The Power Behind the ‘Power Rangers’ — Haim Saban’s Untold Story for Entrepreneurs

Baran Serhat Özer
3 min readAug 21, 2023

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Haim Saban, a name often synonymous with tenacity, risk-taking, and resilience, is an exemplar for entrepreneurs who dream of reaching astronomical heights. His journey, embroidered with successes and stumbling blocks alike, presents lessons every budding businessperson ought to learn.

Born in 1944 in Alexandria, Egypt, Saban’s life was initially marked with upheaval. His family, being of Jewish descent, found themselves displaced amidst political turmoil, leading them to immigrate to Israel when he was just 12. These early experiences instilled in Saban a resilience and adaptability that would be the cornerstone of his future success.

However, like every influential figure, Saban’s ascendancy was no straight path. His foray into the business world began modestly in the music industry. He started off managing bands in Israel. It was this innate passion for music which would, ironically, bridge him into the television world.

But the crown jewel of Saban’s success story, the one that cemented him as a household name, was his acquisition of the rights to the Japanese show ‘Super Sentai’. Recognizing its potential, he transformed it into the ‘Power Rangers’, a show that would take the 90s by storm. It was a decision punctuated by genius and intuition, a combination that Saban would repeatedly exhibit.

Yet, Saban’s ventures weren’t without their fair share of obstacles. The television industry, notoriously fickle and challenging, presented hurdles that even Saban couldn’t always sidestep. The merger of his company, Saban Entertainment, with Fox Family Worldwide, though initially promising, ended in financial strain. However, this apparent setback only served to showcase his remarkable character.

One of the pivotal lessons that entrepreneurs can derive from Saban’s experience with Fox Family is the value of adaptability. Instead of allowing the failure to deter him, Saban utilized it as a stepping stone. He diversified his investment strategy, plunging into realms as varied as digital platforms and politics.

It’s this undeterred spirit, in the face of adversities, that sets Saban apart. When asked about his modus operandi during crises, he once remarked, “Always have a contingency plan.” This foresight, coupled with an unyielding spirit, has been the fulcrum of his ventures.

In diving deep into the nuances of his business tactics, one discerns a profound lesson — to never get too comfortable. Even amidst colossal success, Saban continuously seeks avenues for expansion and growth. His foray into politics, with significant contributions and influence, is testament to his endless pursuit of influence and evolution.

Moreover, Saban’s decisions often stemmed from a blend of astute business acumen and unwavering gut instinct. This, in itself, is a lesson. While analytics, market studies, and strategic evaluations are essential, the power of intuition, especially in the volatile world of entrepreneurship, cannot be understated.

To burgeoning entrepreneurs, Haim Saban’s journey resonates with golden nuggets of wisdom: adaptability is key; setbacks are but stepping stones; and never underestimate the value of a gut feeling.

From the bustling streets of Alexandria to the glitzy avenues of Hollywood, Saban’s story is a testament to how a blend of grit, intuition, and adaptability can sculpt one’s destiny. His journey, rife with ebbs and flows, serves as an inspiring manual for every entrepreneur seeking to leave an indelible mark on the sands of time.

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