During Italian Tech Week 2025, Jeff Bezos shared a piece of advice that could well transform young people’s perception of entrepreneurship. Contrary to the trends widely promoted on social media, he urges them not to rush things and to arm themselves with solid knowledge before embarking on an entrepreneurial adventure.
3 key takeaways
- Jeff Bezos debunks the myth of the self-taught genius who succeeds without a degree.
- Artificial intelligence is increasing the precariousness of low-skilled jobs, affecting young people without training the most.
- Professional experience in a well-established company is crucial for acquiring essential skills before starting a business.
The myth of the self-taught genius
During his speech, Jeff Bezos highlighted a popular myth that appeals to many young people: that of the self-taught entrepreneur who leaves college to build an empire. While he acknowledges that some iconic figures, such as Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, have followed this path, he points out that these cases are exceptions rather than the norm. In his view, dropping out of school without a solid foundation is a mistake that many young people make, influenced by glorified stories on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube.
Impact of artificial intelligence on employment
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In a context where generative artificial intelligence is developing at a rapid pace, the least skilled jobs are the first to be affected. Dana Stephenson, head of Riipen, emphasizes the importance of mastering AI to avoid creating fragile solutions without a solid foundation in software design. Young people without degrees, particularly men, are therefore more vulnerable to these changes in the job market.
The importance of professional experience
Jeff Bezos advises young people to start their careers in well-established companies. This allows them to acquire essential skills, such as recruitment, team management, and decision-making. With his engineering degree, Bezos first worked at D. E. Shaw, an investment firm, where he learned rigor and discipline before founding Amazon. He believes that this decade of experience was crucial to the success of his company.
Entrepreneurship within a large company
Jeff Bezos reminds us that it is possible to adopt an entrepreneurial spirit without necessarily creating your own startup. Large companies are looking for individuals who are capable of challenging the status quo and encourage independent thinking. He emphasizes the importance of not rushing things, as in-depth learning is essential for building a solid organization.
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, has profoundly influenced online commerce. After starting his career in the financial sector, he launched Amazon in 1994, which is now one of the world’s largest companies. His vision and methodical approach to entrepreneurship have enabled him to create an empire that has transformed the way we consume and interact with technology.