How to Make it Happen: Turning Failure into Success

by Maria Hatzistefanis

Brought to you by Penguin.

Success is not final and failure is not fatal.

Maria Hatzistefanis should know. Having spent 20 years building her own company (described by the press as 'an overnight success'), she acknowledges how hard it is to keep going and find your motivation, especially in the face of self-doubt, rejection and unexpected setbacks.

This punchy, easy to digest book spells out how to motivate yourself and harness your drive and energy to make things happen. With clear guidance, tips and celebrity stories throughout, Maria sums up her business secrets with three golden set your goals; plot your trajectory; make it happen!

This book will help anyone looking to grow their business and enable readers everywhere to find their own 'Make It Happen' mindset. Everyone can learn from this book, no matter where you are in your career.

Maria Hatzistefanis 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Genres: Self Help, Business, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Buisness, Psychology

Audible Audio

Published January 23, 2020

Reviews

[Lauren Nadeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

i didn’t love, nor did i hate reading this book.

i really appreciated the emphasis that the author places on success not being linear. i think that, a lot of the time, when celebrities and influencers speak about their success, they focus on their highlight real and forget about where there they came from, and maria does a great job at straying away from that.

overall, maria gives a lot of good, sound advice, and i love the way her personality shines through her writing.

other than that, this book doesn’t really have much going for it. it was a quick, easy read, but i do find myself wishing i could have gotten more out of the book.

[Muskaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gloomy mix of business and what a successful life looks like. To most of the people, who want to be an overnight success well, sorry to say it's a bromide. You have to work and in right direction, that is what this book thought me. Set your mind to make it happen, let it be a challenge, hustle until you make it happen. Personally, I love it a lot and you can see it has went to love it shelf.

You can read this book if you're an entrepreneur or a common struggler in any field, this is for everyone and unlike other self-help book "it will not bore you" infact you are gonna read it all once you start.

Sending you wishes, thanks to author.

[Ary Chest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I warmed up to Mrs.Rodial, form her last book. I do still think her writing is a bit vapid and dumb, but I also think the glamorous CEO is a genuinely nice person. She seems like someone I'd get a coffee with. So I was drawn to read more of her words.

This was actually better, though the faults from the predecessor book remain. She shows more humility, and the advice is more sound. I do think she writes at her best, when she is looking into the bones of her company, and finding what values make her brand unique. I don't like when she is trying to pull life lessons from stupid anecdotes, like parties she attended or PR events.

Maybe the third book will be more technical, like how to run a business, instead of what makes running her business awesome. That would be nice.

[Nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book at times. It was not profound or life-changing. It's blunt, no-bullshit, it feels like you're talking to a successful friend for advice. It probably won't bring any massive revelations to someone who's really stuck in life but if what you need is a pep-talk and some practical tips this book will be perfect for you. I particularly enjoyed that she put a list of tips and tricks at the end of every topic and I generally agree with all the sentiments in this book. Overall it's a pleasant read and full of some reminder we all need at times.

[iinddiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

So the author of this book is constantly trying to pull life lessons from anecdotes that are not pretty relatable and I don’t think it is the best way to get any apprenticeships.
Anyways I liked the “make it happen secrets” she gives at the end of each chapter and I feel like that is the most useful part of the book.
I’d love more technical advice on how to make your own business or how to enhance your life and then her personal experiences would make much more sense.

[Maria Book_a_boook Tsimpogianni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Κανένας δεν μπορεί να αμφισβητήσει ότι η Μαρία Χατζηστεφανή είναι μία από τις μεγαλύτερες επιχειρηματίες. Σίγουρα κατάφερε πάρα πολλά και θυσίασε και αυτό προσπαθεί να το δείξει και από το δεύτερο βιβλίο της.
Οι θυσίες που έχει κάνει αρκετά μεγάλες για να μπορέσει να κατακτήσει εκείνη η ίδια -όπως λέει - ο,τι επιθυμεί και αυτό προσπαθεί να προβάλλει χαρίζοντας κάποια tips σε ανθρώπους υψηλών κοινωνικών στρωμάτων ή εν δυνάμει επιχειρηματίες. Απέχει παρασάγγας από την καθημερινή εργαζόμενη γυναίκα, από τη θέση της οποίας κάποτε φαντάζομαι ότι βρέθηκε και εκείνη.
Σε κάθε κεφάλαιο προσπαθεί πραγματικά κάτι να πει και να σε συμβουλέψει αλλά αφήνει την αίσθηση ότι δεν φτάνει ακριβώς στην πηγή αλλά το περιγράφει κλωθογυρίζοντας το όπως στο κεφάλαιο των κινήτρων, όπου περιγράφει πώς οι άνθρωποι χάνουν το κίνητρο χωρίς όμως να αναφέρει πώς ακριβώς το κερδίζουν ή πώς το επαναπροσδιορίζουν.
Άλλο ένα παράδειγμα για το οποίο δεν φτάνει στην πηγή είναι η λεγόμενη χρεοκοπία που έζησε. Δεν περιγράφει τα στάδια που πέρασε ή πώς το βίωσε ή και ακόμα πώς έφτασε εκεί (παρουσιάζοντας-βοηθώντας τους εν δυνάμει επιχειρηματίες και τα προβλήματα που μπορεί και εκείνη να αντιμετωπίσουν). Αν το έκανε νομίζω ότι θα ήταν το βιβλίο της πολύ πιο ενδιαφέρον.
Επίσης τρομερή εντύπωση μου έκανε η η σωστή χρήση της γραμματικής και αυτό οφείλεται στην επιμελήτρια της ελληνικής έκδοσης.

[Georgia Burrows · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was.... fine? The specific tips were (mostly) okay, however, none of them are particularly new or groundbreaking (think "Got a big project you can't get through? Break it down into smaller tasks" "Get a morning routine" "Dress for the life you want"). I say mostly fine, because there was an entire chapter where the author name dropped all the designer brands she bought to help her "lift her vibe" (i've never heard "loewe belt" so many times in my life.).

Other parts of this book were just completely bizarre, and felt like the author was just reeling off the different celebrities she's met at various different times, most of which felt totally random, and had nothing to do with the point she was trying to make.

Overall, it just felt like a braggy almost-autobiography masquerading as a self-help book with the odd "tip" at the end of each chapter.

[Mona Sami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read Maria's first book and was very excited to hear that her second book is out. Her style of writing is as if she's talking to you in person and it is very easy to read.

I enjoyed reading her book and as always loved the tips that she gave towards the end of each chapter. However, I felt that her first book was way more informative than her second book (and much more enjoyable to read); maybe because I follow her on social media and I can see what she's up to on a daily basis. The second book was a slight repetition of what I see/hear from her on social media.

I very much enjoy reading about her experiences and respect the length that she's gone through to build her empire. She's absolutely amazing.

[J Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very down to earth. There’s no magic formula, no big and overly theatrical talk with an excess dose of pride. Everything is dosed perfectly. Maria talks about flaws, weaknesses, strength, failures, mistakes and wins very openly. She also talks about when to move on and when to stick to your guts. She uses truly some of her experiences both good and bad to show exemples on how to blend adapting and staying still to reach your potential. The approach is very interesting. That’s a nice change from other books. It’s a breath pf fresh air.

[Justizgedanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To everyone who ever rejected me, a big thank you for making me the person I am today."
Eine Mischung aus Biografie und Selbsthilfe.

+ sehr viele nützliche Tipps zum Umsetzen
+ interessante Eindrücke in die wirkliche Welt eines Gründers & CEO's
+ gute Gliederung
+ am Ende eines Kapitels noch einmal die wichtigsten Punkte zusammengefasst

- einige Stellen sind deckungsgleich mit 'How to be an Overnight Success'
- sehr kurz
- optisch im Inneren eher weniger ansprechend

[Hang Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

when i rate non-fiction it’s more about the writing style and how they portray ideas in an interesting ways more than the content.

so this is definitely a very inspiring, amazing non-fiction novel. it really gets me motivated at times. but at others it was a bit... like the information passes over my head sometimes.

though I really like the writing style, it feels like you’re actually talking to the author.

definitely recommend

this is prob the first non-fiction novel that I really like

[Maddeeha Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A definite read for people who want to sort their priorities and “make it happen”! I genuinely recommend this to people living in their 20’s , as they will have a clear picture into what they want to do when they have certain goals and plans in their lives. Every chapter comes with 10 tips at the end and performing them would make this book even more effective!

[Anjali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A peek into what hustle culture looks like - that's what I would describe this book in once sentence. It's a quick read, jam-packed with motivation and reasons why you should get off your seats and keep working and attain success. I wouldn't say there is anything 'new' to learn from this book, but it's great if you're seeking tips on moving ahead in your career.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book really inspiring and providing me with much motivation! At times, I found it a bit draining to read, but over all, I can recommend this to anyone at the start of their self-development/turning their life around journey!
And a plus, it's really aesthetic and fits the vibe for that rich girl era and bosswoman-aesthetic :)

[Amelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book took me a while to get through, I honestly was not a fan of this, I couldn’t finish this book. Some chapters have good stories on her career, and you can see the authors passion for her business when she writes about the bones of her company. Whereas other chapters just reek of privilege. I’ve read other business books which have been more inspiring and compelling.

[Nou Ra · Rating 4 out of 5]

i'm giving this book 4 stars only because i read "you are a baddass" before it and i found this one more applicable and reasonable,. Again, just like in all self-help books, the author gives the same formula just applied in the fashion and beuaty field so it is more garnished with loewe belts, balenciaga outfits and skincare products.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are so Real! I have read her 1st book overnight success and this her second book is breath taking. I am so glued with each chapter and thank u so much for the checklist after every chapter! Useful guide! Ready to make it happen for me too!

[Thrishitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books that I have ever read. This book gives you the best advise of how you can have your dream life set before you .If anyone is not having a great life do far then do try to read this book as this book gives you the best advise !!! Believe me!

[books_by_georgina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Πρόκειται για ένα βιβλίο που σε γεμίζει με αισιοδοξία και σε βάζει σε έναν τρόπο σκέψης που θα σε βοηθήσει να πετύχεις τους στόχους σου. Διαβάζοντας το, νιώθει κανείς πως υπάρχει μια αμεσότητα, καθώς το αίσθημα ότι σου μιλάει η ίδια η συγγραφέας είναι πολύ δυνατό. Μέσω ενός ανάλαφρου τρόπου γραφής εξιστορεί τις εμπειρίες που έζησε στην ζωή της και το τι την δίδαξαν. Εμπνευσμένη από την καθημερινότητα της, μοιράζεται συμβουλές και tips, για το πως μπορούμε πραγματοποιήσουμε τα όνειρα μας και να φτάσουμε στην κορυφή. Νομίζω πως πιο πολύ μου άρεσε το πρώτο βιβλίο, ίσως βέβαια φταίει και ο ενθουσιασμός μου για εκείνο την πρώτη φορά που το διάβασα. Παρ’ όλα αυτά το συγκεκριμένο ήταν αρκετά καλο. Αν θες να νιώσεις κινητοποίηση και να μάθεις όλα τα μυστικά επιτυχίας που έχει να σου αποκαλύψει η Μαρία Χατζηστεφανη αυτό το βιβλίο είναι για σένα.

[Fernanda Palafox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boost of energy and optimism so you can accomplish your goals, also the tips given at the end of the chapters are quite a treasure.

[Anni · Rating 3 out of 5]

three and a half

[Devika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some self-help books can actually help. This is one of them.

[Yosr Ayari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivational book, especially for people who are starting a new business or just general goals

[Muhd Izzuddin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It such a quick reading.

[⁠♡ Ana Julia ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐

[Malamatenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical advice on how to make it happen

Great hands-on advice from the author's experience to make it happen against various setbacks in business and life in general

[Tay Rayemberly ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

< Be a goal digger>
Yeah, after Overnight Success I've read this and the ratings went straight one to three. This book is far well.

[sleepless.death_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️
Μαρεσε πολύ περισσότερο από το πρώτο, χαίρομαι που του έδωσα μια ευκαιρία.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! She has a nice sense of humor and she really understands the struggle.

[Hally Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book from an inspiring and ambitious female entrepreneur. A short and easy read that was hard to put down. Some things are repeated which is why I haven’t giving 5 stars.