Margaret Heffernan

Date of Birth: June 30, 1955

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Margaret Heffernan is a prominent businesswoman, author, and speaker known for her insightful contributions to business management and leadership. Born in Texas and raised in the Netherlands, Heffernan’s diverse cultural background has played a significant role in shaping her perspectives on business and leadership. She began her career in television production, working for the BBC where she produced documentaries. Later, she transitioned to the business world, becoming the CEO of several multimedia companies, including InfoMation Corporation, ZineZone Corporation, and iCAST Corporation. Heffernan is also an accomplished author, having written several influential books on business and leadership, such as “Willful Blindness: Why We Ignore the Obvious at Our Peril” and “A Bigger Prize: Why Competition Isn’t Everything and How We Do Better.” Heffernan is a sought-after speaker, frequently delivering talks at TED and other prestigious forums. Her work emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership, the dangers of willful blindness in organizations, and the need for fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

5 Interesting Facts about Margaret Heffernan

1. Margaret Heffernan’s book “Willful Blindness” was shortlisted for the Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award in 2011.

2. She has delivered multiple TED Talks, which have been viewed by millions worldwide, discussing topics such as social capital and the human skills required for the future.

3. Heffernan has been recognized as one of the “Top 100 Media Executives” by Silicon Alley Reporter.

4. She has published five books, all of which explore different facets of business management and leadership.

5. In addition to her business and writing career, Heffernan has also been a mentor and teacher, providing guidance to senior executives and MBA students.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Margaret Heffernan

1. “For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate.”

2. “The biggest catastrophes that we’ve witnessed rarely come from information that is secret or hidden. It comes from information that is freely available and out there, but that we are willfully blind to.”

3. “A culture of helpfulness among colleagues does not just make a company nicer; it also improves its efficiency.”

4. “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”

5. “Human beings are not efficient, but they are resilient, adaptable, and innovative.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Margaret Heffernan’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $5 million, largely accrued through her successful career in business and publishing.

Children

Margaret Heffernan has three children. She has spoken publicly about balancing her career with raising her children and the importance of work-life balance.