Sam Zell: From Building Businesses to Building Entrepreneurs

Sam Zell, the Chicago-based founder and chairman of Equity International, is a titan of entrepreneurship.  He has built vast fortunes across diverse sectors like real estate, energy, and communications.

A proud alumnus (BA '63, JD '66) of the University of Michigan, Zell has become a major benefactor for the university, particularly its Ross School of Business and its entrepreneurship programs.  In 1999, he endowed the Zell Lurie Institute, a testament to his passion for fostering future business leaders.

Recently, Scott DeRue, Dean of Michigan Ross, interviewed Zell at a Chicago alumni gathering. The discussion explored the keys to success, the link between loyalty and corporate culture, and even Zell's own biggest business misstep.

Full Meeting Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg3hk1_e594&ab_channel=RossSchoolofBusiness