Before becoming a celebrated entrepreneur, Siebel, like other innovators, spent years trying to figure out their life’s purpose. After finishing college at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in History, he worked several odd jobs until he found a job as a trade book publisher. He decided to get a master’s degree in business administration while working in publishing. He also developed an interest in technology and computers, leading him to pursue a master’s degree in computer science as well.
After graduating, Siebel was recruited by Oracle Corporation as a presales rep, responsible for setting up database demonstrations for the company’s in-house staff and client prospects. Within a year, he became Oracle’s top notch salesman.
After several years at Oracle, Siebel proposed an idea of creating an automated sales information system to the CEO. When his idea was rejected, he took a leave of absence but never returned. He cashed in his shares and went on to build Siebel Systems. He proved everyone at Oracle wrong when his rejected idea brought in millions for his new company. Siebel’s clients included major tech giants such as Cisco Systems, Compaq, and IBM.
The biography of Siebel tells us a story of pursuing your interests and building on your strengths. Siebel, one of Forbes’ billionaires, is indeed an entrepreneurial genius.