I’ve interviewed many successful people in my career as a reporter at FORTUNE magazine and author of The Profile. And the question I love to ask at the end of each interview is: "How do you define success?"
That single question gives you a brief glimpse into their world — it explains why they do what they do, what motivates them, and how they measure the outcome of their efforts. Do they see success as a measure of status, money, and achievement? Or do they equate success with personal fulfillment?
Here’s how 11 exceptional people, from CEOs to professional athletes, answer the question: “How do you define success?”