Having the qualities of a great leader is essential to succeed in any field, whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, head of a business, or even a celebrity. A quick look at history confirms this truth, as it is those that were able to inspire, motivate, delegate, organize, and listen who are often remembered well after they pass on.

Whether you are inspired by the tactical genius of Sun Tzu, the empathy of Marcus Rashford, or the demanding-yet-visionary style of Steve Jobs, you probably recognize the role of great leadership in achieving success. If that is the case, you might want to listen to what serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist Brook Taube has to say.

In the three decades since starting his career at Bankers Trust, Brook Taube has founded and built multiple billion-dollar companies. He has also helped over 500 companies by providing capital to grow their enterprise, and help thousands of employees across different industries and countries. While doing all of this, Brook has also become well-known for his passion for mentoring and deep empathy.

“I have always considered my father to be my biggest inspiration. As a judge, lawyer and professor, he always tried his best to be fair in his decisions while remaining empathetic and humble,” recalls Brook, a father to three sons and a daughter himself. “He used to say that while it may not be possible to make everyone happy, we can listen to them and be fair.”

Whether adjudicating disputes between his kids or evaluating an investment opportunity, Brook has made sure to let his father’s wisdom be a guiding principle in all of his endeavors. He has been critical of the lack of empathy many leaders have shown during the ongoing tech layoffs as they choose to keep investors happy at the expense of their teams’ mental health and livelihoods.

Brook is no stranger to the challenges a company might face before making such a decision. Having gone through that same dilemma years ago with one of his firms, Brook chose to take most of the financial hit himself. This decision, which most executives and business owners wouldn’t have made, allowed his team to disperse across Wall Street and corporate America without having their livelihoods affected.

“It is difficult to be a small player with the increasingly challenging regulatory environment and high-cost structures in the financial industry,” says Brook. “We had a forward-looking business with great people. I prioritized their well-being because, to me, that is what being a leader is all about: caring about your team.”

Over the past years, Brook has remained a force to be reckoned with in the financial industry, often commenting as an expert on matters like cryptocurrency regulation. As a passionate violin and viola player, he has also served in the past on the boards of the New York Philharmonic and the New Amsterdam Symphony. He is also an avid philanthropist who has donated millions to the arts, mental health, and cancer-fighting initiatives.

Brook is also an advocate for mental and physical health. He often promotes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and participates in various sports, including cycling, skiing, and surfing, to stay active and relieve stress. Dave Jordan Racing, the N.Y.C.-based cycling team that Brook rides for, has described Brook as a “selfless teammate that can do everything from lead-outs to landing on podiums.”

“I don’t think I’ve reached the point where I can confidently call myself a great leader,” Brook admits. “But if I had to pinpoint the qualities that have helped me succeed in leading others, I would say gratitude, hard work, and empathy are key.”

It is comments like this that put Brook’s humility on full display, a quality that his family, friends, and peers attest to and admire.