Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference

by Guy Kawasaki

Learn how to make a difference to just one life, or the world, by embracing what makes people remarkable In Think Remarkable , tech titan and creator of the Remarkable People podcast Guy Kawasaki delivers a practical, tactical, and sometimes radical discussion of how to make a difference in the world and live a fulfilling life. By synthesizing knowledge from more than 40 years of working with organizations such as Apple, Canva, Google, Mercedes Benz, and Wikipedia, with insights from over 200 extraordinary people, such as Jane Goodall, Olivia Julianna, Stacey Abrams, Steve Wozniak, Mark Rober, and Bob Cialdini, Kawasaki and coauthor Madisun Nuismer offer a roadmap to finding internal remarkableness. In the book, you’ll
An essential guide to focusing on what really matters in life, Think Remarkable is perfect for anyone who wants to make the world―and themselves―a little (or a lot) better.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Audiobook, Self Help, Professional Development, Productivity, Leadership

224 pages, Hardcover

Published March 6, 2024

About the author

I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1954. My family lived in a tough part of Honolulu called Kalihi Valley. We weren’t rich, but I never felt poor-because my mother and father made many sacrifices for my sister and me. My mother was a housewife, and my father was a fireman, real estate broker, state senator, and government official during his long, distinguished career.

I attended Iolani School where I graduated in 1972. Iolani is not as well known as its rival, Punahou because no presidents of the U. S. went there, but I got a fantastic and formative education there. (Punahou is “USC,” and Iolani is “Stanford”—but I digress.) I pay special tribute to Harold Keables, my AP English teacher.He taught me that the key to writing is editing. No one in the universe would be more shocked that I have written ten books (or one book ten times) than Harold Keables.

After Iolani, I matriculated to Stanford; I graduated in 1976 with a major in psychology—which was the easiest major I could find. I loved Stanford. I sometimes wish I could go back in time to my undergraduate days “on the farm.”

After Stanford, I attended the law school at U.C. Davis because, like all Asian-American parents, my folks wanted me to be a “doctor, lawyer, or dentist.” I only lasted one week because I couldn’t deal with the law school teachers telling me that I was crap and that they were going to remake me.

The following year I entered the MBA program at UCLA. I liked this curriculum much better. While there, I worked for a fine-jewelry manufacturer called Nova Stylings; hence, my first real job was literally counting diamonds. From Nova, its CEO Marty Gruber, and my Jewish colleagues in the jewelry business, I learned how to sell, and this skill was vital to my entire career.

I remained at Nova for a few years until the the Apple II removed the scales from my eyes. Then I went to work for an educational software company called EduWare Services. However, Peachtree Software acquired the company and wanted me to move to Atlanta. “I don’t think so.” I can’t live in a city where people call sushi “bait.”

Luckily, my Stanford roommate, Mike Boich, got me a job at Apple; for giving me my chance at Apple, I owe Mike a great debt. When I saw what a Macintosh could do, the clouds parted and the angels started singing. For four years I evangelized Macintosh to software and hardware developers and led the charge against world-wide domination by IBM. I also met my wife Beth at Apple during this timeframe—Apple has been very good to me.

Around 1987, my job at Apple was done. Macintosh had plenty of software by then, so I left to start a Macintosh database company called ACIUS. It published a product called 4th Dimension. To this day, 4th Dimension remains a great database.

I ran ACIUS for two years and then left to pursue my bliss of writing, speaking, and consulting. I’ve written for Macuser, Macworld, and Forbes. I call these the “Wonder Years” as in “I wonder how I came to deserve such a good life.”

In 1989, I started another software company called Fog City Software with three of the best co-founders in the world: Will Mayall, Kathryn Henkens, and Jud Spencer. We created an email product called Emailer which we sold to Claris and then a list server product called LetterRip.

In 1995 I returned to Apple as an Apple fellow. At the time, according to the pundits, Apple was supposed to die. (Apple should have died about ten times in the past twenty years according to the pundits.) My job on this tour of duty was to maintain and rejuvenate the Macintosh cult.

A couple years later, I left Apple to start an angel investor matchmaking service called Garage.com with Craig Johnson of Venture Law Group and Rich Karlgaard of Forbes. Version 2.0 of Garage.com was an investment bank for helping entrepreneurs raise money from venture capitalists. Today, version 3.0 of Garage.com is called Garage Technology Ven

Reviews

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and effective self-help listen.

Guy Kawasaki’s approach in structuring the book was unique because of his position as a popular podcast host. Intermixed with stories about “remarkable” people featured on Guy’s podcast (some I knew, some I didn’t), I felt more invested in Guy’s takeaways on becoming a remarkable person. I also enjoyed the numerous recommendations to other books and online talks with similar self-help themes. I really got a sense of who Guy is and what his values are, many of which we share!

Thanks to Netgalley, RB Media, Guy Kawasaki, Madisun Nuismer, and Perry Daniels for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and practical, this was a great listen for early morning walks. I would compare this favorably to Hidden Potential by Adam Grant, which I got bored with when I realized how targeted towards the majority it is. I'd rather think remarkable ;)

Some tips that I noted because they resonated with me:

- most of the remarkable people interviewed for this book were grinding away in entry-level roles for years until they hit their stride
- a source of missed opportunities is too much pride (!)
- mentorship opportunities come to those that demonstrate their value to those who they hope to learn from
- building a team requires humility and self-confidence: humility to select colleagues that do things that you can't, and then self-confidence to work with them.

I also appreciated the lists for further reading and anecdotes from Guy Kawasaki's interesting career. I felt like the authors really wanted you to gain something and put in the thought and effort to get you there. A good read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc

[Jess M. Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read Think Remarkable by Guy Kawasaki almost entirely in one go b/c started it while traveling. This allowed me to really dive into the concepts explored.

I loved hearing the short stories about extraordinary people, such as Jane Goodall, Olivia Julianna, Stacey Abrams, Steve Wozniak, Mark Rober, and Bob Cialdini. Authors Guy Kawasaki and Madisun Nuismer do a great job summarizing each of these success stories and pulling together each through a theme that shows us how to live remarkably.

This is the type of book you read again when you need inspiration, and I think it would have been great to talk through with friends/a book club. Great narration.

[Charles Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

71%

I think Remarkable is a book that stands out in its simplicity to inspire and give some short narrative references towards other more complex works if you're willing to put in the effort, which is nice. It's not an overly complicated book at all. It's a book anyone can pick up and make the decision to do something remarkable today. And right now. So I appreciate the writing. There are more in-depth works, but for people short on time, this is a very nice narrative which sticks to Guy's principles of doing good things. And it's true to his voice. I also appreciated hearing his voice and sincerity in the audio book.

[Eliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Think Remarkable
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.00/10 overall

Credibility/Research - 7

Authenticity/Uniqueness - 6

Writing - 7

Personal Impact - 5

Intrigue - 6

Logic/Informativeness - 6

Enjoyment - 5

[Daniel E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Guy so I enjoyed this book. Having said that, it's pretty standard good advice for navigating your life and career. Not a lot of new or earth shattering insight.

[Damian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read first couple chapters. Skimmed the rest. Saw Guy at Santa Clara and liked his stories. There is good advice in here. But it is dense/crammed, and my main problem is that he often reacts against a (common) narrative but I don’t get the sense that his ideas are new. I don’t think he would claim they are new either.

[Elliot Grossbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Book Review: "Think Remarkable" by Guy Kawasaki


TL;DR - "Think Remarkable" stands out as a must-read for anyone aiming to make a significant impact in their personal or professional life.



I first was introduced to Guy when I saw his "Art of the Start" book on the shelf of a friend's bookshelf. He didn't read it yet and lent it to me to let him know if it's worthwhile to read.



It was and we both read it.




This was in 2005; I followed that up with Kawasaki 's "Enchantment" which was my favorite title of his until "Wise Guy" was published that chronicles life lessons of Guy over a career and life.




Think Remarkable is now my preferred masterpiece I recommend and once my son finished Wise Guy, he'll be moving on to it.




Kawasaki, a renowned author, venture capitalist, Apple's first Chief Evangelist and currently holding the title with Canva, shares his extensive experience and insights of his own and that of others in a manner that is both engaging and practical. I found "Think Remarkable" to be his most compelling and useful book, offering valuable lessons for readers of all ages.




A few sections that stand out:


🚀 The Art of Starting: Kawasaki emphasizes starting with a solid foundation, focusing on making meaning rather than just money. By aiming to improve the world, success naturally follows.



🎓 Lessons from the Experts: One of the standout features is the integration of insights from Kawasaki’s podcast, "Remarkable People" interviews. He distills lessons from various industry leaders including resilience from entrepreneurs, creativity from artists, and leadership from business executives.



💡Creating a Remarkable Product: Guy stresses the need for innovation and continuous improvement. His step-by-step guide on product development, which includes gathering user feedback and iterating, is invaluable for creating products that truly resonate with customers.





"Think Remarkable" resonated with me due to its blend of practical advice and inspirational insights.



Kawasaki’s emphasis on making meaning aligns with my belief that success is about making a positive impact.



Guy Kawasaki’s "Think Remarkable" is a treasure trove of knowledge and practical advice.



I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to make a significant impact in their personal or professional life. It’s not just about achieving success; it’s about creating something meaningful and lasting.

[The Idea Shop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in Guy Kawasaki’s trademark amiable and engaging style, Think Remarkable is an effervescent read, full of stop and think moments (and some note taking). Offering page after page of actionable and irresistible nuggets of wisdom synthesized from some of Kawaski’s most impactful podcast interviewees Kawasaki’s fifteenth book may be his most potent distillation of inspiring #lifehacks yet.

We knew Kawasaki was the #thoughtleader for us when we read that he took up hockey at the age of 44 and surfing at the age of 60, developments that bring to life one of the key proverbs featured in the book to life: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.” That’s the kind of thinking we need to ensure the year ahead is something special.

From the non-linear paths that icons such as Jane Goodall and Julia Child travelled to achieve their own brand of remarkable thinking, to the roads travelled by lesser-known people such as Martha Nino, whose adventures began as an undocumented baby from Mexico to become a tech executive at Adobe, Kawasaki takes readers step-by-step through the road to remarkable in the footsteps of some individuals who have really made a difference.

Think Remarkable places change and personal growth squarely in the readers hands, encouraging a mindset where “sometimes you win and sometimes you grow”. The book is filled with fitting advice for the fast-moving times we live in, our lifestyle and how we want to live our live in the year(s) to come - and will be handbook for what we hope to be our most remarkable year ever. Highly recommended.

[Mark Nishimura · Rating 5 out of 5]

With full disclosure, I proofread advance copies of Think Remarkable.  Within this book you will find the three foundations on which Guy composes Think Remarkable. Growth, Grit and Grace.  I would like to address Grace.  Watching the incredibly time consuming process of an idea transform into a published book brought me to a question for Guy. Why? His response was that he holds the responsibility to uplift and inspire others, to give back.    In a way, Guy reversed his foundational sequence Grace to Grit to Growth to bring you this book.  His desire to share this information with a younger generation was forged on thousands of hours writing, editing and collaborating in coffee shops, bakeries and most notably, Olive Garden.  Guy never worried if anyone agreed with the concept of this book, he just put his head down and started writing.  For someone at the pinnacle of his career, who could be enjoying a life of leisurely pursuits, Guy stuck to his promise to give back because he wanted to fulfill that commitment.  That self driven obligation of Grace comes back full circle and is brought to fuition in this book. I recommend that you read and gift copies to help Guy leave a truly indelible advantage on someone’s future.

[Peg Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think Remarkable brilliantly captures the essence of the Remarkable People podcast, offering an insightful exploration into what makes people genuinely extraordinary. This book isn't just a compilation of interviews; it's a deep dive into the lives and achievements of individuals like Jane Goodall and Stacey Abrams, celebrated for their meaningful and inspiring contributions. This is an ideal read for those who prefer the depth of a book over a podcast. (like me!)

The standout feature of Think Remarkable is its tangible, actionable guidance. They distill various industry lessons into practical personal and professional growth strategies. This isn't just about being inspired; it's about equipping you with the tools to unlock your potential and carve a path to success.

Think Remarkable is a powerful call to move from the ordinary to the extraordinary. It’s an essential guide for anyone aspiring to lead a remarkable life with the motivation and hands-on strategies necessary for making impactful changes. This book is a must-read for a transformative journey towards a truly remarkable existence.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember Guy Kawasaki as the expert on the Apple Macintosh computer back in the mid-80s. He wrote a column in MacUser magazine and answered readers’ questions regarding the Macintosh line. In this book, “Think Remarkable…,” he puts the onus on us. Broaden your horizon. Expand your personal experiences. Discover your “ikigai” a Japanese term meaning a reason for being. One section I found interesting was personal. Drawing boundaries. Practice saying no more often. Identify and rank your priorities. Assess your capacity and capability. There aren’t enough hours in a day to do everything on your list. Define your limits and communicate them to others. There’s a section on regrets. Something everyone has. Finally, Guy’s interview with Stacy Abrams pretty much sums up the book. What three things does she focus on as she charges out the door? Her response: Be curious. Solve problems. Do good. Growth, grit, grace. Let’s all work on these.

[Cj Otaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

#ThinkRemarkable #NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media, Ascent Audio for the early copy of the audiobook.

It's a bit hard for me to rate a non-fiction book, so I am just rating this in the middle. I loved the concepts here and have learned a thing or two. The specific examples and life stories were awesome to hear, and somehow you will be able to relate too, even if I, as a reader, am just a nobody compared to the people involved. 

The one that stood out the most for me is the concept of grit and being able to be vulnerable, and the conclusion that there is no growth in the comfortable. I loved the author's writing and the introductory quote.

This will be something that will stay on my mind for a week or a month. I highly recommend that everyone read or listen to the audiobook.

[Shooting Arrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I think we all can get caught up in the rhythm or monotony of life. I certainly have from time to time - Im just working Monday - Friday getting it done in life in what could be considered a very boring occupation (insurance). What Guy and Madisun’s book reminds me is that we all have something we can work on and something we want to be remarkable in. Whether it’s work, a relationship or a sport. This book provides some thought provoking idea’s that you can apply. It provides summaries from some truly remarkable people - famous and not famous. It has opened my mind to being more critical of my decisions, how to be vulnerable and honest with myself and others and how we can all work on contributing to society with more grace.

[Myssi Whitfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am older than the target demographic mentioned at the start of the book, but for someone who struggles with imposter syndrome, this was a worthwhile read/listen. Living a remarkable life doesn't mean having to make a huge, immediate impact. It's the things we do on a daily basis to make the world better for those around us, which eventually makes the world a better place. The book is divided into three parts with summaries along the way to help reinforce the information.

This book would be a great gift for high school or college graduates or someone who is considering a change in their life.

The audio was well done and at a good pace.

Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy of the audiobook from NetGalley (RB Media and Ascent Audio). #ThinkRemarkable #NetGalley

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from my Iolani classmate Guy Kawasaki. I can relate to him very well since I had a similar background growing up and parents who made sure that their children got an adequate education to take off on their own. I was also able to build on my high school education and attend a great undergraduate institution (MIT). More important than the actual coursework is learning how to learn and making connections to other remarkable people. I can relate to Guy's stories and advice. There is no straight path in what you end up doing or knowing the people you end up knowing and the vast matrix of connections between people. There are just so many podcasts that I had missed a lot of Guy's Remarkable People. I'm more encouraged to go back and catch those episodes which I missed.

[Foolishly Seasoned · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I even begin? Okay, I thought the book cover was a bit tacky. What is this? 1980s? It was published in 2024! I think that’s the only bad thing I have to say about this book. The book was incredibly interesting and insightful, offering many perspectives you can think about things, meanwhile focusing on the three key points of growth, grit, and grace. It was humbling to read Guy’s thoughts and hear the examples he’s seen of remarkable individuals. I found his points to be refreshing and I learned a lot. Besides being remarkable, it’s clear that he regards Jane Goodall highly and how touching it was for her to write the foreword. What a beautiful friendship. If you get the chance to pick up this book, highly recommend. This is going on my list of rereads.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think Remarkable was an easy and quick read/listen with actionable steps on how to be a remarkable person. I didn’t find the insights and tips in the book new or shocking, but the anecdotes in the book help put some of them in context and I can see how these insights and tips may be helpful to someone who does not regularly read professional development material.

I didn’t have any trouble understanding any of the narrators and I found them all pleasant to listen to.

I liked that each chapter could stand alone so that in the future if I wanted to revisit certain material, I could just listen to that chapter alone without re-listening to the entire book.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pre-ordered the book, received digital access and read each chapter three times. I also bought the ebook to listen while driving. Think Remarkable re-connected the dots, acknowledged what I have lost, what I have gained, and how to pay it forward. I now know the value of Growing, to always have Grit and be Gracious. Either you are a young or older person, this book will show you how to reinvent yourself and be Remarkable again.

Think Remarkable is not a book you read once. Like a great movie, you will want to read it several times.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decently enjoyed this one - it mostly brings me confidence and conviction in like. I’ve gotta continue being bold and doing weird stuff for fun & whimsy lol. I think the thing I’m not doing I should be doing is setting long term goals for myself. It still feels like I’m stuck in waiting survival mode right now, and I don’t think it has to be that way y’know ? Anyways, weird format to it & I did get nervous half way thru bc he made a joke abt Rich dad poor dad and I was a little horrified lol. But no. Not him. ALSO LOL MICHAEL NESMITH MOM MENTION?! NESMITH JUMPSCARE?? MANY CASES

[Mr Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you encounter books by "Silcon Valley titans", you expect a lot of "crushing it", "killing it", and "dominating" this or that. What I appreciate most about Guy's new book is that he dedicates an entire section to Grace. While Growth and Grit have been foundational concepts for a generation of exceptional performers, Grace is what truly sets Remarkable achievers apart. Best of all, it's not all lip service for Guy. He is the embodiment of optimism, joy, and yes - Grace.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book. I had the pleasure of talking with Guy this year on my podcast Find A Podcast About and I heard his voice throughout this book. The way he lays out the path to be remarkable is a must read. You may already be doing some of the things he brings up but if you want to go farther then definitely read this book. Guy writes like he talks and that for me is well worth the price of admission. If you want to be a better person this is your book.

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is…hmm…what word am I looking for? Oh yeah, REMARKABLE! I went in already loving Guy Kawasaki and expected to be entertained. I got so much more. This is a handbook, a guidebook, and a compass. It’s now up there with the work of Dweck, Cialdini, Goodall, and so many other Remarkable people in its pages. WOW. Just WOW!!

[Corey Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Very dense with advice and stories from multiple sources. I will be sharing this book with others because it is the type of book that you keep near and can make a big difference in people's lives. Full disclosure, I was already a big fan of Guy's books and podcasts. This is a great book with broad appeal. You cannot help but be a better person after reading this book.

[Neenz Faleafine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all of his books that I’ve read, this is the one I’ve recommended to my young adult son to read first. It’s a roadmap to becoming remarkable, of course I would choose to empower him with this book. By the time I read through Growth and Grit; Grace was a breath of fresh air of kuleana, purpose coming together.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to Think Remarkable by Guy Kawasaki. I generally enjoy listening to self help and growth mindset material. I cannot say that Guy's book stood out from the crowd although I did like some of the personal details that helped me to understand him and the life he has experienced. I think I will check out his podcast to see if that format resonates better with me.

[Harish Madhavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a digest and key messages from Guy Kawasaki' podcast. Its a booked packed with advice and inspiring anecdotes. Good short read with nudges and useful reminders. I also learnt some inspiring personalities like Jane Godall's research on chimps, Tony Fedall book on Build, Jamie Wilson's Young Gifted and Black and more.

[Bonnie Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid leadership book. Guy Kawasaki argely borrows from others, and intersperses it with his own life experience, but I like for format: If you want to do/be x, then y. This format allows each reader to skip ahead to what they most need. The anecdotes are short, the advice is direct, and the book is a quick read. Perfect for busy people who want to make small or large changes.

[David Siu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stories and good ideas, but it felt rushed and perhaps that's because he tried to cramp too much into a short book. He wanted the book to be short but I think it backfired.

Maybe the experience would be better if I read it instead of listening to it.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Generally I like Guy, but I got halfway through and couldn’t finish. It’s like a cliff notes version of leadership books. For me it just didn’t frame the guidance in a way that was useful or different.