There are all sorts of entrepreneurs out there – people who had an idea they believed could change the world and created one or even multiple businesses out of that idea. One particular niche of entrepreneurs focus more on service than product, but their missions are all the same: to help people grow.
They are authors, speakers, teachers, leaders and innovators. Their work has inspired and empowered people around the globe to take steps toward improving their lives. They are personal development entrepreneurs, and you may have even heard of a few of them – or their businesses, at least.
Here are some of the top personal development entrepreneurs, their businesses and ideas and what they are doing to help people all over the world find success, happiness and more.
1. Brian Grazer
Who knew curiosity could lead to more personal growth and inspiration? Brian Grazer is the co-founder of Imagination Entertainment, an American film and television production company. He is also the co-author of A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life, which is a bestselling book that explores curiosity as a means of personal development and growth.
2. Peter Diamandis
Most of the people out there who decide they want to start a business make and follow through with that decision because they want to, in some big way, make an impact on the world around them. Peter Diamandis is no exception. He is the co-founder of Singularity University, an institution specializing in the study of technological development, and CEO of the XPRIZE Foundation. He is also a bestselling author and speaker. His latest book discusses how to utilize personal development techniques to make a larger, longer lasting impact on the world.
3. Tom Rath
Have you ever wondered why we do some of the reckless things we do – like procrastinate when we shouldn’t and refuse to give up when we probably should? Pscyhology can explain that. Tom Rath is an author and researcher who focuses on the various ways human behavior affects business. He uses evidence based research from fields such as psychology to explain why we act the way we do, and then goes on to explain and give helpful tips on how to use that knowledge to grow and develop personally and professionally.
4. Gabrielle Bernstein
Sometimes achieving happiness is not as complicated as you think it is. Gabrielle Bernstein is a speaker, author and life coach who uses her past experiences to help young women find balance, happiness and fulfillment in their lives. She is the author of books such as Miracles Now: 108 Life-Changing Tools for Less Stress, More Flow and Finding Your True Purpose.
5. Arianna Huffington
Whatever success means to you, it is probably, in some way, a flawed or misrepresentative definition. It isn’t your fault: it’s just what you were taught. Arianna Huffington is the president and CEO of The Huffington Post. She is also a bestselling author and successful speaker. Her book Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder, opens up a discussion about all the things wrong with the way our society has come to define success in recent years.
6. Tory Johnson
Tory Johnson is an author, columnist and the founder and CEO of Women For Hire. She is also the founder of a conference series that coaches and empowers small business owners to make a difference in the world. She is also a weekly contributor to Good Morning America. She frequently uses her personal story of weight loss to teach others how to find happiness and take charge of their lives.
7. Gary Chapman
Author: MoodyPublishers
An important part of living a fulfilling and successful life is having a good handle on your relationships, which is Gary Chapman’s specialty. He is a relationships counselor and author, and his book brings to light the idea that people in relationships express love and affection differently. He is the director of the Marriage and Family Life Consultants, Inc. and uses his experience to help people engage in personal development by understanding and improving their relationships with loved ones.
8. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is more than just a woman who has mastered the media landscape. Through that outlet she has also produced personal growth programs, books and more to help inspire and motivate people to make changes both in their own personal lives and in the world around them. She has dedicated her life to spreading stories of hope and using her earned wealth to make the world a better place – by inspiring and teaching other people how to help make it so.
9. Brendon Burchard
Brendon Burchard is a motivational speaker, bestselling author and personal development trainer. He not only hosts a blog, but also publishes self-help videos on his YouTube channel and hosts a podcast. He is all about helping people ‘find their charge,’ or helping individuals find the kind of purpose in their lives that leaves them feeling energized and virtually invincible.
10. Marshall Goldsmith
Marshall Goldsmith is a leader who trains other executives and leaders to embrace personal development as a tool for massive success. He does this through the organization he founded, the Marshall Goldsmith Group. On top of this role as a personal development coach of sorts, he is also a bestselling author and renowned business thinker.
11. Seth Godin
Seth Godin is a professional speaker, business owner, leader and author. He has written bestselling books such as We Are All Weird: The Rise of Tribes and the End of Normal, a marketing toolkit for fellow entrepreneurs. He has launched several courses to help people develop their skills and grow their businesses and is one of the most sought after speakers in the personal development circuit.
Check out these entrepreneurs’ books, talks, workshops and other available tools to help you get started on your personal growth. Something as small as learning how to make and set a simple short term goal could potentially change your entire life. Dare to take that first step, and then another. That’s what each of these business owners did … and look where they are now!
