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Practical Genius: The Real Smarts You Need to Get Your Talents and Passions Working for You
WHAT’S YOUR GENIUS?
Most people consider genius to be a gift, a “lightning bolt from the gods” that strikes people like Einstein or Mozart, but not the rest of us. They see it as a quality—like creativity—that has a magical, exclusive, elusive connotation.
That is simply not true, says Gina Rudan. Every one of us has a capacity for genius. Anyone is capable of achieving something so extraordinary that it could change the game for you, your business, and every aspect of your life. In Practical Genius, Rudan shows you how
• Identify your genius
• Express it in everyday life
• Surround yourself with genius
• Sustain genius for a lifetime of personal and professional satisfaction
• Market your genius to others
Each stage features exercises to guide you along the way, leaving you feeling accomplished and ready for the next stage. The outcome is a profound You have the tools and ability to realize greatness both in and out of the workplace.
UNLEASH YOUR GENIUS
Forget what you think you know about genius. It’s not about having a Mensa I.Q. or painting the Sistine Chapel. Everyone’s got genius, but it’s up to you to find it, put it to work, and watch it change your life. With the help of Practical Genius, you
Identify your genius. Where do your passions and your talents meet? (page 23)
Express your genius. What’s your story, and how do you share it with others? (page 57)
Surround yourself with genius. Who do you need in your tribe? (page 93)
Sustain your genius. How do you feed and care for your genius? (page 135)
Market your genius. Why are your contradictions actually your largest competitive advantage? (page 165)
Most people consider genius to be a gift, a “lightning bolt from the gods” that strikes people like Einstein or Mozart, but not the rest of us. They see it as a quality—like creativity—that has a magical, exclusive, elusive connotation.
That is simply not true, says Gina Rudan. Every one of us has a capacity for genius. Anyone is capable of achieving something so extraordinary that it could change the game for you, your business, and every aspect of your life. In Practical Genius, Rudan shows you how
• Identify your genius
• Express it in everyday life
• Surround yourself with genius
• Sustain genius for a lifetime of personal and professional satisfaction
• Market your genius to others
Each stage features exercises to guide you along the way, leaving you feeling accomplished and ready for the next stage. The outcome is a profound You have the tools and ability to realize greatness both in and out of the workplace.
UNLEASH YOUR GENIUS
Forget what you think you know about genius. It’s not about having a Mensa I.Q. or painting the Sistine Chapel. Everyone’s got genius, but it’s up to you to find it, put it to work, and watch it change your life. With the help of Practical Genius, you
Identify your genius. Where do your passions and your talents meet? (page 23)
Express your genius. What’s your story, and how do you share it with others? (page 57)
Surround yourself with genius. Who do you need in your tribe? (page 93)
Sustain your genius. How do you feed and care for your genius? (page 135)
Market your genius. Why are your contradictions actually your largest competitive advantage? (page 165)
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 29, 2011
"Practical Genius" is one of those rare books that can change you. Make you think differently. Alter your course in life.
The book is based on a simple, powerful premise: "when you are a fully realized person - authentic and entirely visible to the world - you are capable of exceptional accomplishments in your work, in your community, and among your friends and family."
Gina Rudan introduces this beautiful and lofty idea on page 5. And the rest of the book brings that idea to life, delivering a practical, insightful, actionable approach for realizing your own practical genius.
A great book may have a few good ideas. This one has fifty. (Chapters 4 and 5 - on building your network and creating the environment to sustain your genius - are nothing short of brilliant.)
And the payback is tremendous. For individuals, Gina's approach can unlock *huge* potential, making our jobs and lives fundamentally better. For firms, a workforce of "fully realized," engaged employees will be dramatically more productive.
I loved the book. I'll be applying the ideas in my own life and handing out copies to people I care about.
Helping others realize their "Practical Genius" might be the greatest gift you could give them.
The book is based on a simple, powerful premise: "when you are a fully realized person - authentic and entirely visible to the world - you are capable of exceptional accomplishments in your work, in your community, and among your friends and family."
Gina Rudan introduces this beautiful and lofty idea on page 5. And the rest of the book brings that idea to life, delivering a practical, insightful, actionable approach for realizing your own practical genius.
A great book may have a few good ideas. This one has fifty. (Chapters 4 and 5 - on building your network and creating the environment to sustain your genius - are nothing short of brilliant.)
And the payback is tremendous. For individuals, Gina's approach can unlock *huge* potential, making our jobs and lives fundamentally better. For firms, a workforce of "fully realized," engaged employees will be dramatically more productive.
I loved the book. I'll be applying the ideas in my own life and handing out copies to people I care about.
Helping others realize their "Practical Genius" might be the greatest gift you could give them.
April 20, 2019
DNF. Utterly painful. Gina Rudan may be mistaking genius for ego in her overly-hyped, marketified speak. 25% of the book and you've gotten a journey of woman who remade her career after being dissillusioned by the 2007 economic downturn in corporate American and wanted to help people and coach.
The message at this point is almost satirical self-help. How often can one refer to themselves in the 3rd person? There's an aggressive rah-rah tone that borders on toxic positivity if it weren't for the small jabs at various elements of corporate life, needing parental help, and reinforced stereotype enemy-bosses.
There some interesting diagnostic tools which gauge temperature for current passions at one's work and life. To get to them you have to swallow a lot of saccharine.
If you want a super up motivational coach speaker for your corporate event, she's your woman.
The message at this point is almost satirical self-help. How often can one refer to themselves in the 3rd person? There's an aggressive rah-rah tone that borders on toxic positivity if it weren't for the small jabs at various elements of corporate life, needing parental help, and reinforced stereotype enemy-bosses.
There some interesting diagnostic tools which gauge temperature for current passions at one's work and life. To get to them you have to swallow a lot of saccharine.
If you want a super up motivational coach speaker for your corporate event, she's your woman.
January 23, 2025
Ideas from the book:
* Failure is not the opposite of success; it's a stepping stone to success.
* Your genius is the intersection of your natural talents and your passions.
* Your story is your most valuable asset. Learn to tell it well.
* Failure is not the opposite of success; it's a stepping stone to success.
* Your genius is the intersection of your natural talents and your passions.
* Your story is your most valuable asset. Learn to tell it well.
April 4, 2013
Loy Machedo’s Book Review – Practical Genius by Gina Amaro Rudan
In the Self Improvement Universe there are many phases.
Before the buzz words which were used, were Rich, Success, Positive Mental Attitude, Positive Thinking and Sales. Then the phase turned to Secrets, Happiness, Leadership, Management, Attraction, Laws and Spirituality. Now the buzz words seem to be Marketing, Greatness, Happiness, Charisma, Health, Detox and Genius.
And this is where Gina Amarao Rudan book ‘Practical Genius’ comes in.
At first, given its title, anyone would get attracted to it. After all – who does not want to be a Genius like Steve Jobs or Henry Ford or Stephen Hawkings? And given the fact that this book has been endorsed by Seth Godin (Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?, Tribes, Purple Cow) & Daniel H. Pink (A Whole New Mind, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us) – you will surely pick it up.
Let’s check out the contents.
5 Chapters titled:
1) A Spark of Genius – Where the Journey Begins
2) Identify Your Genius – Only you can find it.
3) Express Your Genius – It’s time to tell your own story.
4) Surround Yourself with Genius – You are who you walk with
5) Sustain your Genius – Find what fuels you
6) Market your Genius – Where the Rubber meets the Road
And finally an Epilogue: A Call to Genius – Back to the Beginning.
Now, what worked well for me in this book?
1) Content is very easy to read.
2) Most of the stated tips & suggestions are easy to apply
3) There are a couple of really fresh examples and anecdotes.
What didn’t work well for me in this book?
4) Nothing Revolutionary, Scientific or Thought Provoking stated in this book.
5) Nothing new added to my arsenal of ideas.
6) All stated, this turned out to be a book of Personal Opinions.
Moment of Truth
A nice read for people wanting to get a different point of view and with the possibility of having a few new examples to refresh their mind. Otherwise, for someone like me who is into reading books voraciously – this is a very forgettable book.
Overall Rating
4 out of 10.
Loy Machedo
loymachedo.com | loymachedo.tv
In the Self Improvement Universe there are many phases.
Before the buzz words which were used, were Rich, Success, Positive Mental Attitude, Positive Thinking and Sales. Then the phase turned to Secrets, Happiness, Leadership, Management, Attraction, Laws and Spirituality. Now the buzz words seem to be Marketing, Greatness, Happiness, Charisma, Health, Detox and Genius.
And this is where Gina Amarao Rudan book ‘Practical Genius’ comes in.
At first, given its title, anyone would get attracted to it. After all – who does not want to be a Genius like Steve Jobs or Henry Ford or Stephen Hawkings? And given the fact that this book has been endorsed by Seth Godin (Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?, Tribes, Purple Cow) & Daniel H. Pink (A Whole New Mind, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us) – you will surely pick it up.
Let’s check out the contents.
5 Chapters titled:
1) A Spark of Genius – Where the Journey Begins
2) Identify Your Genius – Only you can find it.
3) Express Your Genius – It’s time to tell your own story.
4) Surround Yourself with Genius – You are who you walk with
5) Sustain your Genius – Find what fuels you
6) Market your Genius – Where the Rubber meets the Road
And finally an Epilogue: A Call to Genius – Back to the Beginning.
Now, what worked well for me in this book?
1) Content is very easy to read.
2) Most of the stated tips & suggestions are easy to apply
3) There are a couple of really fresh examples and anecdotes.
What didn’t work well for me in this book?
4) Nothing Revolutionary, Scientific or Thought Provoking stated in this book.
5) Nothing new added to my arsenal of ideas.
6) All stated, this turned out to be a book of Personal Opinions.
Moment of Truth
A nice read for people wanting to get a different point of view and with the possibility of having a few new examples to refresh their mind. Otherwise, for someone like me who is into reading books voraciously – this is a very forgettable book.
Overall Rating
4 out of 10.
Loy Machedo
loymachedo.com | loymachedo.tv
June 20, 2016
I was pleasantly surprised with the insight I gained from this book. Gina Rudan uses a variety of examples and lessons that accumulate to form a very whole and comprehensive path to find a balance in work and passion.
To be clear, I speed the second half of the book and am commenting about the overall lessons from the novel. I believe she has the right idea towards going about how we should advance our ever-growing lives as a protege through inwardly searching and identifying what our strengths and skills are (for face value), finding the proper relationships (Yoda's) to nurture our genius, and writing (and editing!) your story. I believe the author's message definitely shines through in the 2nd and 3rd section of the book in regards to story telling (editing how you present yourself) and finding the relationships, mentors, friends, etc that supports your growth.
The story that stuck with me was how the Rudan met her husband through speed dating, and how instead of giving the normal data points (DoB, hobbies, education), he went straight to the heart and developed an emotional connection.
how to read- Ultimately, I suggest reading the summaries at the end of each chapter and expanding on which section intrigues you.
To be clear, I speed the second half of the book and am commenting about the overall lessons from the novel. I believe she has the right idea towards going about how we should advance our ever-growing lives as a protege through inwardly searching and identifying what our strengths and skills are (for face value), finding the proper relationships (Yoda's) to nurture our genius, and writing (and editing!) your story. I believe the author's message definitely shines through in the 2nd and 3rd section of the book in regards to story telling (editing how you present yourself) and finding the relationships, mentors, friends, etc that supports your growth.
The story that stuck with me was how the Rudan met her husband through speed dating, and how instead of giving the normal data points (DoB, hobbies, education), he went straight to the heart and developed an emotional connection.
how to read- Ultimately, I suggest reading the summaries at the end of each chapter and expanding on which section intrigues you.
May 24, 2012
Pretty good business, self help book about uncovering your unique gifts and passion in whatever industry (or place) you find yourself. Rudan argues that we are all geniuses or have the potential to be when we wed our hard assets (skills, expertise and abilities) with our soft personal assets (values, passions and creativity). She gives practical advice about expressing your 'genius' through story, effective communication and body language. She advocates cultivating relationships with other geniuses (yodas, ambassodors, your tribe, fat brains) which amplify your genius (while you also invest and cultivate them). This requires both intentionality and commitment. Genius is sustained through physical care, proper boundaries, personal development and play. When it comes to marketing yourself, pay attention to your unique shape.
A lot of this stuff is touted in any number of other business books. But I think Rudan says it well and I liked her idea of practicing your personal 2 minute narrative which gets people to care about you. Seems like a good way to focus your self understanding and communication skills.
A lot of this stuff is touted in any number of other business books. But I think Rudan says it well and I liked her idea of practicing your personal 2 minute narrative which gets people to care about you. Seems like a good way to focus your self understanding and communication skills.
January 23, 2016
I picked this book up at my local dollar tree and it was definitely worth my small investment.
It's a light read but has the potential to make a big impact if you let it. The book is broken into parts, or steps if you will, that guide you onto your own unique path of self discovery. Gina Amaro Rudan provides real life examples and asks thought provoking questions to lead you to find your sweet spot when it comes to skills and passions, and ultimately finding what makes your genius shine. There are activities in which I advise readers to participate if they really want to get the full benefit from reading this book!
It's a light read but has the potential to make a big impact if you let it. The book is broken into parts, or steps if you will, that guide you onto your own unique path of self discovery. Gina Amaro Rudan provides real life examples and asks thought provoking questions to lead you to find your sweet spot when it comes to skills and passions, and ultimately finding what makes your genius shine. There are activities in which I advise readers to participate if they really want to get the full benefit from reading this book!
August 18, 2012
This is like 10 different business/self-help books in one! While much of the information is found in other books, there's some new "meat" here too. Here you'll find tips for all ages, but this would make a special gift for someone in their 20s who is just figuring out what to do with his or her life. Note: Gina gives credit to Herbert Library in North Miami, where she wrote the book, but the actual name is the Glenn Hubert Library.
November 28, 2011
I haven't decided what I really think about this one...I generally agree with the notion that we are all capable of doing something interesting/exciting/good, but I'm not sure that the nuts and bolts of this book really got me there on the HOW. Granted, I didn't follow the directions step by step, but I also didn't see enough science and evidence to support some of the bigger proclamations.
March 25, 2014
the book is like a compilation of all self help books that you have read before. To be fair, I think it's really hard to write an original self help book these days...
the layout of the book is simple with 5 steps:
(1) identify
(2) express
(3) surround
(4) sustain
(5) market
I practically flipped through the book - however, there are interesting bits here and there
the layout of the book is simple with 5 steps:
(1) identify
(2) express
(3) surround
(4) sustain
(5) market
I practically flipped through the book - however, there are interesting bits here and there
November 2, 2011
Ms. Rudan gives the average professional a new vantage point on how to evaluate and brand one's own personal "genius." Great book if you are in the process of making a career change or interested in taking your career to the next level.
February 5, 2012
In the beginning I was a little skeptical where this book was going. By the end I picked up some true insights on how to let my genius flourish. It's light, easy to read and overall a positive experience in finding your authentic self.
July 24, 2012
This is a book that will really make you take a look at yourself. I love books like this that make you think and make you want to get better. Now I just need to figure out where my hard assets and soft assets intersect...
January 1, 2013
Skimmed through a lot of it, but a few key chapters (particularly the ones about "sustaining your genius") made this book worthwhile.
March 1, 2015
Hard core find your self and get going book. Great motivational lecture sounding reading that made me want to take notes and really listen up.
Read
May 26, 2015tuebl
January 17, 2016
Boring. The author got a vanity project published.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews