(Update 2026) Describe a Successful Business Person You Know (e.g. Running a Family Business)

Describe a Successful Business Person You Know
Describe a Successful Business Person You Know

Cue Card

You should say:

  • Who this person is
  • How you knew him/her
  • What business he/she does
  • And explain why he/she is successful

Sample Answer 1

Well, my uncle is a businessman who could be the perfect person to talk about today.

He has been a hero in my entire life since i could remember stuff. He has not been a swot. Instead, he has this business instinct.

So after college graduation, all his peers became salaried in a company, but he was mulling over how to build his own business.

He opened up a hot pot restaurant. You know, the seed money was his own savings in college. His motto is always take care of the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves.”

But the money was only enough to cover the rental and renovation fee of this run-down restaurant.

It was a semi-profitable business at the beginning. But after three years, his business took off.

You could argue it is due to the location of the place or the flavor of the dishes.

But i reckon the key to his success is his devotion. He works 10 hours a day, training the waiters, supervising the food quality, working on the secret ingredients, so on and so forth.

You know, nowaday’s a business always scaled up by branding, marketing, convincing the customers to buy something they don’t need.

Namely, ripping them off. But my uncle generated handsome profit only by word of mouth advertising.

And now he has several chain restaurants and has a more hands-off approach to his business.

So I admire him since he built it from scratch. He is really a self-made man.

Sample Answer 2


Well, the successful businessperson I would like to talk about is Dong Mingzhu, who is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in the Chinese business world. I first came to know about her through various business news articles and documentaries that highlighted her remarkable achievements.

Dong Mingzhu is the Chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances Inc., a leading home appliance manufacturer in China. Under her leadership, Gree has become one of the largest and most successful companies in the industry. They produce a wide range of products including air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, and their brand is well-known not only in China but also internationally.

What sets Dong Mingzhu apart is her extraordinary dedication and vision. She started her career at Gree as a salesperson and worked her way up through sheer determination and innovation. She’s known for her hands-on approach to leadership and her relentless pursuit of excellence. She has a reputation for being a dynamic and inspirational leader, often emphasizing the importance of quality and customer satisfaction.

One of the key reasons for Dong Mingzhu’s success is her ability to adapt to changing market trends and technologies. She has a keen sense of market dynamics and is not afraid to take risks in order to stay ahead of the competition. Additionally, her strong commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility has also played a crucial role in Gree’s success, as they have consistently been at the forefront of developing energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly products.

Furthermore, Dong Mingzhu is known for her philanthropic efforts, having established charitable foundations and contributing to various social causes. This not only reflects her sense of social responsibility but also enhances the reputation of Gree as a socially- conscious company.

In conclusion, Dong Mingzhu is a truly remarkable businessperson whose story serves as an inspiration for many aspiring entrepreneurs. Her unwavering dedication, innovative mindset, and commitment to quality and sustainability have not only propelled Gree to great heights but have also made her a role model in the business world. She is a shining example of how hard work, vision, and a strong sense of social responsibility can lead to phenomenal success in the business arena.

Part 3

1. What factors lead to success?

There are many factors that lead to success, but I believe that the most important one is the willingness to work hard without the fear of failure or making mistakes.

People who are not afraid of failing are the most eager to step outside their comfort zones and take reasonable risks to achieve their goals.

Apart from that, a person’s ability to effectively communicate, manage their time, and prioritize their tasks will also affect their chances of attaining success.

2. What do people need to sacrifice for success?

People usually need to sacrifice their free time for success.

Just as how Rome wasn’t built in a day, long-lasting success requires years of hard work and determination.

Many successful people I know had to give up some of the time they spent hanging out with their friends, going on vacation, or pursuing an unrelated hobby.

They used this extra time to read, learn, and upskill in order to achieve their goals.

3. Why do some people choose to start their own company?

I think people choose to start their own company for several reasons.
One big reason is freedom-they want to be their own boss and make decisions without following strict company rules.
Another reason is to realize their personal dreams. Many people have creative ideas or passions, and running a business gives them the chance to turn those into reality. Of course, money also plays a role. Even though it’s risky, starting a company can bring bigger financial rewards if it works out.
And I’d say it’s also about personal growth, because entrepreneurs are constantly learning and challenging themselves.
So overall, people start companies because they want more control, opportunities, and self-fulfillment.

4. Is it easy for a business to be successful without affecting the environment?

It should depend on what kind of business people are working on.

If they are focusing on some industries that do not need too many natural resources, it should be fairly easy.

For example, businessmen or entrepreneurs in the Internet areas can succeed without affecting the environment too much.

At the very beginning stage, they may just need a few computers and several employees to complete work.

However, for some other industries, it would be the opposite case – some fields like construction or furniture, for instance, need countless natural resources, and it’s hard for them to keep protecting the environment in mind.

6. What makes a successful family business?

I’d say a family business succeeds when it’s managed professionally rather than emotionally.
One thing that really matters is having clear rules, so everyone is treated the same, whether they’re family members or not. Otherwise the workplace can get messy very easily.
Another important factor is not giving all the key positions to relatives. When only family members get promoted, other employees will naturally feel it’s unfair, and that seriously affects teamwork.
What also makes a big difference is being open to external talent. People with fresh ideas and real expertise can help the business keep growing instead of being trapped inside its own family mindset.

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Credits

Image : Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

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