Adam Neumann

We always wanted to create a business that makes a difference in the world.

Before I started WeWork, I owned a baby clothing company based in Dumbo, Brooklyn.

WeWork is my fifth venture. I failed in my first, second and third, had mediocre success in the fourth.

Mentorship plays such an important role in business - we know it's a must - and I believe schools should embrace it in a much fuller way.

Before WeWork, I had a baby clothing company. When I started out, I had no real contacts in the garment business and no mentor to guide me on how things worked. I just had an idea to put pads on the baby clothes on to protect the baby's knees.

I never had a traditional mentor. I know people who have been successful with a mentor, but I've never understood why I should limit myself to the knowledge and expertise of one person.

I met with my spiritual teacher and went to a therapist. I realized that if I came from a positive place, not only will everyone feel better and I will feel happier, but the company will work better.

Success is not just making money. Success is happiness. Success is fulfillment; it's the ability to give.

Happiness comes from within.

Life is about being present. Sometimes your home will demand more attention, and you should be there. Sometimes your work is more demanding. But the beautiful thing when you create your life's work is that it always feels like you're on a mission.

As a child who lived in a lot of places, one of the hardest things for me was to join a new community. It was hardest at the kibbutz, but that was also one of the most impressive communities.

When we launched WeWork back in 2010, we saw our opportunity to build community by bringing people together.