Last week, Fortune Magazine released a list of the Twelve Greatest Entrepreneurs of Our Time. The list, compiled by John A. Bryne, is a who’s-who of the minds that have shaped the world we live in. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates top the list; Jeff Bezos makes an appearance; Larry Page and Serge Brin are there; so are John Mackey and Muhammad Yunus.

Bryne’s article pairs net-worth statistics with personal/company histories and a dash of advice from the entrepreneurs themselves. Read the full article here. Read on below of the Top 12 list, the advice that comes with it and a challenge from Shelter.

1. Steve Jobs - Apple
“Say no to focus groups and market research.”

2. Bill Gates - Microsoft
“Find very smart people and create small teams.”

3. Fred Smith - FedEx
“Rely on "first-level" managers.”

4. Jeff Bezos - Amazon
“Take regular mini-retreats.”

5. Larry Page and Sergey Brin - Google
“Spare no expense on innovation.”

6. Howard Schultz - Starbucks
“Always challenge the old ways.”

7. Mark Zuckerberg - Facebook
“Embrace paranoia.”

8. John Mackey - Whole Foods
“Purpose inspires people.”

9. Herb Kelleher - Southwest Airlines
“Make your customers No. 1.”

10. Narayana Murthy - Infosys
“Sacrifice today, cash in tomorrow.”

11. Sam Walton - Walmart
“Give people what they want.”

12. Muhammad Yunus - Grameen Bank
“Small gifts can equal big impacts.”

Bryne honored entrepreneurs working in  India (Murthy) and Bangladesh (Yunus), but the Arab world was not represented in the top 12. Bryne’s list is “based … largely on social and economic impact; the world-changing vision of a founder who has inspired employees and other entrepreneurs alike; a record of innovation; and the actual performance of their companies over time.”

Judging by Bryne’s requirements, who would you nominate? What Arab entrepreneurs are changing the world we live in? Share your nominations below!

- Mary Ames
Educational Programs Manager//Shelter Dubai

Image available under CC License by Andy Wright