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. The cornerstone of his success, he asserts, lies in his profound religious commitment, a theme explored in his book, “I’m Not the Boss, I Just Work Here.”
Jonas often recalls a story his father shared about the biblical Joseph, who ascended from slavery to a position of trust in Potiphar’s household. Potiphar, a high-ranking official in Egypt, entrusted Joseph, initially a humble floor sweeper, because of his unwavering dedication. Joseph’s commitment to his duties, even when no one was watching, demonstrated his integrity. Potiphar recognized that someone who wouldn’t ‘steal’ a moment of work would be unlikely to steal anything else.
“I’ve carried the lesson from the Joseph story with me throughout my career at IDT,” Jonas explains. He firmly believes that embracing challenges is essential to fulfilling God’s purpose.
Jonas has achieved significant personal and professional success. He emphasizes that “Success is not a reward… sometimes it’s just a sign of having tried hard and often.” His book also delves into moments of personal struggle, including a period of severe depression. Jonas hopes his story of resilience and his unwavering faith will inspire and uplift readers facing their own adversities.