IN HIS OWN WORDS...

MM: As a young child, did you have any idea, any vision, of what you wanted to accomplish – what you wanted to be?
JA: “When I was a young child, what I wanted most was to become a successful ice hockey player.”

MM: How did you get started in your field? What course or path led you to where you are today?
JA: “When I arrived in California, I had no money so I had to do something. I was fortunate to be a good ice hockey player. That got me five scholarships, and I chose UCLA despite my father’s admonition that, “I won’t give you one dollar if you go California.” Our coach worked at North American Aviation, and he got a few of us jobs, and that gave me something to live on. I started at$.35 an hour or $14.00 a week, and that’s how I had a scholarship to Harvard Business School, and during the War, I passed the G.P.A. exam while in the Navy. I went to law school at night while I worked at Arthur Andersen.”

MM: How do you define success?
JA: “Success is living a life that you can be proud of. William Shakespeare wrote, ‘This above all else to thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.’ I believe that very deeply. I have also been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. Having a happy family life and my faith in God are also very important to me and my success.”

MM: There are many ways for one to embody power. How would you describe your power and what it means to be considered a powerful man?
JA: “I own 42 companies, and I have considerable responsibility. I am very grateful for the wonderful people who work for the companies. Setting a good example for others is an important part of leadership.”

MM: Do you think there is a responsibility that comes with being successful and powerful?
JA: “Absolutely. You have to do the right thing, and do it constantly, over and over again.”

MM: As you climbed the ladder of success, what were some of the challenges you had to tackle?
JA: “I’ve always had to work very hard to accumulate capital because I started out with nothing. I feel I have been very fortunate.”

MM: Who has inspired you the most (both personally and professionally)?
JA: “My law partner, Jim Kindel, and Father Donovan, Dean of Loyola Law School from which I graduated have both inspired me along with many others in my life.”

MM: What has been your ultimate life lesson?
JA: “Work hard and do the right thing.”

MM: If you had one piece of advice for someone entering your field today, what would it be?
JA: “Study accounting which is the language of business, and work hard.”

MM: What does philanthropy mean to you?
JA: “It is very important to give back, and philanthropy is uppermost in mind. We have a foundation, and we try to makes contributions that are meaningful. We have donated to UCLA, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and to the YMCA.”

MM: How has your success professionally allowed you to be charitable in the community? How do you use your power and success in helping others?
JA: “We make a practice of making contributions every month. It is a privilege to be in a position to help to others.”

MM: You are associated with and involved in many different charitable causes. How did this giving nature evolve? Was there a revelation in your life?

JA: “It is important to give back. When I was a boy, a friend of our family sent me to YMCA camp and brought my uniform so that I could join Boy Scouts, and I have been extremely grateful. The YMCA and Boy Scouts are organizations that meant a lot to me and inspired me to want to help others.”

MM: You have been married to your lovely wife and fellow philanthropist, Mrs. Marion Anderson, for many years. What’s your tip on a successful marriage and tell us a bit about the role your wife has played in your life?
JA: “Tip on a successful marriage: be grateful. My wife has played a very important role. She has created a wonderful home and has always encouraged me, and her devotion and hard work on behalf of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles have inspired me. Throughout our marriage she has supported my work as a lawyer, as a businessman, and in my philanthropic endeavors.”

MM: How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
JA: “I have been very fortunate.”

MM: What brings you ultimate pleasure in life?
JA: “Work and family.”

MM: What is your greatest fear?
JA: “At the moment, I have no fears.”

MM: What is your most marked characteristic?
JA: “Hardworking.”

MM: What do you hope to be your life legacy?
JA: “Significant contribution to worthwhile charitable organizations.”

“My life has been very blessed and I’ve always believed in helping others.”-John E. Anderson

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