I always get a prickly uncomfortable feeling whenever a business leader comes out and says 'profits aren't the most important thing'. It's this type of wording that can give life to stupid ideas such as 'you can run a business without making a profit'.<p>I also lose respect for business leaders who try and paper over their success with motherhood statements like 'I wasn't in it for the money', when clearly they enjoy the trappings of wealth.<p>People should be proud to state they are chasing a profit, proud to make profits, proud to have successful, profitable businesses. It's impossible to make profits without providing value for other people. Profits (for the most part, over the long run) are just a recognition that you're productive and are providing something of value.<p>My take on this particular piece is that a focus on <i>short term profits</i> is a mistake, and that a focus on long term value through great products and innovation is the right choice. Because long term value creation should necessarily result in profits.<p>But I just wish more people would have the gumption to say 'I made a big set of money hats for myself, my investors and my employees, and I feel great about it'.