Howard’s age—70—also signals a shift. He’s not a 40-year-old visionary; he’s a seasoned caretaker. His job isn’t to reinvent the wheel; it’s to keep the car on the road. Berkshire’s 60+ operating businesses—from Geico to Dairy Queen—need a steady hand, not a rockstar. As Warren once quipped, “I want someone who won’t do anything stupid.”
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Cultural reference time: Remember the movie The Big Short? The bankers who crashed the economy were all ego. Howard is the opposite. He’s more Michael Scott from The Office—well-meaning, slightly awkward, but deeply moral. In a world of Elon Musks and Sam Bankman-Frieds, that’s refreshing. Humility might be his superpower.
So, What Does He Do All Day?
Before the big news, Howard’s routine was simple: wake at 5:30 AM, check soil moisture, fix a tractor, then study global hunger data. He’s written books on conservation and speaks Swahili from years of work in Africa. Now add board meetings to that mix. But don’t expect him to swap his overalls for a suit. He’s been photographed at Berkshire meetings in a polo shirt and jeans. Practical tip: Dress for the job you want, but always be ready to get your hands dirty.
Fun fact: Howard once gave a TED talk where he said his father taught him to “never ask for a job you can’t do.” That’s why he turned down the CEO role. As chairman, he’s the guardian of the culture, not the operator. Think of him as the lighthouse keeper, not the captain. He ensures the ship doesn’t hit rocks.
Is Howard G. Buffett Married? His Bio, Age, Wife, Kids and Net worth
