Howard Jonas, the founder and chairman of IDT Corp., began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 14 selling hot dogs in the Bronx. Today, he leads a multibillion-dollar telecommunications company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. What’s the key to his remarkable success? According to Jonas, the answer lies in his unwavering religious commitment, a philosophy he explores in his book, “I’m Not the Boss, I Just Work Here.”
Jonas recalls a story his father told him about the biblical Joseph, who rose from being a slave in Egypt to a position of power in Potiphar’s household. Despite holding a humble role as a floor sweeper, Joseph dedicated himself fully to his work, foregoing any opportunity to slack off.
One day, Potiphar unexpectedly returned to find Joseph diligently sweeping the floor. Impressed by Joseph’s unwavering work ethic and trustworthiness, Potiphar recognized that someone who wouldn’t steal a moment of rest would certainly not steal from the household.
“I’ve carried the Joseph story with me throughout my career,” Jonas explains. He believes that embracing life’s challenges is a fundamental aspect of fulfilling God’s purpose for humanity. Jonas has experienced significant success both personally and professionally. He emphasizes that success isn’t merely a reward but often a result of persistent effort and resilience.
In “I’m Not the Boss, I Just Work Here,” Jonas also shares his experiences with failure, including a period of severe depression. He wrote the book with the intention of inspiring others through his own journey of overcoming adversity and the strength he found in his relationship with God.