Over the past decade, Bernie Swain, the founder of the Washington Speakers Bureau, has asked 100 successful luminaries, including sports heroes and world leaders, about their inspirations and defining moments in life. Fifteen people said that their environment or experiences were the most powerful influences for them; 40 cited a particular event as a turning point; and 45 said that a person in their lives was their most significant influence.

Published in Dawn, Business & Finance weekly, September 26th, 2016