David Geffen

I forgive you for all the times you’ve f**ked me in the past and for all the times you’re going to f**k me in the future.

[On Lou Adler] Lou really had a production deal called a label, whereas we had a real label. We had a great many artists, whereas he had very few. Lou also produced most of the stuff that came out on Ode. We were not producers.

I buy my clothes at J.Crew online. I’m a very casual guy.

[On his early day in the music business] I stepped on a lot of toes… at that time.

Did I have a problem with lying to get the job? None whatsoever.

Starting a new studio was a thrilling challenge, but it was more stressful than fun. I never took a salary, a bonus or expenses. I learned never to do anything you’re not passionate about.

Can advertising foist an inferior product on the consumer? Bitter experience has taught me that it cannot. On those rare occasions when I have advertised products which consumer tests have found inferior to other products in the same field, the results have been disastrous.

It’s all too easy to miss out on the important moments in life because you’re too busy staring at your phone.

Many people – and I think I am one of them – are more productive when they’ve had a little to drink. I find if I drink two or three brandies, I’m far better able to write.

I get my design inspiration from Christian Dior and Chanel.

The keystone of successful business is cooperation. Friction retards progress.

First and foremost, I’m a real estate person. And that’s what I love the most.

America is not a land of money but of wealth-not a land of rich people, but of successful workers.

My definition of an executive’s job is brief and to the point. It is simply this: Getting things done through other people.

My mother taught me to love my work. I learned everything about business from her.

A low wage business is always insecure.

In Moscow I feel most comfortable. I’m used to four different seasons; it’s difficult for people in London to understand. People brought up in Russia like my kids want to play in the snow.

Did I have a problem with lying to get the job? None whatsoever.

What really decides consumers to buy or not to buy is the content of your advertising, not its form.

I quickly figured out [that] the one ability I’d better have is to create relationships.

See what a 25-cent raise will do to us, said Mr. Ford. So they figured the daily and monthly cost of a 25-cent increase. Put on another quarter and see what that will cost, he said. And so they went on, 25 cents a step. Finally the wage of $2.34 stood at $4.75–more than 100 percent increase. One of the associates–a good financial head–remarked rather sarcastically that if they were going to be fools, why not be first-class fools and make it $5. All right, said Mr. Ford, let’s make it $5.