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Shake the World: It's Not About Finding a Job, It's About Creating a Life
James Marshall Reilly set out to capture the insights of today's brightest business and nonprofit leaders. He conducted in-depth interviews with Tony Hsieh (Zappos), Blake Mycoskie (TOMS), Shawn Fanning (Napster, Rupture, Path), and Jessica Jackley (Kiva, ProFounder), among many others. And he learned that despite their different fields, they're all using similar tools to seize opportunities and redefine success. Embracing a shift in generational values, these young people share a passion for driving powerful global change while creating sustainable organizations that often blur the old boundaries between business and philanthropy.
To really "make it" these days, according to Reilly, you need to break the old corporate mold, ignore the "rules," and create your own opportunities. The true game-changers are the men and women starting their own businesses, inventing jobs that didn't previously exist, and committing themselves fully to attaining astonishing success, however individually defined.
Shake the World reveals the meteoric rise (and the occasional stumbles) of a new generation of business leaders. Reilly brings their stories to life and, along the way, offers clear lessons that you can apply to your own pursuits. For example, you'll learn first-hand how:
• Doug Ulman followed his passions to become CEO of LIVESTRONG.
• Tony Hsieh of Zappos leveraged micro failures to achieve macro success.
• Blake Mycoskie of TOMS responded to ordinary events in an extraordinary way and created a sustainable organization that changed the face of giving and the lives of millions.
• Bobby Chang used counterintuitive thinking to build the global brand Incase, and applies the same techniques to problem-solving in everyday life.
• Jessica Jackley of Kiva and ProFounder harnessed technology in unprecedented ways to build a powerful network and enact palpable, transformational change.
• Elizabeth Gore took a small risk during college that altered the trajectory of her life and ultimately led her to become the Executive Director of Global Partnerships at the UN Foundation.
• Shawn Fanning of Napster fame became a disruptive force in multiple fields as a self-educated pioneer whose endeavors are based on unfettered creativity.
The role models in Shake the World define themselves not by money and title, but by fulfillment and happiness. This book will light your path to greatness if you too want to shake the world. This is not just a book about finding a job. It's a book about creating an inspired life.
- GenresBusinessNonfiction
268 pages
First published December 29, 2011
13 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
James Marshall Reilly
1 book5 followersJames Marshall Reilly is an entrepreneur and journalist who set out on a mission to find out exactly how the most successful of this generation—top business leaders, ideators, humanitarians and social entrepreneurs—have defined and achieved success. And what he discovered is that we have landed in a new place not only in terms of generational expectations and new technology, but in terms of education, perceived limitations, and the job market as well. Now he’s teaching other people—whether they are running a company or looking for their dream job—how they can achieve a higher level of success in this new marketplace.
His book, Shake the World: It’s Not About Finding a Job, It’s About Creating a Life (Penguin/Portfolio, December, 2011), features in-depth interviews with Tony Hsieh (Zappos), Doug Ulman (CEO and President of LIVESTRONG), Bobby Chang (Founder of Incase, the largest supplier/designer of Apple cases in the world), Elizabeth Gore (Executive Director of Global Partnerships at the United Nations Foundation), and Blake Mycoskie (Founder of TOMS), along with many of the other top entrepreneurs, business leaders, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, and humanitarians on the planet. What he learned was that despite their different fields of interest, they’re all using similar tools to seize opportunities and redefine success. But perhaps more importantly, he concluded that the rest of us can model the behaviors of these highly successful individuals as a means to achieve and sustain success of our own, however we may individually define the term.
How is it that some people are able to convert small, seemingly ordinary life experiences into power, money, happiness and global change of unprecedented magnitude? What does microlending in Tanzania have to do with the Industrial Revolution? What can Napster and Netflix teach us about getting a job? How does acting as a disruptive force within industry relate to riding a bike or our own career trajectories? How can taking a series of small, mitigated risks result in a world-changing initiative that saves the lives of millions? How can approaching problems and challenges from unique angles lead to the development of a multimillion-dollar company? And, most importantly, how do these stories relate to us? What can we do to create the lives, careers, and opportunities that will leave us feeling well balanced and happy?
Taking the practical advice given by each of his interview subjects, and falling back on a decade of experience in branding and marketing while working with some of the most celebrated individuals in the world, Reilly hopes to outline a new, actionable blueprint from which we can all craft extraordinary success on our own terms.
His book, Shake the World: It’s Not About Finding a Job, It’s About Creating a Life (Penguin/Portfolio, December, 2011), features in-depth interviews with Tony Hsieh (Zappos), Doug Ulman (CEO and President of LIVESTRONG), Bobby Chang (Founder of Incase, the largest supplier/designer of Apple cases in the world), Elizabeth Gore (Executive Director of Global Partnerships at the United Nations Foundation), and Blake Mycoskie (Founder of TOMS), along with many of the other top entrepreneurs, business leaders, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, and humanitarians on the planet. What he learned was that despite their different fields of interest, they’re all using similar tools to seize opportunities and redefine success. But perhaps more importantly, he concluded that the rest of us can model the behaviors of these highly successful individuals as a means to achieve and sustain success of our own, however we may individually define the term.
How is it that some people are able to convert small, seemingly ordinary life experiences into power, money, happiness and global change of unprecedented magnitude? What does microlending in Tanzania have to do with the Industrial Revolution? What can Napster and Netflix teach us about getting a job? How does acting as a disruptive force within industry relate to riding a bike or our own career trajectories? How can taking a series of small, mitigated risks result in a world-changing initiative that saves the lives of millions? How can approaching problems and challenges from unique angles lead to the development of a multimillion-dollar company? And, most importantly, how do these stories relate to us? What can we do to create the lives, careers, and opportunities that will leave us feeling well balanced and happy?
Taking the practical advice given by each of his interview subjects, and falling back on a decade of experience in branding and marketing while working with some of the most celebrated individuals in the world, Reilly hopes to outline a new, actionable blueprint from which we can all craft extraordinary success on our own terms.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 2, 2013
SHAKE THE WORLD: It’s Not About Finding a Job, It’s About Creating a Life*
Read this book.
I received the book well before Christmas, thinking that I would have time over the holiday. While mildly annoyed that it wasn't on my Kindle or iPad, I dragged the book with me and started reading it on my trip. I never put it down. I couldn't stop reading. I didn't want to stop reading. I didn't want it to end.
Many of the comments, quotes, and praise for the book focused on a younger audience. I could not disagree more. This book is for anyone.
The book focuses on insights, experiences, successes, and fortunately, a few failures of some of the best and brightest leaders in the US today. This synopsis sounds boring. I promise you, the book is not. The stories are fabulous, told with interest, compassion, and energy that brings an excitement to the thoughts of what is possible.
As an HR professional, what I love most of the book, and the supporting stories, is how the author weaves together seemingly unrelated events in peoples' lives and ties the stories together. Good writers do this and Reilly is a really good writer. The stories are intermingled with explanations, personal narratives, and terrific insights.
The voice in my head sounded often like this: Oh how cool is that. Wow, that is so neat. Fabulous. Amazing. Terrific. And so on.
The best story, in my opinion, is the last story. I won't give it away but it could be any of us. Reilly does an incredible knitting together a rather haphazard chain of personal decisions that put the woman where she is now. Many of us have the ability to appreciate hindsight - knowing how what we did previously is connected to where we are now. But for those just starting out, or switching gears, this is a fabulous story.
In Reilly's acknowledgement's he writes this, "To anyone whose story did not make the final edit, I apologize and can assure you that it was only an issue of space and editing." Come on, are you kidding? You have more stories? I want to hear the rest of them! Really. It's that good.
Lastly, what I appreciate most in the book is the way Reilly tells the stories - the stories of people listening to that little voice inside - the prompting, nudging, sometimes cajoling, always-present poking - with no arrogance or bravado. Rather he shares his desire and delight in telling a great story, sharing wit and wisdom and wonder. Urging us to go do something. And that something might just shake the world.
Read this book.
*I received this book as a preview copy, courtesy of the publishing company.
Read this book.
I received the book well before Christmas, thinking that I would have time over the holiday. While mildly annoyed that it wasn't on my Kindle or iPad, I dragged the book with me and started reading it on my trip. I never put it down. I couldn't stop reading. I didn't want to stop reading. I didn't want it to end.
Many of the comments, quotes, and praise for the book focused on a younger audience. I could not disagree more. This book is for anyone.
The book focuses on insights, experiences, successes, and fortunately, a few failures of some of the best and brightest leaders in the US today. This synopsis sounds boring. I promise you, the book is not. The stories are fabulous, told with interest, compassion, and energy that brings an excitement to the thoughts of what is possible.
As an HR professional, what I love most of the book, and the supporting stories, is how the author weaves together seemingly unrelated events in peoples' lives and ties the stories together. Good writers do this and Reilly is a really good writer. The stories are intermingled with explanations, personal narratives, and terrific insights.
The voice in my head sounded often like this: Oh how cool is that. Wow, that is so neat. Fabulous. Amazing. Terrific. And so on.
The best story, in my opinion, is the last story. I won't give it away but it could be any of us. Reilly does an incredible knitting together a rather haphazard chain of personal decisions that put the woman where she is now. Many of us have the ability to appreciate hindsight - knowing how what we did previously is connected to where we are now. But for those just starting out, or switching gears, this is a fabulous story.
In Reilly's acknowledgement's he writes this, "To anyone whose story did not make the final edit, I apologize and can assure you that it was only an issue of space and editing." Come on, are you kidding? You have more stories? I want to hear the rest of them! Really. It's that good.
Lastly, what I appreciate most in the book is the way Reilly tells the stories - the stories of people listening to that little voice inside - the prompting, nudging, sometimes cajoling, always-present poking - with no arrogance or bravado. Rather he shares his desire and delight in telling a great story, sharing wit and wisdom and wonder. Urging us to go do something. And that something might just shake the world.
Read this book.
*I received this book as a preview copy, courtesy of the publishing company.
March 14, 2017
I liked the stories and it is well written, but I think the author should have left himself out of it. If you want to tell your own story, write a memoir. I also wish he had directed it at everyone instead of just "young people".
Ten chapters, most primarily centered on one company or person. There will be an index, but mine doesn't have one because it's an advanced copy.
Companies include: Veritas Prep, TOMS, Global Partnerships for the United Nations Foundation, MAYA Design, FEED Projects, Kiva Microfunds, Livestrong, Profounder, Napster, and Zappos.
I won this through the goodreads first-reads program. It's an advance uncorrected proof.
Ten chapters, most primarily centered on one company or person. There will be an index, but mine doesn't have one because it's an advanced copy.
Companies include: Veritas Prep, TOMS, Global Partnerships for the United Nations Foundation, MAYA Design, FEED Projects, Kiva Microfunds, Livestrong, Profounder, Napster, and Zappos.
I won this through the goodreads first-reads program. It's an advance uncorrected proof.
February 21, 2012
I got this book in a first reads giveaway, and I didn't really know what to expect. I'm a college student, and I LOVED this book. It took me a bit to get into it, but once I saw what he ( and those he interviewed) were saying, I was hooked. I'm not really sure what I want to do with my life, and this book gave me a new perspective on that, which I am very grateful for.
Excellent read!
Excellent read!
Want to read
December 16, 2011Won through the Goodreads First Reads program! Excited to read! :)
February 10, 2012
I received Shake the World as an ARC and I have to say that I really enjoyed reading this book. However, I do agree with some of the previous comments, in that, at times the book seems to be geared toward a younger set—which is great—but I thought the author could have broadened his perspective just a bit to be more inclusive. Having said that, I still found the book to be interesting and thought-provoking and I took away some practical tips to apply in my own life. I felt inspired to do more. So I started in my own community to reach out serve others. I have a passion for reading and I've always wanted to get involved in adult literacy so I recently decided to volunteer at a local program. Reading this book played a huge part in my decision to take this step.
The author interviews several people from different walks of life to find out how they got to where there are now. The common thread is that many of those that are successful in their field do not necessarily do it for the money, but they do it for the opportunity to give back and to serve others. Many of the thriving non-profits featured in the book started with a simple idea to help solve a problem, but then blossomed into self-sustaining programs which continue to serve today.
The author drives home the point that at times it’s necessary for you to let your self decrease so that others may increase, meaning it isn’t always about fame and fortune but it’s about finding your passion and letting that guide you into your intended path. It is there that you will be most fulfilled. Your journey may take different paths until you reach the right road, but if you keep traveling, networking, “crowdsourcing,” or engaging in other outreach efforts, you are bound to find your niche, and thus, Shake the World.
The author interviews several people from different walks of life to find out how they got to where there are now. The common thread is that many of those that are successful in their field do not necessarily do it for the money, but they do it for the opportunity to give back and to serve others. Many of the thriving non-profits featured in the book started with a simple idea to help solve a problem, but then blossomed into self-sustaining programs which continue to serve today.
The author drives home the point that at times it’s necessary for you to let your self decrease so that others may increase, meaning it isn’t always about fame and fortune but it’s about finding your passion and letting that guide you into your intended path. It is there that you will be most fulfilled. Your journey may take different paths until you reach the right road, but if you keep traveling, networking, “crowdsourcing,” or engaging in other outreach efforts, you are bound to find your niche, and thus, Shake the World.
January 15, 2012
In "Shake the World", James Marshall Reilly, describes the personal stories of several individuals that achieved extreme success by unusual and often risky means. Some of the ideas expressed seem counter-intuitive at first such as the best person for the job might not be the person with the most education especially when innovation is essential. Using well know success stories, the author shows how ordinary people 'respond in an extraordinary way to ordinary events.' Often these people took huge risks for ideas that they felt strongly about, and they were profiled because they were successful (I can only imagine how many similar and not as inspiring stories result from supporting unsuccessful risks). Each story is unique and is unlikely to be replicated again successfully; however, all the different examples share the spirit of things that successful people have done. Overall, I think this book tells inspiring stories that may encourage people who are looking to "create a life" rather than get a job to take more risks and to look for a company with a culture that matches their values.
December 21, 2011
Reilly may have intended to talk to 21 year olds but his book should be purchased by everyone 45+. We all are reassessing the meaning of work and the purpose of our education these days. The old model of preparing for college, spending tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars attending school, and then settling into a career to make it work are dead. Although Reilly is addressing the concerns of young adults about to enter a broken system his message is also a beacon to the millions of displaced 40, 50, and 60 year olds who are clinging to the fringe of the broken decaying system.
At it's essence the book is about the fundamental need to continually to learn and reinvent oneself to add value and be economically relevant. Reilly acts as a cheerleader or perhaps workout buddy, encouraging us to push a little harder to get where we want to be. I'd encourage James to write book #2 based on interviews with successful 45+ somethings who've made the switch to the new economy. Until he does I'll ask my generation to take a big deep cleansing breath and then sit down and read this book.
At it's essence the book is about the fundamental need to continually to learn and reinvent oneself to add value and be economically relevant. Reilly acts as a cheerleader or perhaps workout buddy, encouraging us to push a little harder to get where we want to be. I'd encourage James to write book #2 based on interviews with successful 45+ somethings who've made the switch to the new economy. Until he does I'll ask my generation to take a big deep cleansing breath and then sit down and read this book.
January 27, 2012
Many thanks to Goodreads First Reads for sending me this book!
In today's luke-warm (often cold, even freezing) economic waters, good education, solid grades, and determination can often land you exactly...nothing. So you have to reach higher, deeper, look broadly, creatively.
That's exactly what James Marshall Reilly presents to his readers in Shake The World - unusual, sometimes even risky, ways to pursue and achieve not only a career but a lifetime dream. The stories of many high achievers and today's leaders are presented in a fun, energetic way that doesn't feel forced or 'educational' but rather feels like a shared wonder and amazement between the author and his readers.
This is the kind of book that may seem to be geared towards the young generation, those just starting out and searching for their own path. However, I think that the stories here are universal and cross-generational and could be enjoyed by anyone, young or old.
In today's luke-warm (often cold, even freezing) economic waters, good education, solid grades, and determination can often land you exactly...nothing. So you have to reach higher, deeper, look broadly, creatively.
That's exactly what James Marshall Reilly presents to his readers in Shake The World - unusual, sometimes even risky, ways to pursue and achieve not only a career but a lifetime dream. The stories of many high achievers and today's leaders are presented in a fun, energetic way that doesn't feel forced or 'educational' but rather feels like a shared wonder and amazement between the author and his readers.
This is the kind of book that may seem to be geared towards the young generation, those just starting out and searching for their own path. However, I think that the stories here are universal and cross-generational and could be enjoyed by anyone, young or old.
February 24, 2012
I was fortunate to win a copy of this book through the Goodreads giveaway.
This is a collection of interviews with young people who have found themselves extraordinary careers that line up with their dreams and value systems. The author guides the reader through how the business environment has radically changed with this current generation of workers. He discusses how one should be open to interning to get the required experience post college, should be willing to disrupt the current business environment, and should not be afraid to pursue their own business venture that lines up with their values.
He interviews he founders of TOMS shoes, Napster, FEED and many other ventures, and analyzes why he believes that the for profit companies that are philanthropic in their operations are the wave of the future.
There is lots of good information in this book, for businesspeople of all ages, not just those straight out of college who are looking for employment.
This is a collection of interviews with young people who have found themselves extraordinary careers that line up with their dreams and value systems. The author guides the reader through how the business environment has radically changed with this current generation of workers. He discusses how one should be open to interning to get the required experience post college, should be willing to disrupt the current business environment, and should not be afraid to pursue their own business venture that lines up with their values.
He interviews he founders of TOMS shoes, Napster, FEED and many other ventures, and analyzes why he believes that the for profit companies that are philanthropic in their operations are the wave of the future.
There is lots of good information in this book, for businesspeople of all ages, not just those straight out of college who are looking for employment.
June 24, 2012
This is a very inspiring book about building a career or starting a business with purpose and passion. Reilly is an outstanding, twenty-something author writing primarily for his peers, but his message is relevant to anyone who is in the job market.
As I read this book, I found myself measuring my current life against the ideals of my 18-year-old self. I felt pretty good about that analysis, which is somewhat comforting, as I'm not doing so well compared to the somewhat more cynical ideals of my 30-year-old self.
The greatest value of the book is the thoughtful analysis on failure in the final chapter. Successful people, Reilly says, really think of failure differently than unsuccessful people. Successful people learn from failure while the unsuccessful ones internalize failure and identify themselves with it.
Overall, this is certainly a book that I would recommend!
As I read this book, I found myself measuring my current life against the ideals of my 18-year-old self. I felt pretty good about that analysis, which is somewhat comforting, as I'm not doing so well compared to the somewhat more cynical ideals of my 30-year-old self.
The greatest value of the book is the thoughtful analysis on failure in the final chapter. Successful people, Reilly says, really think of failure differently than unsuccessful people. Successful people learn from failure while the unsuccessful ones internalize failure and identify themselves with it.
Overall, this is certainly a book that I would recommend!
February 28, 2012
{I received this ARC as a part of the Goodreads Giveways promotion.}
I really don't know what to make of this book, as it is both informative and irritating. Starting with the introduction (in which the author establishes himself as oddly both name dropping and personally vague), it somehow sets a very arrogant tone for the entire book. The message is really interesting and could be very uplifting, but I just could not shake the feeling of being talked down to. I do think it would've read better if the author had not so aggressively added so much of himself and his own experiences, as at times it read more like a memoir than anything else. This is book is very much worth reading, I just wish it had been written in a different tone.
I really don't know what to make of this book, as it is both informative and irritating. Starting with the introduction (in which the author establishes himself as oddly both name dropping and personally vague), it somehow sets a very arrogant tone for the entire book. The message is really interesting and could be very uplifting, but I just could not shake the feeling of being talked down to. I do think it would've read better if the author had not so aggressively added so much of himself and his own experiences, as at times it read more like a memoir than anything else. This is book is very much worth reading, I just wish it had been written in a different tone.
May 3, 2012
I started this book because I was hoping for some career inspiration. I found it to just skim the surface of many successful people's stories that I did not connect with (except in their ideals/philanthropy). His point is to be authentic and follow your passions and dreams and in this new technological world you can combine starting a company with doing good. I did not find the book much about how to practically create a life built on your dreams. I guess I am cynical since I have not been able to follow my dreams and pay my bills. But maybe I could be by now if I had not compromised so many times. Worth reading, but dry since all the stories are similar. Fun to learn about some companies I had not known about previously.
March 22, 2012
I received this book through the FirstReads program and am so glad that it came into my life. I am currently one of those people who is concerned with resume length and whether or not that necklace was appropriate to wear to my last interview, but because of this book I can look at my situation differently. I'm sending this book to a good friend of mine who is in a similar situation and I know that it will be greatly beneficial to her. How inspiring and insightful!
March 15, 2012
This is no ordinary self-help business or life changing book. This book is plush with insightful commentary, fascinating stories, vibrant energy, and a passion will ignite you, even if you weren't looking for one. James Marshall Reilly invokes a deep inner voice we all possess and plunges it to the surface yearning to work it's magic and shake up the world!
Received from Goodreads to review.
January 10, 2016
Imagine getting info from the brightest people on earth who wanted to take their awesome and make the world a better place.
That's exactly what this book is. It's pretty amazing, even more so as Mr. Reilly got them to open up in their own unique voices. A very, very inspiring book.
That's exactly what this book is. It's pretty amazing, even more so as Mr. Reilly got them to open up in their own unique voices. A very, very inspiring book.
Want to read
February 21, 2012I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
April 3, 2012
Life changing. Definitely directed to college students and recent graduates, but offers great lessons to be learned from anyone at any stage in life.
May 30, 2012
Pleasantly surprised. A little heavy on the similes and metaphors though.
August 7, 2012
This book is cutting edge, creative, and inspirational. Contains great stories about interesting people.
September 13, 2012
Odd style, slightly rambling but good ideas and content
January 4, 2013
Lots and lots of waffle
December 29, 2012
Inspiring stories about entrepreneurs.
February 15, 2016
I love every Page of this book , a lot of motivation ,great stories of failure and success that can only show us perseverance and courage
March 8, 2015
great book overall. loved the summarization style and the all inclusive conclusion really tied things together. motivating.
Read
June 23, 2020The title comes from Gandhi's quote: "In a gentle way, you can shake the world." The full title of this book by James Marshall Riley is actually "Shake the World: It's Not About Finding a Job, it's About Creating a Life." Just by looking at the title, I knew it would be applicable to our lives as AmeriCorps members. The book itself is a combination of interviews with entrepreneurs, along with Riley's own gathered insights as to the way to go about making your job your passion. The premise of the book is that, with the rise of a new generation in the workforce, people want their job to actually have some sort of social impact and meaning in their lives. This has lead to the founding of organizations that break the mold of the traditional work place, be it profit or non-profit. Through a series of interviews, he examines what motivates these people and how they ended up where they are now.
What is amazing is that many of the interviewees achieved such great things at a young age. Which made me feel both unaccomplished and motivated at the same time. The common factor in these initiatives is that they followed their passions and made that their life. And there is no reason anyone else can't do the same thing. The stories are quite astonishing and these people have started highly successful organizations that have had great social impact: Toms shoes, FEED, Yes To Carrots, and Invisible Children, just to name a few. And what is amazing is that they were able to do this with limited resources. Many of these companies started in people's apartments because there was no funding. But what is important is that the causes were so important that the founders did not give up. And many of them had no business experience, but learned along the way.
This raised the question of traditional learning. Especially in a tough economic climate, it's difficult to justify taking on debt in an uncertain job market. It's also interesting to note that many successful companies were founded in times of economic hardship (ie. Apple). All interviewees said that, while educational credentials are important, it is more important to know that an applicant is motivated, interested, creative, and able to think differently. Precisely because the job market is so uncertain, then it is important to know that someone can find ways to work around the economy. Around the system. Figure out a new way to do things. All that jazz. Experience itself can act as education. This is what Riley refers to as the "experience MBA." Many interviewees, mostly the younger ones, expressed that, while an MBA might be great, not having one does not mean that you are intellectually inferior. If you can prove that you have experience, willingness to learn, initiative, and passion, that could be more important than a higher degree in some situations. And that as long as you are pursuing your passion, happiness and success will eventually come to you.
This book really spoke to me because all the interviewees in this book were motivated by their desire to implement social change. And I think that this is a reason many of us chose to do a year with AmeriCorps. Clearly, we aren't in it for the money. We want to help people and know that we are making a difference. And I feel comfortable saying that many of us want to know that our eventual career will also have social impact. This book offered some great motivation and insight for when I'm looking towards my own future.
What is amazing is that many of the interviewees achieved such great things at a young age. Which made me feel both unaccomplished and motivated at the same time. The common factor in these initiatives is that they followed their passions and made that their life. And there is no reason anyone else can't do the same thing. The stories are quite astonishing and these people have started highly successful organizations that have had great social impact: Toms shoes, FEED, Yes To Carrots, and Invisible Children, just to name a few. And what is amazing is that they were able to do this with limited resources. Many of these companies started in people's apartments because there was no funding. But what is important is that the causes were so important that the founders did not give up. And many of them had no business experience, but learned along the way.
This raised the question of traditional learning. Especially in a tough economic climate, it's difficult to justify taking on debt in an uncertain job market. It's also interesting to note that many successful companies were founded in times of economic hardship (ie. Apple). All interviewees said that, while educational credentials are important, it is more important to know that an applicant is motivated, interested, creative, and able to think differently. Precisely because the job market is so uncertain, then it is important to know that someone can find ways to work around the economy. Around the system. Figure out a new way to do things. All that jazz. Experience itself can act as education. This is what Riley refers to as the "experience MBA." Many interviewees, mostly the younger ones, expressed that, while an MBA might be great, not having one does not mean that you are intellectually inferior. If you can prove that you have experience, willingness to learn, initiative, and passion, that could be more important than a higher degree in some situations. And that as long as you are pursuing your passion, happiness and success will eventually come to you.
This book really spoke to me because all the interviewees in this book were motivated by their desire to implement social change. And I think that this is a reason many of us chose to do a year with AmeriCorps. Clearly, we aren't in it for the money. We want to help people and know that we are making a difference. And I feel comfortable saying that many of us want to know that our eventual career will also have social impact. This book offered some great motivation and insight for when I'm looking towards my own future.
November 23, 2021
Ends on a vibe that you too can do it but the found the rest of the book a little self/select group boasting.
Read
January 11, 2015Had to return to library before finished, but I enjoyed what I read...
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews