IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a business person whom you admire.
You should say:
- who this person is
- how you know this person
- what kind of business this person runs
and explain why you admire this business person so much.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
Well, the truth is, since the time I began to understand the world around me in an objective manner, I have met very few businessmen in my life whom I could actually admire. So, this topic poses a serious challenge for me, no doubt. Nonetheless, I will go ahead and talk about one of those few businesspeople whom I have admired a bit more than others.
Mr. Maher is one such businessperson who I think deserves some admiration. He is involved with different kinds of businesses, but I think that his main business is to sell electronic products on a wholesale basis. In other words, he sells his products only in bulk. Of course, I didn’t know anything about him or his wholesale business until after I had gone to his shop to purchase a ceiling fan. The interesting thing is that he could have simply refused to sell me just one individual fan, but he chose not to do so, and instead, he actually did go ahead and sell the fan to me.
Anyway, since that time, I have visited Mr. Maher’s electronics store a number of times and have had conversations with him on an array of issues, because, after all, he is a very polite person with no sense of pride or bigotry. Later on, I also found that he also ran a restaurant business where people can actually eat some good foods at a much lower price than many other restaurants in town. Then, rather recently, I have also come to know that he doesn’t sell any imported electronics products at his store, which I think is really praiseworthy.
So, based on those facts, I think that I can praise Mr. Maher, mainly because he seems to be a rather decent businessman who doesn’t only focus on making profits. I also admire him because he is a patriot since he sells only local products at his store, instead of imported ones, to help grow the local businesses.
Model Answer 2:
I’d like to talk about Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, whom I truly admire as a business person. I first came to know about him through news articles and videos online, and I have been following his work and achievements ever since. I am so happy to have this opportunity to talk about this business person whom I admire a lot. I would like to thank you for the opportunity here.
Elon Musk is known for his innovative ideas and his ambitious approach to business. He is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world and has achieved great success in his companies. He founded Tesla, a company that produces electric cars and has been a major player in the sustainable energy industry. His other company, SpaceX, is a space exploration company that aims to make space travel more accessible and affordable for ordinary people.
What I admire most about Elon Musk is his determination and his willingness to take risks. He is not afraid to take on challenges and pursue ambitious goals, even if they seem impossible. He has a clear vision of what he wants to achieve, and he works tirelessly to make it a reality. His passion for his work is infectious, and it is inspiring to see how he has managed to build two highly successful companies from scratch.
In addition to his business achievements, Elon Musk is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has pledged to donate most of his fortune to charity and has been involved in various initiatives to support education and renewable energy.
I think Elon Musk is an exceptional business person, and I admire his vision, determination, and commitment to making the world a better place.
Model Answer 3:
Introduction:
Thank you so much for this interesting topic, which will allow me to talk about a business person I like and admire. Well, I am going to talk about this businessperson because his work has had a massive influence not only on me but also on millions of learners around the world.
Who this person is:
Well, the person I admire is Salman Amin Khan, the founder of Khan Academy. He’s often described as an “education entrepreneur”, and I see him as someone who transformed the way people learn, especially students who can’t always afford expensive tutoring or quality instruction.
How you know this person:
I first learned about him during my high school years, when I was struggling with mathematics. A friend suggested checking out some videos on Khan Academy, and that’s how I was introduced to his simple, clear, and incredibly effective teaching style. Later on, I read more about his journey and watched interviews where he talked about his mission to provide world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
What kind of business this person runs:
Although Khan Academy is a non-profit, it operates with the vision, efficiency, and innovation of a highly successful tech-based business. Salman Amin Khan started by tutoring his cousins online, and gradually it evolved into a global educational platform offering lessons in maths, science, humanities, programming, and even test preparation. The organisation uses advanced technology, data analytics, and personalised learning tools, making it one of the most impactful EdTech initiatives in the world.
And explain why you admire this business person so much:
I deeply admire Salman Amin Khan primarily because he turned a simple idea of helping one family member learn maths into a worldwide movement that has opened doors for countless students. Moreover, he could have easily turned his platform into a profit-making business, but he chose to keep it free for everyone, which shows real integrity and a commitment to social good. And finally, his calm, humble personality and genuine passion for education make him extremely easy to respect.
Sample Answer 4:
Ratan Tata is a well-known business magnate from India whom I admire greatly. I’d like to thank you for the time you have given me to talk about this exceptionally talented business person whom I admire so much.
I know about him through various news articles and books on business and leadership. I have also heard some information about him from one of my uncles, who is also a successful businessperson in our city.
Ratan Tata is the former chairman of Tata Sons, one of India’s largest conglomerates, and has played a significant role in shaping the Indian business landscape. Ratan Tata has been associated with several businesses throughout his career. He was the chairman of the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012. Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded globally and diversified into various industries, including steel, automobiles, information technology, telecommunications, hospitality, and more. Some of the well-known companies under the Tata Group include Tata Motors, Tata Consultancy Services, Taj Hotels, and Tata Steel.
One of the reasons why I admire Ratan Tata is his leadership style, which emphasises empathy, integrity, and humility. He is known to have a deep concern for the welfare of his employees and has always put their well-being first. Under his leadership, the Tata Group was able to navigate several challenges and emerge stronger, and this is a testament to his visionary approach to business. Another reason why I admire Ratan Tata is his commitment to social causes. He is a philanthropist and has been involved in various charitable initiatives in India, including the Tata Trusts, which support education, healthcare, and rural development. I believe that his efforts to give back to society and create a positive impact are truly inspiring.
Honestly speaking, Ratan Tata is someone whom I look up to and admire for his leadership, vision, and commitment to social causes. He has made significant contributions to the Indian business world and beyond, and I believe that his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Idea Generation for this Candidate Task Card Topic:
This topic asks you to describe a business person you admire. You should mention who the person is, how you know about him/her, what kind of business he/she runs, and why he/she inspires you. To develop a great answer, focus on the person’s achievements, leadership qualities, and the principles that make their business impressive. Here are a few ideas to help you build your response:
Narayana Murthy:
I admire Narayana Murthy because he co-founded Infosys and helped build India’s IT services industry from the ground up. I first read about him in business profiles and later watched interviews where he discussed values-based leadership. Infosys focuses on software services, consulting and outsourcing, and I respect him for insisting on corporate governance, modest living despite huge success, and mentoring a generation of Indian entrepreneurs. His combination of technical foresight and ethical leadership is something I try to emulate in my own work.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw – Biocon:
I admire Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw because she turned Biocon into one of India’s leading biopharma companies. I learned about her journey through articles and TED-style talks about women in STEM. Biocon is involved in affordable biologics and innovative health solutions, and I respect her for taking scientific risks, scaling research in a challenging industry, and championing inclusive healthcare. Her persistence and willingness to innovate in a highly regulated sector inspire me to value perseverance and scientific courage.
Majid Al Futtaim:
I admire the late Majid Al Futtaim for building a major retail and leisure empire across the Gulf, including regional malls and the Carrefour franchise in the Middle East. I came to know his work through regional business news and by visiting the Mall of the Emirates. His firm focuses on retail, leisure and real estate development, and I admire his vision for transforming consumer experiences in the region, bringing jobs and modern infrastructure while adapting global concepts to local cultures. His strategic development projects show how commerce can reshape cities.
Jeff Bezos – Founder of Amazon:
I admire Jeff Bezos because of the way he transformed a small online bookstore into one of the largest companies in the world. I first learned about him through documentaries about entrepreneurship and tech innovation. His business, Amazon, focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, and digital services, making it a global powerhouse. I admire him for his bold decision-making, long-term thinking, and obsession with customer satisfaction, which I find incredibly inspiring as someone who values innovation-driven leadership.
Lubna Olayan:
I admire Lubna Olayan because she has led and modernised a large multinational group from a region where female leadership is relatively new. I learned about her through interviews and profiles highlighting corporate governance in the Gulf. Her group operates in diversified areas like finance, distribution and manufacturing, and I admire her for balancing commercial success with social progress – opening doors for women in business and advocating professional standards. Her leadership shows how influence can be used to widen opportunity, not just profits.
Sir James Dyson:
I admire Sir James Dyson for inventing and refining household technologies—vacuum cleaners, bladeless fans and advanced air purifiers—then building a high-quality engineering brand. I first learned about him from product documentaries and innovation case studies. Dyson Ltd. focuses on engineering-led consumer products, and I respect his persistence (thousands of prototypes) and investment in design and R&D. His story encourages me to value iteration, engineering curiosity, and the courage to challenge established markets with superior design.
Dieter Zetsche:
I admire Dieter Zetsche for modernising a century-old automotive brand and steering it through technological change. I learned about him via industry profiles and news when he led Mercedes-Benz. His work concentrated on product quality, brand positioning and navigating electrification trends; he combined engineering rigour with a public-facing, approachable leadership style. I admire how he managed legacy challenges while preparing the company for future mobility—something that teaches me the value of steady transformation in traditional industries.
Indra Nooyi – Former CEO of PepsiCo:
I first learned about Indra Nooyi from a business magazine that featured her leadership journey. She ran one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies and introduced the idea of “Performance with Purpose,” focusing on healthier products and sustainability. I admire her confidence, strategic thinking, and the way she balanced compassion with strong decision-making. Her career shows me that leadership isn’t just about success but about responsibility and meaningful impact.
Jack Ma – Founder of Alibaba Group:
I came to know about Jack Ma through motivational speeches on YouTube, where he openly discussed his failures before his success. He built Alibaba, a massive e-commerce and technology company, from almost nothing. I admire his resilience, his belief in teamwork, and his ability to motivate people with his vision. His journey shows that even with limited resources, determination and creativity can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Oprah Winfrey:
I first heard about Oprah through her famous talk show and later learned how she built an entire media empire. She owns a production company, a television network, and several other business ventures. I admire her because she rose from a challenging childhood and used her success to empower others, especially through storytelling. Her authenticity, kindness, and strong work ethic inspire me to pursue goals with heart and purpose.
Mukesh Ambani – Chairman of Reliance Industries:
I learned about Mukesh Ambani from news articles discussing India’s economic growth. He runs Reliance Industries, which operates in petrochemicals, retail, telecommunications, and energy. I admire him because of the scale of his business vision—especially his ability to transform India’s digital landscape through Jio, which provided affordable internet access to millions. His strategic mindset shows me how innovation can uplift an entire nation.
Sara Blakely – Founder of Spanx:
I discovered Sara Blakely’s story while watching an interview about self-made entrepreneurs. She built Spanx from an idea she started with her personal savings, without any investors in the beginning. I admire her creativity, willingness to take risks, and her persistence despite repeated rejections. Her journey proves that a simple idea, when executed with determination, can grow into a globally recognised brand.
Warren Buffett – Investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway:
I first learned about Warren Buffett through books on investing, especially “The Intelligent Investor,” which often references him. He runs Berkshire Hathaway, a massive conglomerate involved in insurance, utilities, manufacturing, and many other sectors. I admire him for his disciplined investment philosophy, humility, and long-term thinking. His simple lifestyle, despite enormous wealth, is another reason I find him admirable.
Anne Wojcicki – Co-founder of 23andMe:
I learned about Anne Wojcicki from a documentary about biotechnology startups. Her company, 23andMe, focuses on consumer genetics and personal health insights, making science more accessible to the public. I admire her because she challenged traditional medical systems and made genetic testing widely available. Her courage to innovate in such a complex field motivates me to value curiosity, research, and responsible innovation.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a business person whom you admire, it’s useful to choose vocabulary that conveys their character, leadership style, business skills and wider impact. The items below help you explain what kind of entrepreneur or manager they are, how they run their business, and why you respect them. Each entry includes a short definition and a natural example sentence you can adapt in your answer.
Visionary leader: – Someone who has a clear, long-term idea of where the business should go and inspires others to follow that direction.
Example: She is a visionary leader who mapped out a five-year plan that transformed a small startup into a national brand.
Entrepreneurial spirit: – The willingness to take initiative, innovate, and start new ventures.
Example: His entrepreneurial spirit showed when he launched several small projects that eventually became profitable businesses.
Strategic acumen: – Sharp skills in planning and making business decisions that achieve long-term goals.
Example: Her strategic acumen allowed the company to pivot successfully during a difficult market downturn.
Risk-taking propensity: – A tendency to take calculated risks that can lead to high rewards.
Example: His risk-taking propensity led him to invest in new technology that later paid off handsomely.
Hands-on management: – Actively involved in daily operations rather than delegating everything.
Example: I admired his hands-on management; he spent afternoons on the shop floor listening to employees’ ideas.
Employee-centric policies: – Company rules and practices designed to prioritise staff welfare, development and morale.
Example: She introduced employee-centric policies like flexible hours and training programmes that reduced turnover.
Ethical entrepreneurship: – Running a business in a morally responsible way, respecting people and the law.
Example: His commitment to ethical entrepreneurship meant refusing lucrative deals that compromised product safety.
Corporate social responsibility: – Business initiatives that contribute positively to society and the environment.
Example: Under her leadership, the firm launched CSR programmes that improved local education and sanitation.
Mentorship: – Providing guidance, support and knowledge to less experienced colleagues or entrepreneurs.
Example: He became my mentor, offering practical advice that shaped my approach to problem-solving.
Innovative approach: – Using new ideas, methods or technologies to solve problems or create value.
Example: Her innovative approach to packaging reduced costs and attracted environmentally conscious customers.
Scalability: – The capacity for a business model to grow or be replicated successfully.
Example: The product’s simple design ensured scalability, allowing the business to expand into neighbouring regions.
Brand stewardship: – Careful management and protection of a company’s reputation and identity.
Example: He practised excellent brand stewardship, maintaining quality even when competitors cut corners.
Market insight: – Deep understanding of customer needs, trends and competitive dynamics.
Example: Her market insight enabled the team to identify an unmet need and launch a best-selling service.
Resilience: – The ability to recover from setbacks and persist through challenges.
Example: Despite early failures, his resilience kept him focused until the business succeeded.
Customer-centric philosophy: – A business approach that places customer needs at the heart of decisions.
Example: Their customer-centric philosophy meant every product update started with user feedback.
Financial prudence: – Careful and sensible management of money and resources.
Example: Her financial prudence during the first years helped the company survive its cash-flow crisis.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe a business person whom you admire”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a successful business person you know about.
2) Describe a famous person from your country.
3) Describe someone who is very successful.
4) Describe a famous person you want to meet.
5) Describe a person who has positive contributions to society.
6) Describe someone you admire.
7) Describe someone whom you have never met but would like to spend time with.