MrBeast is YouTube’s most-followed creator with 372 million subscribers at the time of writing — but he actually makes more money from a side business.

The 26-year-old, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, owns the chocolate brand Feastables, which generated $251 million in sales and more than $20 million in profit last year, per documents sent to potential investors that were obtained by Bloomberg earlier this week.

Feastables was more profitable than Donaldson’s main media business, including his YouTube channel and his Amazon Prime reality show “Beast Games,” for the first time last year. With $246 million in sales, Donaldson’s media business had slightly lower numbers than Feastables and also ended up losing close to $80 million last year.

Related: MrBeast Says He Lost ‘Tens of Millions of Dollars’ on His Hit Amazon Reality TV Show ‘Beast Games’

The loss could be due to “Beast Games,” Donaldson’s Amazon Prime show, which aired the final episode of its first season last month. Although it became Amazon’s biggest unscripted show ever, with 50 million viewers in 25 days, it cost Donaldson tens of millions of dollars of his own money to create because he went over the $100 million budget.

Feastables sells prepackaged bars of chocolate in flavors like milk chocolate, peanut butter, and dark chocolate. The bars cost $35 for a king-size pack of ten. The brand differentiates itself with its commitment to ethical sourcing and a “better for you” simple ingredients list consisting of ingredients like organic cacao and grass-fed milk. The chocolate is sold at stores like Walmart, 7-Eleven, and Target in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and other countries.

In 2025, Donaldson expects sales from Feastables to continue to surpass those from his YouTube channel and media business, per the investor documents, with $288 million from YouTube, $520 million from Feastables, and $105 million from other businesses, including his snack brand Lunchly and software firm Viewstats, which sells tools to creators to help them grow on YouTube.

^{Jimmy Donaldson. Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images}

Donaldson launched Feastables in January 2022, raising $5 million in the same month for the company at a $50 million valuation. Feastables has been a steadily growing business since, with $33 million in sales in 2022 and $96 million in 2023. Donaldson’s company Beast Industries is now looking to raise a couple hundred million dollars to grow and move into new areas, like video games and wellness, the documents show.

The company saw its valuation leap from $1.5 billion to about $5 billion last year following a $300 million Series C investment round led by investment firm Alpha Wave, per Bloomberg. Sources told the outlet that Beast Industries has raised more than $450 million over the past four years to invest in its businesses.

Related: MrBeast’s Holding Company Could Be Worth $5 Billion After Its Latest Fundraising Round

Donaldson told CNBC earlier this year that he earns “a couple million” in ad revenue and another “couple million” in brand deals from each of his YouTube videos, which regularly rack up more than 100 million views.

He told the publication that he brings in $600 million to $700 million in revenue overall each year, but reinvests “everything to the point of —you could claim—stupidity, just believing that we would succeed.”

In today’s corporate landscape, strong leadership is more than developing strategy and driving results — it’s about leading a company or organization with intention, clarity and purpose.

Leaders who come from a place of heightened consciousness and self-awareness are better equipped to navigate uncertainty, inspire their employees and drive better business outcomes.

In a corporate setting, conscious leadership is a form of constant learning anchored by a growth mindset in which you believe you can always do better as a person and as a leader while staying grounded and humble.

Whole Foods CEO John Mackey describes a conscious leader as “one who is primarily driven by service to the purpose of the business, and not by the pursuit of power or personal enrichment. They have a passion for making a positive impact on the world through their organization and use that passion to motivate and engage colleagues.”

When leaders adopt a consciousness mindset, they become better communicators, respond more thoughtfully to challenges and cultivate organizations where employees feel valued and motivated. Conscious leadership also enhances problem-solving by replacing reactive decision-making with measured foresight and wisdom.

Our friend, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, is another successful proponent of conscious leadership, having created a company-wide culture anchored in consciousness and purpose.

He emphasizes empathy and cultural transformation within the organization, fostering a growth mindset and a sense of inclusivity. “You can’t just go to work and hit the empathy button every morning: ‘Now I’m going to be empathetic,'” says Nadella. “Your entire life has to involve constantly pushing yourself to develop a deeper sense of empathy with those around you, recognizing that that journey never ends.”

Nadella’s success runs counter to longstanding tropes that business leaders must be ruthless and data-driven with ice running through their veins. He is living proof that conscious leadership is the way of the future. Under Nadella’s tenure as CEO, which began in 2014, Microsoft’s share price has grown 969%, which bested Apple’s performance (923%) in the same time period.

So, how can business leaders and entrepreneurs benefit from this shift in thinking?

Here are my keys for shifting to a mindset of consciousness.

Related: In A World That Needs More Conscious Leaders, Here’s How You Can Become One

Adopt a generational perspective

Rather than constantly looking ahead to the next quarter or even the next year, conscious leadership requires a vision of what you want to achieve for yourself and your enterprise over the long term. It’s about looking at decisions with an understanding that our time here is finite, but the legacy we leave for our successors and future generations helps to define who we are in the present day.

True leaders make decisions with an awareness of how their actions will impact long-term success, with a focus on fostering a resilient company culture that creates lasting value for employees, customers and the broader community. Short-term wins and incremental profit gains can be fleeting. Enduring success comes from ensuring alignment with the greater purpose of your organization.

Lead with love and purpose

I’ve been fortunate to have been mentored over the years by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has instilled in me that successful leadership, whether in business or in day-to-day life — is deeply connected to a sense of purpose and love. That applies to making sure you are doing what you love in life but also cultivating a sense of love for the people you work with and connect with every day.

Some might shudder at the concept of “love” being applied in a workplace concept, but being able to harness one of life’s most powerful forces can lead to incredible outcomes for your team as individuals and your business as a whole. Compassion for your team and for yourself is essential to fostering a supportive, values-driven workplace culture.

Related: 5 Ways to Power Your Life and Business Through Consciousness Leadership

Look inward

Conscious leadership isn’t just about external success — it’s also about sustaining personal development. Investing in yourself physically, mentally and emotionally ensures that you have the energy and resilience to lead effectively.

That’s why I make time every morning for a minimum of 30 minutes of meditation and internal reflection. This daily practice helps me stay grounded and assess whether I’m going into each day with my mind aligned to fulfilling my purpose. If I’m weighing an important decision and the path I’m considering is not aligned with my values, it quickly becomes clear during these sessions, and I can pivot accordingly.

Focus on the important — not the urgent

I’m a big believer in Stephen Covey’s “First Things First” principle, which preaches prioritizing your time to focus on what is truly important, as opposed to addressing tasks or decisions that may seem to be the most “urgent.”

Critical to adopting that perspective is being able to consistently connect with your core purpose. Ask yourself: Why are you doing what you do? What drives you? This clarity allows you to prioritize effectively, ensuring that your leadership decisions align with the values and mission of your organization.

Live and communicate your values

Conscious leaders are clear about living their personal values and communicating them clearly and consistently to their teams and customers alike.

It’s important to first ensure that your values are well-defined and can be easily articulated to others. Take the time to identify what end purpose you want to achieve and the values and principles that you need to live every day to meet that purpose.

Once your values are clearly defined, work with your team to ensure they understand them and can integrate them into your business’s operations, decision-making and overall culture. This doesn’t mean that your beliefs should be dictated to employees — it should be an open process where you can explain what’s behind your values and what you hope to achieve. Encourage them to share their own values and work to identify areas of alignment to facilitate buy-in to your overall vision.

Once established and communicated, it’s important to “walk the talk” and lead by example. Making even one key decision that doesn’t align with your values can quickly erode the trust of your employees, customers and stakeholders.

Related: How to Develop Self-Awareness and Become a More Conscious and Effective Leader

The successful leaders of today and tomorrow will be those who embrace consciousness to build sustainable, purpose-driven companies that attract top talent and create meaningful impact — all while still moving the bottom line forward.

As Satya Nadella and John Mackey demonstrate, conscious leadership is not a soft skill — it is a strategic advantage and one that may be the key differentiator in determining the most successful leaders of our era.

It’s a common challenge for small businesses: You have the expertise, the ambition and the ability to deliver results, but potential clients hesitate because they perceive you as too small. In many industries, size is equated with reliability, stability and influence. While you can’t magically grow overnight, you can control how your company presents itself.

The goal isn’t to mislead — it’s to showcase your strengths in a way that builds trust and confidence. By refining your brand, positioning yourself as an authority and leveraging strategic partnerships, you can create the perception of scale without sacrificing authenticity.

Related: How Small Companies Can Look Big

1. Build a brand that feels bigger than your business

Large companies invest millions in branding, but small businesses can achieve a similar effect with consistency and polish. A sleek, professional website, cohesive visual identity and high-quality marketing materials create an immediate sense of legitimacy.

Brand inconsistency — varying logos, outdated content or clunky user experiences — makes a company look amateurish. In contrast, a well-designed website, compelling messaging and a clear value proposition signal professionalism and scale.

2. Become a thought leader in your industry

People assume that recognized experts run larger businesses. Publishing insightful articles, speaking at conferences and appearing on podcasts can give the impression of authority and influence.

A one-person consulting firm can feel like a global leader if its founder is regularly quoted in industry media. Thought leadership builds credibility, and credibility makes businesses appear more established.

3. Form strategic partnerships

Aligning with reputable brands creates a halo effect that elevates your perceived size. Partnering with well-known clients, suppliers or industry organizations can boost credibility.

Even small collaborations — such as co-hosting a webinar with a larger company — allow you to leverage their reputation. Featuring recognizable logos on your website (as long as the partnership is legitimate) further reinforces your credibility.

4. Use technology to expand your reach

Modern tools allow small businesses to operate with the efficiency of much larger organizations. Automated chatbots, AI-powered customer service and cloud-based collaboration tools make it possible to serve customers seamlessly across time zones.

A global team isn’t necessary to create a global presence. A business with a strong digital infrastructure can appear as sophisticated as an enterprise-level competitor.

5. Deliver white-glove service with a structured system

Big companies often struggle with bureaucracy, making them slow and impersonal. Small businesses can stand out by offering exceptional customer experiences while still appearing highly organized.

A seamless onboarding process, automated follow-ups and structured client communications create the impression of a well-oiled machine — whether you have a team of 50 or just yourself and a virtual assistant.

Related: 4 Tools That Make Your Small Business Look Big

6. Craft a brand story that feels bigger

People don’t just buy products; they buy into stories. Companies that position themselves as part of a larger mission or movement often feel more significant than their headcount suggests.

TOMS Shoes, for example, built a global brand around its social impact model. Small companies that align themselves with a meaningful cause or industry transformation can project a larger presence than their actual size.

7. Show up where big brands do

Attending or speaking at high-profile industry events, publishing in respected outlets and networking with key players can boost your perceived credibility.

Even if you can’t afford a major sponsorship, contributing an article or being featured in an industry panel discussion positions you alongside established brands.

8. Highlight growth and momentum

Nothing makes a company seem bigger than visible progress. Regularly sharing news about new clients, partnerships or product developments signals momentum.

People want to work with brands that are going places. Even small wins — such as expanding into a new market or hiring a key team member — should be highlighted in a way that reinforces your growth story.

9. Expand your digital footprint

A business that appears in multiple online spaces looks bigger and more influential than one that is confined to a single platform. Maintaining an active presence on LinkedIn, industry forums and relevant publications reinforces credibility.

Google yourself or your company — if the only result is your website, you seem small. If you have press coverage, guest articles and social media activity, you appear larger. Being cited by industry sources, contributing to discussions and publishing original insights give the impression that you’re a major player, even if you’re running a lean operation.

10. Showcase social proof at every opportunity

Big companies don’t just tell people they’re great — they let others do it for them. Small businesses can achieve the same effect by making social proof a central part of their branding.

Testimonials, case studies and client success stories should be front and center on your website and marketing materials. Highlight user-generated content, display client logos and encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google and LinkedIn.

Another powerful approach is to feature media mentions, awards and endorsements prominently. If a well-known publication, influencer or industry expert praises your business — even in a small way — capitalize on it. Seeing recognizable names associated with your brand makes you look bigger and more trustworthy.

Related: 6 Ways to Make Your Business Look Big While You’re Still Growing It

Appearing larger than you are isn’t about deception; it’s about professionalizing your brand, leveraging partnerships and showcasing credibility. By focusing on trust, efficiency and visibility, even a small business can compete at an enterprise level.

Perception may not be everything, but in business, it’s often the difference between being overlooked and being taken seriously.

Lisa Landsman from Google wants restaurant owners to think differently about how customers find them online.

At the Restaurant Industry Influencers Summit in New York, the head of industry engagement and SMB success at Google shared eye-opening insights on how search, menus and ads shape a restaurant’s digital presence.

With nearly 20 years at Google, Landsman has worked across advertising, payments and organic search, and she’s passionate about helping restaurants connect with diners in smarter ways.

Related: This Hospitality Lawyer Has Worked for Big-Name Brands — And She Says This Is the Biggest Mistake Restaurant Owners Make

However, beyond her role at Google, Landsman is deeply invested in the restaurant industry itself. Having worked closely with operators over the years, she understands the challenges of staying competitive in an increasingly digital world.

“Google processes trillions of searches a year,” Landsman tells Shawn Walchef, host of Restaurant Influencers and founder of Cali BBQ Media. “And 15% of searches are brand new, like searches we’ve never seen before.”

That means restaurant owners can’t just rely on the same old keywords and generic listings — they need to evolve with how people search.

A big trend? Spanish-language restaurant searches are skyrocketing.

“We saw lots of strong year-over-year growth in things like ‘restaurants near me,'” Landsman says. “One of the big things that stood out to me was on Google Maps, just the ‘restaurants near me’ in Spanish and all of the Spanish queries are absolutely skyrocketing.”

For Landsman, this shift is about meeting customers where they are. She urged restaurant owners to consider how language barriers impact customer decisions and if their digital presence reflects the communities they serve.

Related: This Chef Built a Meatball Empire, Lost Millions and Came Back Stronger with a Pizza Revolution

Search trends show that menus are the most important factor in a customer’s decision — yet many restaurants don’t display them correctly online. “A menu with high-quality photos and clear descriptions can be the difference between a customer choosing your restaurant or a competitor’s,” Landsman says.

She’s seen firsthand how restaurants lose potential customers simply because their menus aren’t clear or accessible.

Google now offers AI-powered tools that turn PDF menus into structured, searchable formats, making it easier for customers to find exactly what they’re looking for. The days of uploading low-resolution images or vague descriptions should be over.

She also urged restaurant owners to describe menu items clearly. “Fun, quirky names for dishes are great,” she says, “but if somebody is looking at your menu, they don’t actually know what that means. They don’t know that it’s a burger.”

And one more key tip? Update your Google Business Profile regularly. “If your business profile could talk,” Landsman says, “what story would it tell?”

Related: This Chef Uses Memes to Call Out the Restaurant Industry — and He’s Turning Online Influence into Real-World Change

Google’s big push for restaurants

Beyond search and menus, Landsman sees AI-powered advertising as a game-changer. With tools like Performance Max, restaurants can automate ad placements across search, maps, YouTube and display, making sure they reach the right customers at the right time.

“You set your goals — like driving foot traffic — and Google’s AI optimizes where your ads appear,” she says. “It’s more hands-off but incredibly powerful.”

Landsman believes digital advertising isn’t just about spending money — it’s about being strategic. With the right tools, small independent restaurants can compete with larger chains, leveling the playing field.

Related: Your Guests All Want the Same Thing, Says This Hotel Food and Beverage Consultant — Here’s What

A common challenge Landsman sees? Restaurant owners don’t always know about the latest tools available to them. That’s why Google launched a monthly newsletter tailored for small businesses, highlighting best practices, new features and marketing strategies.

“We build these amazing tools, but if restaurant owners don’t know about them, they can’t use them,” she says. “The more they lean in, the better they do.”

For Landsman, this isn’t just about Google — it’s about empowering restaurant owners. From search trends to menu optimization to AI-driven advertising, she believes that embracing digital tools isn’t just an option — it’s essential.

Related: To Make the Perfect Cocktail, You Need Collaboration. It’s the Same When You Own a Restaurant.

About Restaurant Influencers

Restaurant Influencers is brought to you by Toast, the powerful restaurant point-of-sale and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience.

Toast — Powering Successful Restaurants. Learn more about Toast.

Anyone who’s worked in an office and attended a meeting can attest — some individuals are better at presenting than others. If you want to give yourself an advantage in the presentation department, one tool can help — Microsoft Visio. A lifetime license for Windows can currently be yours for just $14.97 — $235 off the usual price.

As a busy entrepreneur, you likely need help getting your points across, whether presenting to current or potential clients or internally to colleagues. Microsoft’s go-to diagramming tool, Visio, can help. It offers dynamic ways to display your data so anyone can follow along and grasp your concepts quickly.

With dozens of premade templates, diagrams, and stencils, Microsoft Visio is the assistant that makes your ideas pop. Over 250,000 shapes are available in its online content ecosystem to jazz up your concepts, making data displays stand out.

Visio doesn’t require you to manually input all of your data — it can automatically generate it from Excel, Exchange, or other sources to help save you time.

Trying to visualize a solution? Brainstorming templates are available to help you lay problems out in front of you, with fishbone diagrams or SWOT analysis on hand to help you discover a million-dollar solution. There are also flowcharts to show off easy solutions to others.

Want to flex your creative muscles? You can create your own diagrams or annotate existing ones with your finger or pen if you have a touch-enabled device.

Bring home a Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 lifetime license for $235 off at just $14.97.

Note: This deal is only available to new users and requires a Microsoft 365 subscription or Microsoft SharePoint subscription to get started

StackSocial prices subject to change.

In the world of business, there are often preconceived notions about certain industries being “boring” or lacking excitement. However, these so-called “boring” businesses are often the backbone of our economy, providing essential services that keep our communities and industries running smoothly. Waste management, HVAC, property maintenance, industrial cleaning and commercial laundry services are just a few examples of these unsung heroes.

As a business owner (no matter your market), you can take a page from the playbook of these industries and apply their strategies to your own venture.

Related: Dare to Be ‘Boring’: The Best Businesses Are the Ones No One Talks About

What makes them steady and low-risk investments?

These “boring” businesses thrive on the consistent demand for their services. No matter the economic climate, people and businesses will always need their trash collected, their buildings heated and cooled, their properties maintained, their facilities cleaned and their linens laundered. This consistent demand creates a stable revenue stream, making these businesses less vulnerable to the ups and downs of the market.

Moreover, these industries are often heavily regulated, which can be a deterrent for new competitors. The high barriers to entry, such as licensing requirements, specialized equipment and established relationships with clients, make it challenging for newcomers to disrupt the market. This stability and low-risk nature make these businesses attractive to investors and entrepreneurs looking for reliable long-term returns.

A few key lessons you can learn from these companies

Focus on essential services that never go away

The most reliable path to building sustainable wealth is providing services people need regardless of economic conditions. Think about the services that keep communities running smoothly — waste management, property maintenance, industrial cleaning or commercial laundry services. These industries aren’t going anywhere, and they’re often overlooked by new entrepreneurs chasing the next big thing.

What makes these steady services so powerful? They typically have recurring revenue models, meaning customers need them month after month, year after year. While trendy businesses often struggle with customer retention and constant marketing, essential service providers enjoy long-term contracts and steady cash flow. This predictability is incredibly valuable when building a sustainable business.

If you are a retailer, you may not be providing essential services like waste management or commercial laundry. However, you can still apply the principles of focusing on products and services that have consistent, recurring demand — even in challenging economic times. You can look for opportunities to offer subscription-based or membership models for your products or services. This recurring revenue can provide the same kind of predictable cash flow that essential service providers enjoy. Examples could include a customer loyalty program, a monthly product delivery service or extended warranty/maintenance plans.

Related: 70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

Master local market dominance

The path to millions often starts with dominating a single local market rather than trying to go national immediately. Stable industries usually have strong geographic components; customers want providers who are nearby and reliable. By focusing intensely on one area, you can build deep relationships, optimize operations and create efficient service delivery systems.

Success in one market often provides the blueprint and resources for expansion into neighboring areas. This step-by-step growth approach might seem slower than pursuing rapid national expansion, but it’s typically more sustainable and less risky.

Prioritize operational excellence over marketing hype

While many modern businesses pour resources into flashy marketing campaigns, successful operators in established industries know that operational excellence is the real key to long-term success. They focus on metrics like service quality, response time, equipment maintenance and staff training. These elements might not be exciting, but they directly impact profitability and customer retention.

Good operations create a positive feedback loop — satisfied customers become long-term clients and refer others. This organic growth through reputation is far more sustainable than growth driven by marketing spending. It’s about building a business that works well rather than one that just looks good on social media.

Leverage technology strategically

Here’s where many entrepreneurs in established industries gain a significant edge — they use modern technology to improve traditional business models rather than trying to reinvent entire industries. This means writing down exactly how everything in your business should work — from handling customer service to managing inventory. Having solid systems makes it way easier to train new people and grow without everything falling apart. Simple improvements like digital scheduling systems, automated billing or fleet management software can dramatically improve efficiency and profitability. You can simply start with a:

• Digital booking system that makes scheduling services super easy.
• Mobile app for customer service and updates.
• Automated payment system that keeps cash flow smooth.
• A simple loyalty program that keeps customers coming back.

Related: How Small Businesses Can Leverage AI Without Breaking the Bank

Build value through assets and systems

One of the most powerful aspects of established industries is the opportunity to build real asset value over time. Whether it is equipment, facilities or documented systems and processes, these businesses create tangible value that can eventually be sold or passed on. This is quite different from many modern businesses that rely heavily on temporary market conditions or personal brands.

Successful operators in these industries think like investors, regularly reinvesting profits into assets that generate more revenue or improve efficiency. They build detailed operations manuals, develop training systems and create standardized processes. These elements make the business more valuable and easier to scale or sell.

Whether you’re in waste management or the latest tech startup, these lessons can help you create lasting value. With the right mindset and execution, you, too can build the business that makes you a millionaire.

In a press release on Tuesday, Southwest Airlines revealed that it has ended its popular “two bags fly free” policy for non-rewards members passengers.

Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred and customers traveling on Business Select fares will still get two free checked bags, while A-List members will get one free checked bag. Rapid Rewards credit card members will have one bag credited. Passengers who don’t qualify for any of the options will now be charged for their bags.

Despite the big announcement, Southwest did not disclose how much checking a bag would be. Airline standards usually start at around $35, CNBC notes. At Southwest, more than two bags would have previously led to a $150 fee for additional luggage.

Related: ‘My Back Already Hurts’: Critics Think Southwest Airlines’ Newly Redesigned Seats Are Too ‘Thin’

“We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future Customer needs, attract new Customer segments we don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our Shareholders expect,” said Bob Jordan Southwest Airlines CEO. “We will do all this while remaining focused on what’s made us strong—our People and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning Customer Service only they can provide.”

^{Robert Jordan, Southwest CEO. Courtesy company.}

Last month, Southwest announced layoffs for the first time in its 53-year history. The company is eliminating 15% of corporate positions, including senior leadership roles, to cut costs by $210 million in 2025.

In July, Southwest changed its longstanding boarding policy and began assigning seats for the first time. The “two bags fly free” had been a staple of Southwest for decades.

Southwest says the “strategic moves” are “aimed to deepen and reward loyalty between Southwest and its most engaged customer.”

Other changes include adding a non-refundable basic economy fare. The new policies go into effect on May 28.

Related: Southwest CEO: Holiday Disaster Won’t Happen Again

If you’re buying a franchise, you’ll want a brand with great growth potential. Here’s one way to assess that: Look at the ones already growing the fastest. Growth can be a sign of a successful brand — whether it’s a new concept that caught on quickly, or an older one that continues to evolve and adapt. That’s why each year, we like to look at the data we collected from our annual Franchise 500 application process and identify the brands that are growing the fastest.

The list features the top 150 fastest-growing franchises for 2025, based on their net franchise unit growth in the U.S. and Canada from July 31, 2023, to July 31, 2024. Altogether, these brands added a combined total of 11,294 North American franchise units during that period. That’s a 9.5% increase over the total growth we saw on 2024’s fastest-growing list — a sign that the franchise industry as a whole is ramping up its growth!

Keep in mind as you look over this list that it is not intended as a recommendation of any particular franchise. Growth can be one indicator of a strong franchise system, but there are many other factors to consider as you do your own careful research. Before investing in any franchise opportunity, you should always read the company’s legal documents, consult with an attorney and an accountant, and talk to current and former franchisees to make sure the investment is right for you.

See the top 150 fastest-growing franchises for 2025 list here.

Related: Making Your Community The Secret Weapon in Rapid Franchise Expansion

It’s Shark Tank investor Barbara Corcoran’s birthday today.

To celebrate, the 76-year-old shared some pictures on Instagram and advice on how to be a good boss, stating in an Instagram video that, of all the top business leaders she’s ever met, she is the best boss of them all.

“I don’t mean to brag, but I am the best boss I’ve ever met, by far,” Corcoran said in the video, which was shared with her 1.1 million Instagram followers. “I don’t think anyone could be a better boss than me.”

Related: Barbara Corcoran Needed to Make Job Cuts. Here’s Why She Fired Her Mom First.

Corcoran explained that being a good boss meant taking action from “the very first day” on a simple grounding principle: You work for who is working for you. In other words, the boss works for the benefit of the employee.

Corcoran has more than half a century of experience managing employees. She founded and ran The Corcoran Group, a New York City-based real estate brokerage, for nearly 30 years. When she sold the company in 2001 for an estimated $70 million, its ranks had grown from seven agents in 1973 to a staff of about 700 brokers in 2001.

Corcoran now makes about $4.5 million a year from her investments, including profits from some of the more than 650 deals she’s made on “Shark Tank” while appearing as an original cast member for 16 seasons.

Corcoran says her perspective is always rooted in what she can do to help her employees.

“That’s my attitude my entire life,” Corcoran said in the Instagram video. “What can I do for you?”

Corcoran asks her employees what they want, where they would like to work, and how she can make their jobs easier. She then follows through by giving them what they ask for and taking action to help them advance in their careers.

Though Corcoran stated that she acts “selflessly” toward her employees, she also acknowledged that her actions help her get ahead as a boss. As her employees become stronger and move up the ranks in their careers, she gets to stay solidly connected to them and tap into that connection wherever they end up. That future bond grows stronger because of Corcoran’s interest from the start in serving the employee.

“I shower my people with anything they need selflessly,” Corcoran stated, adding that as employees advance in their careers, “they carry me for a free ride along with them.”

Related: ‘Do You Know What a First Class Ticket Costs?’ Why Barbara Corcoran Flies Coach