J
eff Greene, a billionaire real estate developer, credits work-life balance as the key to his happiness. As a wealthy parent of three adolescent sons, he's determined to instill in them a sense of self-reliance and purpose.
Greene believes that children of ultra-wealthy parents often face unique challenges. While they may have access to elite education and resources, their achievements can be tainted by questions about whether they earned them through privilege or hard work. Greene, who made his fortune shorting the mid-2000s housing bubble, emphasizes the importance of self-made success.
"I started with nothing," he says. "I did it all on my own." He hopes that his children will have meaningful lives and learn that making money is a small part of what truly matters. Greene wants them to experience the joy of helping others and making a positive impact on people's lives.
To achieve this, Greene has instilled in his sons the value of hard work and self-reliance. If they want private jets or yachts, he says, "they're going to have to figure it out on their own." He also wants them to understand that there are limits to material wealth but no bounds to making a difference.
Greene's approach to parenting is reflected in his philanthropic efforts. He and his wife, Mei-Sze Greene, signed The Giving Pledge in 2010, committing to donate most of their wealth to charitable causes. They also founded The Greene School in Palm Beach, a nonprofit private school with a need-blind admission policy.
Greene's own path to success was marked by hard work and determination. He grew up middle class in Massachusetts and moved to Florida as a teenager after his father lost his business. He attended Johns Hopkins University through a combination of student loans, scholarships, and part-time jobs, and later financed his Harvard Business School MBA by selling circus tickets.
Today, Greene balances his demanding career with a fulfilling personal life. He works 50-60 hours a week but also prioritizes time for tennis, travel, and spending quality time with his family. "I live a balanced life," he says, crediting Mr. Miyagi's lesson from The Karate Kid that balance is key to happiness.
Greene dismisses the idea of retirement, preferring the challenge of pursuing his passions to the comfort of leisure activities. For him, work and play are intertwined, and he finds joy in both.
