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We're ashamed of what we are. That's why we feel that we have to get rid of the values of our glorious history and run to learn from other, new nations. Don't I look to you like a man of the world? Don't I speak to the leading businessmen in the world? And it's no problem that I'm a Jew, and a proud Jew who wears a skullcap everywhere. That's my symbol and my identity.

Lev Leviev#1

CultureBusinessHeritageIdentityPride

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker embraces his Jewish identity and heritage while asserting confidence in his global business standing.
In plain terms
He is proud to be Jewish and successful worldwide.
What can you take from it?
Own your identity and let it coexist with professional ambition.

Where it applies

  • networking events
  • international negotiations
  • public speaking

Putting it to work

  • displaying cultural symbols
  • highlighting personal background
  • leveraging identity for credibility

Questions to consider

  • How does cultural identity affect professional perception?
  • When can pride become a barrier?

Another view

Emphasizing identity may alienate those who feel excluded.

More from Lev Leviev

  1. I come to eat with very important people in the world, and I say 'only kosher', and always with a skullcap. I don't recall that my business ever suffered from …

    Permalink to quote #2
  2. I know that I have my own mission and I know that life, unfortunately, is short. I have a limited time, and we have to get as much done as possible, and that's…

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. It is written that 'All Jews are responsible for one another,' and a Jew who lives in Siberia or in Kamchatka is just as good as a Jew who had the good fortune…

    Permalink to quote #4

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