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Unlocked: The Power of You

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Are you aspiring to achieve greater things in life?

This compelling self-help book will inspire you to pursue your biggest dreams, regardless of your background or upbringing. The Power of You illustrates that by unlocking our true, authentic selves, we can unleash our greatest potential in a world without limits, even in the aftermath of a pandemic.

Gezim Gashi recounts his extraordinary journey - from escaping the Kosovo genocide to becoming the first Albanian-Swede to launch a high school institute in the United States - Gezim lays out a path to personal success and fulfillment that is accessible to all, regardless of their background. With his mentorship, readers will be inspired to overcome obstacles and achieve their biggest goals. Gezim Gashi is currently on the ' The Book Tour' across North America, making stops at esteemed institutions such as Harvard University and Yale University. His objective is to motivate individuals to reach new heights in their lives.

Gezim Gashi is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, storyteller, producer, mentor, speaker, educator, branding expert, and partner at the OCS Institute of Arts & Innovation in Los Angeles, California. He has worked with companies such as the Walt Disney Company and Quincy Jones Productions. This is his first book. Originally from Akllap, Kosovo, he grew up in Alvesta, Sweden, and currently resides in both New York City and California.

“A must-read for anyone who wants to unleash their full potential.”
— Dr. Rod Berger, Forbes

"Gezim Gashi is helping others follow their dreams and control their own narrative"
— NBC News

"From Kosovo to Los This wartime refugee is now living the American dream"
— New York Post

" Gezim Gashi’s book teaches you to control your narrative"
— LA Weekly

“Gezim’s breakthrough book tells a story of hope and empowerment for any individual. Focusing on what you can accomplish by setting real goals and owning them.”
— Dr. Chris Mattmann, NASA JPL

“Gezim has a heart for helping others, and that’s exactly what this book serves to do.”
— Alyssa Lein Smith, Quincy Jones Productions

182 pages, Paperback

Published November 23, 2021

19 people are currently reading
524 people want to read

About the author

Gezim Gashi

2 books4 followers

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Elvita Potapova.
159 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2022
Light “one sitting” read. Enjoyed that there were many examples from other self help books that’s on my to-read list.

💡: if you really want to make this book count, use it along with a notebook, cause it gives good tasks through the story
Profile Image for Ayushi Verma.
29 reviews
September 7, 2023
I'm a giant fan of fiction. Somehow, non-fiction is never so much fun for me but in the past year, a friend told me that he liked non-fiction because it helped ease his mind (might be because his emotional quotient was tending to zero, just kidding) in ways that other people might not understand. He liked reading a set of rules laid out for him with scientific or rational explanations. It kind of made me understand why I did not like non fiction. I can only remember liking one such book when I was really young, it was called "Study Smarter" and my entire academic personality is a result of it. Lol. You never know what book touches what part of your mind. That being said, now I'm more interested in memoirs than other kinds of nonfiction and hence took the opportunity to read this piece of work. Most of us are able to declutter our minds ourselves but some of us cannot and in case of that non-fiction books help you out.

Written by a successful Swedish entrepreneur, this book helps you lay out a successful path for your endeavours. A holistic approach that combines giving a thought to take care of your mind, body and soul, that is, social, physical, emotional and mental well-being, this book helps you channel your energy to achieve what you aim for in the most "playful" way. That being said, the promise is not that your path wouldn't be ridden with problems but maybe you'd have fun solving those problems. Honestly, I would have loved if there were more personal anecdotes and less quoting from other people but of course I do understand that some of the points needed to be built around the experiences of others. I hope Gezim Gashi makes you understand the qualities that keep you grounded and the ones that make you want to keep the others happy along with yourself. Way to be a better human and a successful person!

This book is slightly interactive in the sense that the writer has left some pages blank for you to test the different tips that he gives you. You can write while going through it and come back to it later to remind yourself of your goals and ways to achieve it.

If you are a non-fiction reader like my friend, I think you'll like this.
Profile Image for Ekta M.
540 reviews4 followers
September 8, 2023
"I thought about how it must feel for my mom to remember dropping me out of that hospital window to save my life and then watching me speak at Harvard - I was so grateful and proud that i could give her that joy"... says author Gezim Gashi.


Genre - Non Fiction ( Business/self help)


This book is all about how to unlock your unique, authentic selves which will lead you to success regardless of your upbringing/ background.

If you want to unlock the power of you - to arm yourself with genuine authenticity and confidence- first unlock your story.

In this book the author begins by giving an example of his own life story- How his story determined everything that happened with him afterwards. He was thrown out from a hospital window when he was born and Now went on to become the first Albanian- Swede to launch an entertainment high school institute in the United States.

The author lists out factors that will help you maximize your potential and achieve your goals.

He points out that even your ordinary moments, no matter big or little will describe who you are and what you are meant for. It talks about how you can come up with new ideas, take risks, build new opportunities etc.
He shows you how you can fully utilize your talent.

There are also exercises in the book which will help evaluate oneself.

The language is easy and its a fast paced read. It is not like the usual self help books that are filled with quotes but it gives you realistic practical approach.

If you like reading business books then you can definitely pick it up.
Profile Image for Narayani.
Author 3 books7 followers
September 16, 2023
Book: Unlocked: The power of You
Author: Gezim Gashi
Genre: Non Fiction
..
My Rating: 4/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐
..
We all possess the potential to transform our dreams into reality, yet only a select few truly achieve this feat. Gezim, in his literary masterpiece, eloquently elucidates 'WHY.'

Before I delved into the pages of this book, the author's biography deeply resonated with me, compelling me to choose this literary gem. Gezim's journey, from birth to upbringing, instills a profound sense of positivity and a commitment to living life to the fullest while enriching the lives of others.

This book left an indelible imprint on my soul, offering a fresh and unique experience. The author masterfully weaves a tapestry of insights, reminding us that the power to change resides within us. I appreciate how the chapters are thoughtfully titled and the book is ingeniously categorized, featuring sections like 'The Power of You,' 'The Power of Dreams,' and 'The Power of Why.'

This book reads like a valuable life lesson, affording readers ample space and time to absorb its wisdom and contemplate its application in their own lives.

The book's design is aesthetically pleasing, and the author effortlessly establishes a connection with readers. The inclusion of personal experiences enhances the book's credibility and reinforces the profound message the author imparts.

In summary, 'Unlocked: The Power of you' is an outstanding literary achievement. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration and personal growth.
...
Thanks Uncle Gezim... from Now I'm just dreaming BIG.
...
Profile Image for The Biblioraptor (Ankit).
90 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2023
“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”
— Phillip Pullman

Human beings are a highly social species, like many others that walk the earth, but what often sets us apart is the fact that we are also a race that thrives on stories. Throughout history, humans have communicated through cave paintings, created both simple and highly complex epics imparted as songs, instilled social values through fables, shaped spaces through rituals, and even today, we trace the stories of our pasts, which is termed history. Human existence is intertwined with narratives.

Stories shape us, empower us, and often make us human; which is why bards in numerous cultures have been given divine status. Author and entrepreneur Gezim Gashi, in his book "Unlocked: The Power of You," delves into this uniquely human capacity and explores how it can be harnessed for personal empowerment.

“Just three days after he was born, Gezim Gashi was thrown out a hospital window and taken by his family to Sweden as they fled from Kosovo to escape the genocide. He went on to become the first Albanian-Swede to launch an entertainment high school institute in the United States,”
reads the blurb, and from the get-go, we are greeted with Gezim’s personal narrative. From being a “good refugee” kid to a big shot in the global entertainment industry, only one thing has always propelled him forward: the story that he always recounts to himself; his superpower. Gashi convincingly argues that what we tell ourselves about ourselves holds immeasurable power. Self-talk can drive us to heights of greatness as easily as it can lead us to bottomless depravity. In that way, your ideas of your “self” have the potential to “unlock the power of you.”

“Unlocked: The Power of You” unfolds as a comprehensive manual, offering a step-by-step roadmap for crafting one’s narrative of self and, by extension, shaping one’s identity. It begins with the crucial step of self-awareness — understanding ‘what’ makes you unique and ‘how.’ From there, one begins to think about the ‘why.’ To reach such an understanding of the self, one must first reflect profoundly on life experiences, adversities overcome, and strengths these experiences have endowed them with. Gashi emphasizes the importance of empathy and vulnerability, which allow individuals to channel their unique abilities constructively, and the ‘why’ begins to take shape.

One notable facet of Gashi's book is the rich tapestry of concepts, ideas, and quotes he weaves throughout its pages. Drawing from luminaries in fields such as finance, personal development, scientific non-fiction, psychology, and literature — including figures like Stephen R. Covey, James Clear, Robert Fritz, Susan Cain, Carl Jung, and Wolfgang Von Goethe — Gashi underscores that his intention is not to reinvent the wheel but to serve as a catalyst for his readers’ self-development journeys. In this sense, the book becomes a condensed repository of invaluable knowledge from a plethora of diverse sources.

Though “Unlocked: The Power of You” offers a compelling guide to crafting your narrative and boosting your self-identity, some readers might yearn for a more profound exploration of the psychological underpinnings of self-storytelling. The book leans more towards practical guidance and motivational anecdotes, leaving room for a deeper dive into the psychology behind the power of narrative.

To maximize the benefits of this book, I suggest a few best practices:
1. Read it Fast; Read it Slow: Approach the book with versatility. Give it a quick skim to grasp its overall structure and concepts, then delve into a more detailed reading to extract its full potential.
2. Annotate, Highlight, Underline: Treat this book as the workbook that it is meant to be. Engage with it actively by annotating, highlighting, and underlining key insights and exercises.
3. Do Your Homework: Grab a notebook or journal and write your story, step-by-step, as this is not merely a book to be passively consumed; it is a tool for active personal transformation.
4. Make it a Companion: “Unlocked” seamlessly complements other “self-help” books. Consider it a potent addition to your personal growth library, alongside classics like “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind,” “How to Make Friends and Influence People,” “Attitude is Everything,” and many more. Combining insights on personal narrative with other facets of personal development can amplify your growth manifold.

“Unlocked: The Power of You” by Gezim Gashi is a captivating exploration of the immense power of personal narratives. It serves as a reminder that the stories we tell about ourselves wield tremendous influence over our lives. It underscores the fact that each of us possesses the key to unlocking our potential through the stories we choose to tell ourselves. In the words of Patrick Rothfuss, author of “The Kingkiller Chronicle” trilogy,
“It's like everyone tells a story about themselves inside their own head. Always. All the time. That story makes you what you are. We build ourselves out of that story.”
This book also happens to be one of the handful of personal development books released in recent years that have actively held my interest till the end and have provided me with a rewarding experience. I therefore highly recommend taking it up even if you are not someone who often goes for this genre of books.

I thank @penguinindia, @thegezimgashi, and @nainatripathi for the PR copy.
Profile Image for Falguni Jain.
Author 6 books19 followers
September 16, 2023
"Unlocked: The Power of You" by Gezim Gashi is a compelling self-help book that left me hooked from page one. Gashi's writing style is refreshingly simple, making it easy to connect with his message and allowing readers to dive into the content without unnecessary jargon or complexity.

The book is not just a typical read; it's more of a workbook for personal transformation. Gashi emphasizes that to implement the learnings from this book, you have to put in the work. This isn't a passive experience; it's about delving deep into yourself and unlocking your true potential. If you're looking for a quick fix or instant gratification, this book might not be for you. However, if you're willing to introspect and do the inner work, "Unlocked" offers profound insights.

The book is structured into two intertwined parts. The first part is Gezim Gashi's personal narrative. Through his achievements, challenges, and thought processes, he imparts valuable life lessons. His journey is a testament to the idea that regardless of our backgrounds, we can aspire to achieve greatness. This part of the book is a relatively quick read, taking just a few hours to complete.

The second part of the book is the real work. It's the workbook that requires time, effort, and deep self-reflection. Gashi guides readers through exercises and prompts that demand serious contemplation. This is where the book transforms from being a passive reading experience to an active tool for personal growth. To fully engage with this part, you might need weeks or even months.

The author has done a great job of shaking things up by mixing the two parts and not overburdening the reader with just one of the two parts.

The cover design of "Unlocked" is minimal, mirroring the book's straightforward and no-nonsense approach. The writing style is crisp. In a world full of people who believe in quantity, the author accomplishes saying everything with a few words.

I appreciate how Gezim Gashi's approach in "Unlocked: The Power of You" stands out from the typical self-help narrative. In a world where many authors tend to exaggerate their achievements and portray themselves as superheroes, Gashi remains refreshingly humble and grateful throughout his work. He doesn't engage in over-pretentious storytelling but rather shares his experiences with authenticity and humility. This genuine approach adds credibility to his message and makes it more relatable to readers like me who appreciate sincerity in personal development literature.

The book is aimed to be a companion for the reader, and it stays that way.

Gezim Gashi's "Unlocked: The Power of You" isn't just a book; it's a mentorship journey. It's an opportunity to learn from someone who has faced adversity and triumphed, and who is now dedicated to helping others unlock their potential.

In conclusion, if you're ready to embark on a transformative journey and are willing to put in the effort, "Unlocked" is a book that can guide you towards unlocking your true potential. Gezim Gashi's story and insights are a source of inspiration, and his workbook provides a structured path for personal growth and self-discovery. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to make a meaningful change in their life.
Profile Image for Prerna  Shambhavee .
732 reviews7 followers
September 9, 2023
"Unlocked: The Power of You" by Gezim Gashi is an inspiring and motivational self-help book that carries a powerful message of hope, resilience, and the limitless potential within each individual. Gashi's personal journey from escaping the Kosovo genocide to achieving remarkable success in the United States serves as a compelling backdrop to his message that anyone can overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or circumstances.

One of the book's standout features is Author's ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level. He shares his own experiences, challenges, and triumphs in a relatable and authentic manner. This personal touch makes the book not just a guide to success but also a heartfelt account of a remarkable life journey, making it all the more inspiring.

Author's emphasis on authenticity and unlocking one's true self is a refreshing take on the self-help genre. He encourages readers to look within themselves, discover their unique strengths and passions, and use them as a driving force to achieve their goals. This approach is both empowering and accessible, making it applicable to a broad audience.

The book's relevance in the context of the post-pandemic world is noteworthy. Author's message of resilience and limitless potential comes at a time when many individuals may be seeking guidance and motivation to navigate the challenges and uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. His story serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and thrive.

Furthermore, Gezim Gashi's impressive credentials and achievements add credibility to his message. His extensive experience in working with prominent companies like the Walt Disney Company and Quincy Jones Productions, along with his role as a partner at the OCS Institute of Arts & Innovation, demonstrates that he has practical insights to offer readers who aspire to succeed in various fields.

The mention of his 'Unlocked: The Book Tour' at esteemed institutions like Harvard University and Yale University adds another layer of legitimacy to his message, showing that his ideas are resonating with respected academic institutions.

However, it's important to note that self-help books often require a certain level of personal resonance between the author's story and the reader's circumstances. While Gashi's journey is undeniably remarkable and his message is universally encouraging, some readers may find it more relatable than others based on their own life experiences.

In conclusion, "Unlocked: The Power of You" is a motivational and uplifting self-help book that offers readers a powerful message of hope and personal growth. Gezim Gashi's personal journey, combined with his practical insights and emphasis on authenticity, makes this book a valuable resource for individuals looking to unlock their potential and pursue their dreams. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the belief that, regardless of one's background or upbringing, anyone can achieve greatness with determination and self-discovery.
Profile Image for Diti Shah.
218 reviews12 followers
March 30, 2024
Unlocked: the Power of You by Gezim Gashi
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Gezim Gashi’s self-help book “Unlocked: The Power of You” is an engrossing read that captured my attention from the first page. Gashi’s writing style is energizingly straightforward, facilitating readers’ engagement with the topic without superfluous language or complication.

In the book, Gezim Gashi writes about his incredible journey from the genocide in Kosovo to his outstanding achievements as a producer, mentor, and businessman. He inspires readers to follow a similar road of self-discovery and personal development by sharing his life story.

Gashi places a strong emphasis on using introspection to discover one’s actual potential. His helpful advice and easy tasks help people discover who they really are.

I like how “Unlocked: The Power of You” by Gezim Gashi deviates from the conventional self-help story. In a world where many writers want to boast about their accomplishments and present themselves as superheroes, Gashi consistently exhibits a refreshing sense of humility and gratitude in his writing. Instead of narrating stories in an overly arrogant manner, he relates his experiences with humility and honesty. His message gains credibility from this sincere approach, which also helps it resonate with readers like me who value honesty in self-help books.

The goal of the book is to be a companion, and it remains such.
Profile Image for Rahul Vishnoi.
819 reviews26 followers
Read
September 5, 2023
Before I pen a word for the book, let me tell you something about the writer. In 1990, during the ongoing Kosovo (capital city of Prishtina) genocide, a three year old child, Gezim was thrown out of the second storey window of a hospital by his mother, and, fortunately, caught by his uncle. The child then went on to become a popular producer, mentor and entrepreneur.
Now back to the book.
In Unlocked, Gezim stresses upon the vitality of realizing the story of your life. He calls it: The Power of Your Story and writes 'The story you tell yourself about you and your life will determine so much of everything that happens to you afterward.'
In order to write this story of your own life, Gezim tasks the reader with writing down a timeline of their own lives, one year per page, writing down the memorable events and happenings. Reader is encouraged to highlight what they value about themselves and what they regret.
He stresses upon finding memorable moments in this story of your own life.
In essence, the book urges you to dive into your own self with the help of words you write on a paper, to chart down the events and challenges of your life to unlock the power that was always inside you but forgotten and dim.
He writes: 'Having a dream is being in relationship with yourself and your mission.
Profile Image for Ambica Gulati.
108 reviews26 followers
August 27, 2023
His tips for investing time in your skills and talents and remaining committed are simple. He does not ask you to run across continents, but find your goal, work on it and cherish it. Gashi quotes psychologists, mentors, books, authors who have all been an influence in his life. Gashi’s story is one that reignites lost dreams and boosts the morale, “You are the architect, the inventor and the conductor of your world.”
Along with personal examples, he has given simple exercises to find your superpowers. Just keep a big notebook handy when you begin reading the book and jot down your points as you read. The first thing to do on the road to becoming a superhero is to imagine the story that you want to live. To bring this story to life, you have put everything that happened in your life on a timeline. This will begin to give you clarity on the shape that your life has taken, what blocked you, what inspired you and how you can move forward.
Profile Image for Wittygirlwithabook .
119 reviews
September 6, 2023
The "Unlocked: The Power of You" by Gezim Gashi explores the depths of self-discovery, personal development, and bringing forth the latent potential in each of us.

The author entices readers to engage in a transforming examination of the self with his profound insight and captivating narrative. The author combines personal anecdotes,philosophical insights, to connect with readers.

There are also practical exercises mentioned in the book that will help the readers to take a step forward into the journey of self- development and unlocking the potential that has been hidden inside ourselves.

This book helps the readers to introspect and reflect and focus on individual empowerment.It really serves as a guide directing us towards self-discovery and illuminating the path to personal growth.

Overall, a marvelous read.✨

Recommending this book to everyone who wants to unlock their hidden potential. ✨
Profile Image for Saumya.
257 reviews62 followers
September 24, 2023
Unlocked the Power of You is a compelling and magnificent nonfiction book that I was able to complete in a single sitting and did learn a few things from. If you know me, you know how much I cherish reading a good book and recommend it to you all.

When the author wrote "I thought about how it must feel for my mom to remember dropping me out of that hospital window to save my life and then watching me speak at Harvard" it sent literal chills through my body.

Gashi's writing style is simple, he gets into the book without any technical jargon and keeps the book simple so anyone who wants to read this book can pick it up and enjoy the nuggets taught in this book. The author combines his personal anecdotes and stories to bond with the reader. Also, there are a few exercises that you have to complete making it a workbook that helps the readers to take a step to the ultimate unlocking the power within themselves.

overall, I loved this book. It was an amazing read.
Profile Image for Rashmi (Midnight Chapters).
80 reviews7 followers
September 6, 2023
Unlocked: The Power of You by Gezim Gashi is a compelling self-help book that puts the readers on a self-realizing journey to unlock the hidden superpowers within us.

In the book, Gezim Gashi shares his inspiring journey from escaping the Kosovo genocide to his remarkable success as an entrepreneur, producer, and mentor. Through his life story, he encourages readers to embark on a similar path of self-discovery and personal growth.

Gashi emphasizes unlocking one's true potential by reflecting on their own life story. His practical tips and simple exercises guide the readers in uncovering their authentic selves.

For me, it was a refreshing read. I loved the simplicity of it. It was a poignant and powerful read. I highly recommend this book to everyone seeking inspiration and personal development.
Profile Image for Vidhya Thakkar.
1,081 reviews138 followers
December 28, 2023

One thing that I learned from this book is - Set your own narrative, own your story and do not compromise on your dreams.

You can achieve anything you want with the right actions.

Candidly narrated, Gezim Gashi inspires readers to follow and achieve their dreams with the best examples and exercises. He interestingly explains Each concept, helping readers identify the what and how.

The way he begins, by explaining his story and sharing his turning point followed by asking readers to write their story is interesting.

As Gezim says, this book is a series of steps that make it possible to claim your superpowers, I would say this book is a treasure of timely reminders that we all need. A book that we can go to again and again, every time we find ourselves in the state of cluelessness.

Read the full review on the website.
Profile Image for Sonali Sharma.
Author 2 books19 followers
September 13, 2023
The title of the book is quite relevant to the message that the book shares. Apt and precise 🙌

What I liked most about this book is its storytelling approach, personalisation and how vivid the concepts are that revolve around human nature, self awareness and unlocking your true potential.

Being a non fiction freak, I've read quite a number in this genre, but some aspects like the Power of creative collaboration, being your authentic self, the power of play and passion gave some different perspective to me!

For beginners, can you read this?
Yes absolutely, the language is so simple and easy to understand, a smooth ride while reading.

I completed this 2 weeks back in one sitting, now while writing the review I reflect back to my notes and smile :)
Profile Image for Prachi.
383 reviews11 followers
November 30, 2023
It is a book about self-discovery, learning, and realising your potential.
Gezim Gashi has revealed his personal story of how he changed his life and profession. He outlines the path to fulfilment and success for individuals and shows others how to apply what they have learned to achieve the same. This book is packed of helpful advice, realistic tales, and practical recommendations for realising your maximum potential.

Unlocked: The Power of You illustrates that by unlocking our true, authentic selves, we can unleash our greatest potential in a world without limits, even in the aftermath of a pandemic.

The book is very easy to grab and every concepts are written in understanding manner that will undoubtedly for beginners and others as well.

Go for it..
Profile Image for Ax.
27 reviews
July 27, 2025
This is a cozy, comforting book that you would read on a day when you want to lift your spirits. Gezim writes what he does best: establishing an authentic connection with the reader. It felt less like a book and more like a session with your mentor. The first half focused more on making you feel special and great which seemed a little boring but as you proceed he discusses why it is important and the impact it had and how to leverage whatever you have to make the best of it. Great feel-good book!
Profile Image for Rubina G Gomes.
335 reviews50 followers
February 21, 2025
This book felt like a friend helping you realise your true potential.

If you are looking for a simple and warm read that will help you discover your power and live it to the best of your capability, then Unlocked: The Power of You is a must-read!
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