart’s operations, add up. Over time, they create a culture of excellence that drives long-term success.
Reflecting on this, I realize these small details are acts of kindness wrapped in excellence. They remind us that success, whether in investing or in life, is built on the foundation of how we treat others and the thoughtfulness we put into every action.
Thank you, Guy Spier, for your candid reflections and for inspiring us to strive for kindness, excellence, and intentionality—not just in investing but in every aspect of life. 🙏
If you want to hear William Green share his insights on how to live a successful life, check out our YouTube video below.
