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No Bootstraps When You're Barefoot
From one of Canada's most successful business leaders, the founder of the BlackNorth Initiative and the newest and first Black Dragon in the Dragon's Den comes a rags-to-riches story that also carries a profound message of hope and change.
Wes Hall spent his early childhood in a zinc-roofed shack, one of several children supported by his grandmother. That was paradise compared to the two years he lived with his verbally abusive and violent mother; at thirteen, his mother threw him out, and he had to live by his wits for the next three years. At sixteen, Wes came to Canada, sponsored by a father he'd only seen a few times as a child, and by the time he was eighteen, he was out of his father's house, once more on his own. Yet Wes Hall went on to become a major entrepreneur, business leader, philanthropist and change-maker, working his way up from a humble position in a law firm mailroom by way of his intelligence, his curiosity, and his ability to see opportunities that other people don't.
When people expected his thick Jamaican accent, lack of money and education, not to mention the colour of his skin, to shut down his future, Wes was not to be stopped. He is still overturning expectations to this day. Well aware of racism and injustice, his lack of privilege and the other roadblocks to his success, Wes has always believed that he can walk along any cliff edge without falling. His book teases out and shows how he fostered that resolve in himself, exploring his childhood and the milestone successes and failures of his career in order to share not only how he stopped himself from falling, but survived and thrived, and then dedicated himself to bringing his family and his community along with him.
Now, with the founding of the BlackNorth Initiative, Wes takes aim at ending systemic anti-Black racism. It's a huge goal, but one he's tackling with heart, soul, smarts, and every connection he's made in an extraordinary career that's taken him to the centre of the Canadian establishment. Throughout his life he's resisted sinking into despair or getting lost in anger; now he wants to tell truth to power and pave a path forward.
Wes Hall spent his early childhood in a zinc-roofed shack, one of several children supported by his grandmother. That was paradise compared to the two years he lived with his verbally abusive and violent mother; at thirteen, his mother threw him out, and he had to live by his wits for the next three years. At sixteen, Wes came to Canada, sponsored by a father he'd only seen a few times as a child, and by the time he was eighteen, he was out of his father's house, once more on his own. Yet Wes Hall went on to become a major entrepreneur, business leader, philanthropist and change-maker, working his way up from a humble position in a law firm mailroom by way of his intelligence, his curiosity, and his ability to see opportunities that other people don't.
When people expected his thick Jamaican accent, lack of money and education, not to mention the colour of his skin, to shut down his future, Wes was not to be stopped. He is still overturning expectations to this day. Well aware of racism and injustice, his lack of privilege and the other roadblocks to his success, Wes has always believed that he can walk along any cliff edge without falling. His book teases out and shows how he fostered that resolve in himself, exploring his childhood and the milestone successes and failures of his career in order to share not only how he stopped himself from falling, but survived and thrived, and then dedicated himself to bringing his family and his community along with him.
Now, with the founding of the BlackNorth Initiative, Wes takes aim at ending systemic anti-Black racism. It's a huge goal, but one he's tackling with heart, soul, smarts, and every connection he's made in an extraordinary career that's taken him to the centre of the Canadian establishment. Throughout his life he's resisted sinking into despair or getting lost in anger; now he wants to tell truth to power and pave a path forward.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published October 4, 2022
22 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 18, 2023
If you want a rags to riches story put this book on your To Read list.
Wes Hall begins his story with the line “I started with nothing” and frankly he started with less than nothing. Every single obstacle was stacked against him from the day he was born Black in rural Jamaica with an abusive mother and an absent father for most of his life raised by his grandmother. His grandmother being the one stable factor in his early life.
At 16-yrs old his father sent for him to come to Canada. Now he is a Black man in a predominantly white country.
What he has achieved is not impossible (obviously) but it takes a good deal of positive thinking, ambition, damn hard work, and a serious work ethic. Referring to this book and his path to success he states this is “not an instruction manual’, but hopes it will inspire.
He has a unique way of approaching racism. Regarding being a Black man in a white dominated society he says: “If I’d tried to ignore who I was and be more like them, I would never have accomplished what I have.” (Pg. 187).
I think Mr. Hall’s story would be inspiring to any person born without pomp and privilege.
Mr. Hall - On page 22 you say you have lots of pictures - I wish you would have shared some with your readers in this book.
Wes Hall begins his story with the line “I started with nothing” and frankly he started with less than nothing. Every single obstacle was stacked against him from the day he was born Black in rural Jamaica with an abusive mother and an absent father for most of his life raised by his grandmother. His grandmother being the one stable factor in his early life.
At 16-yrs old his father sent for him to come to Canada. Now he is a Black man in a predominantly white country.
What he has achieved is not impossible (obviously) but it takes a good deal of positive thinking, ambition, damn hard work, and a serious work ethic. Referring to this book and his path to success he states this is “not an instruction manual’, but hopes it will inspire.
He has a unique way of approaching racism. Regarding being a Black man in a white dominated society he says: “If I’d tried to ignore who I was and be more like them, I would never have accomplished what I have.” (Pg. 187).
I think Mr. Hall’s story would be inspiring to any person born without pomp and privilege.
Mr. Hall - On page 22 you say you have lots of pictures - I wish you would have shared some with your readers in this book.
October 20, 2022
This is Wes Hall's second year on CBC's Dragons' Den and it was nice to get to know more about him.
Hall was born in poverty in Jamaica just over 50 years ago. After he and his siblings were abandoned by their mother, his maternal grandmother took them in and raised them. He was about 10 when his mother had him move in with her and her new family and she abused him physically and emotionally. He ran away when he was about 13 and bounced from friend to friend and until his father, who he barely knew, summoned him to live with him and his family in Toronto. Finding his father's rule too restrictive after all he'd been through, he moved out when he was 18.
His first job was in the mailroom of a law firm, which inspired him to go back to school to become a law clerk. From there, he moved from job to job and industry to industry gaining experience until he finally landed in a proxy solicitation firm. Knowing he could improve how they did things but they wouldn't listen, he struck out on his own and became the entrepreneur he is today.
I thought his story was interesting and must applaud him for all he has accomplished considering his beginnings. I liked the writing style and found it to be honest. I must say, though, that I found the first part of his story more interesting than the end ... I thought there was too much detail when he described leaving the proxy solicitation firm and starting his own company and then competing against them.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2022/10...
Hall was born in poverty in Jamaica just over 50 years ago. After he and his siblings were abandoned by their mother, his maternal grandmother took them in and raised them. He was about 10 when his mother had him move in with her and her new family and she abused him physically and emotionally. He ran away when he was about 13 and bounced from friend to friend and until his father, who he barely knew, summoned him to live with him and his family in Toronto. Finding his father's rule too restrictive after all he'd been through, he moved out when he was 18.
His first job was in the mailroom of a law firm, which inspired him to go back to school to become a law clerk. From there, he moved from job to job and industry to industry gaining experience until he finally landed in a proxy solicitation firm. Knowing he could improve how they did things but they wouldn't listen, he struck out on his own and became the entrepreneur he is today.
I thought his story was interesting and must applaud him for all he has accomplished considering his beginnings. I liked the writing style and found it to be honest. I must say, though, that I found the first part of his story more interesting than the end ... I thought there was too much detail when he described leaving the proxy solicitation firm and starting his own company and then competing against them.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2022/10...
November 10, 2022
Absolutely loved it. A bold memoir with an enlightening perspective of anti-black systemic racism
February 28, 2023
I hadn't heard of Wes Hall though he is on Canada's Dragon Den and also one of Canada's most successful business leaders. The title caught my attention and the first part of the book did not disappoint as it truly is incredible how Hall started out shoeless in Jamaica, abandoned at a young age by his mother, raised by his grandmother, and ultimately taken to Canada by his father to carve out a life for himself. Hall is driven, innovative, creative, and his story is inspiring but the last part of the book was a drag as he gets into business dialogue, proxy language, and that's where the story got a little boring for me. Nevertheless, people in the business community would enjoy that piece and I can't help but admire and respect him after reading the story.
August 10, 2023
This one’s a banger, fam!!!
Very inspiring read.. from his humble beginnings in Jamaica to being the “The King of Bay Street”.
He’s been through everything you can think of and made it on top. Makes me wonder why not me? Very fortunate to pick this up and I hope this book gets the recognition it deserves.
Very inspiring read.. from his humble beginnings in Jamaica to being the “The King of Bay Street”.
He’s been through everything you can think of and made it on top. Makes me wonder why not me? Very fortunate to pick this up and I hope this book gets the recognition it deserves.
February 27, 2023
Wes Hall is one of Canada's most successful business leaders, the founder of the BlackNorth Initiative and the newest and first Black Dragon in the Dragon's Den. This is his rags-to-riches story that also carries a profound message of hope and change. Wes was born in Jamaica and lived in a shack with several others, supported by his grandmother. When he was 11, he moved in with his verbally and physically abusive mother until she threw him out at the age of 13. He was able to contact his father in Canada and when he was 16, his father sponsored his move to Toronto. He ended up leaving his father's home at the age of 18, but being a hard worker with a do not quit attitude, what happened after that is an amazing story of persistence, hard work, intelligence, curiosity and diligence. Wes didn't think it was the colour of his skin or his accent that held him back initially, but when it kept happening, he realized he was up against racism. He didn't let it deter him though.
This is an amazing rags to riches story that had my jaw dropping more than once. From the book description it says "Wes takes aim at ending systemic anti-Black racism. It's a huge goal, but one he's tackling with heart, soul, smarts, and every connection he's made in an extraordinary career that's taken him to the centre of the Canadian establishment. Throughout his life he's resisted sinking into despair or getting lost in anger; now he wants to tell truth to power and pave a path forward." I enjoyed this book as it opened my eyes to all that needs to be changed in Canada, and introduced me to a man who is trying to do just that. I liked his writing style and found it to be honest and interesting. The one issue I had with this book was the amount of detail included when he explained his job working with companies trying to obtain proxy votes. It bogged down for me at that point. Other than that, it was interesting, poignant and I am glad I read it.
This is an amazing rags to riches story that had my jaw dropping more than once. From the book description it says "Wes takes aim at ending systemic anti-Black racism. It's a huge goal, but one he's tackling with heart, soul, smarts, and every connection he's made in an extraordinary career that's taken him to the centre of the Canadian establishment. Throughout his life he's resisted sinking into despair or getting lost in anger; now he wants to tell truth to power and pave a path forward." I enjoyed this book as it opened my eyes to all that needs to be changed in Canada, and introduced me to a man who is trying to do just that. I liked his writing style and found it to be honest and interesting. The one issue I had with this book was the amount of detail included when he explained his job working with companies trying to obtain proxy votes. It bogged down for me at that point. Other than that, it was interesting, poignant and I am glad I read it.
January 27, 2024
This autobiographical read is special for many reasons, including that Wes Hall remains a unique Black businessman and entrepreneur in Canada in 2022. Recommended reading for Black immigrants to Canada - especially those from the Caribbean region; for anyone wanting to understand a perspective on the Black immigrant experience in Canada; and for anyone who wants to be amazed by how this man accomplished extraordinary things with the help - and hinderance - of others but as a result of his intuitive smarts, incredible resilience, and approach to life. I highly recommend this book.
April 8, 2024
Lots to say about this one. It wasn't a hard read for me as I've been interested in Wes' story for a while. I'm happy that he was comfortable sharing the abuse he suffered with his mother and hope that he has taken the steps to walk through all of that. It's time that we talk about the physical and verbal abuse that we suffered in Caribbean homes under the guise of tough love. Not surprised at the reaction from politicians to the concept of initiatives for the advancement of Black people.
Every level has spent years kicking the can down the road to their successors and then suddenly George Floyd happened and everyone's rushing to release a statement 🙄. Now we have a plethora of statements and no action. Hopefully Wes and BlackNorth has the fire, zeal and longevity to keep pressing. With his wealth and status, he can get into a lot of rooms many of us can only dream of.
Every level has spent years kicking the can down the road to their successors and then suddenly George Floyd happened and everyone's rushing to release a statement 🙄. Now we have a plethora of statements and no action. Hopefully Wes and BlackNorth has the fire, zeal and longevity to keep pressing. With his wealth and status, he can get into a lot of rooms many of us can only dream of.
January 10, 2023
Fantastic book!
Hearing Wes describe his upbringing in Jamacia and immigration to Canada was particularly interesting.
He spent the right amount of time describing his business dealings as soon as I was feeling I had enough he moved on to describing his entrepreneurial venture. Although some readers might find this part of the book less engaging.
I learned some things about Jehova Witness' which was interesting, as I had some misconceptions.
Exciting to hear, as described at the end of this book, of how Wes is now focused on working with the Canadian business community to combat anti-black racism.
An engaging story, and it is told well. Highly recommend!!
Hearing Wes describe his upbringing in Jamacia and immigration to Canada was particularly interesting.
He spent the right amount of time describing his business dealings as soon as I was feeling I had enough he moved on to describing his entrepreneurial venture. Although some readers might find this part of the book less engaging.
I learned some things about Jehova Witness' which was interesting, as I had some misconceptions.
Exciting to hear, as described at the end of this book, of how Wes is now focused on working with the Canadian business community to combat anti-black racism.
An engaging story, and it is told well. Highly recommend!!
February 7, 2023
Read this work a work book club. More than just the traditional rags to riches story. Wes continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion in a predominantly white male space of executive leadership.
April 10, 2024
Wes has had a fascinating yet sad childhood. As heartbreaking as it was to read about, it was also inspiring. His drive, determination, and hunger to succeed is unmatched.
I didn't fully understand all the proxy parts during the business chapters near the end, but it was still a well-written book.
I didn't fully understand all the proxy parts during the business chapters near the end, but it was still a well-written book.
September 29, 2023
Well I have to say that I have a new appreciation for the author having just finished his story. I'm very impressed. I really enjoyed the first part of the read and would have enjoyed the last part as much had there been less business detail. I'm sure I will look at him on Dragon's Den now with different eyes.
April 27, 2024
I really enjoyed the first 60% of this book. The last 40% was often very dry, even boring at times. If a large chunk of the last part had been omitted, I'd have added an additional star to my rating. The first part was super interesting and kept me engaged, but mid-way through my enthusiasm waned. I guess I'd recommend this book to others only for the first part, then to maybe skim read the rest if you also begin to lose interest 🤷♀️
February 5, 2023
I was sent this book by someone who had seen Wes Hall interviewed on Steve Pakin. I have never watched Dragon's den, and had no idea who Wes Hall was. I watched the 20 min interview, and instantly found him arrogant but listened anyways to get a sense of his story ahead of reading the book. The $35 hardcover book is about 275 pages long, and is very easy to read. But I have to say my impressions of Mr Hall didn't change much.
Without giving away too many spoilers, he had a difficult childhood in Jamaica basically due to his parents abandoning him. It's horrible for any child to be abused or abandoned. He insists he's over it, but all throughout the book he seems to detail a long line of fractured relationships - parents, coworkers, bosses, and later employees of his companies.
Every company that gives him a chance he ends up spurning, or deserting because they don't bend over backwards to recognize his genius. When he tries to steal clients from his former company it's because 'he's the best' but when they try to steal them back 'it's personal, they're taking food off (his) family's table." Nothing is ever his fault and basically it's always everyone else's fault for 'underestimating him.'
Wes seems to be a very gifted sales person, and was given many opportunities because of his personality, not because he was the best qualified. He talks about it in chapter 18 when he wins the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur award asking the judges why he won because his business was not any more impressive than the other candidates, and got basically told it's because he's black. This seems to be the crux of his issues. He was given opportunities on Bay street because companies were mysteriously were charmed by his personality and image, then he gets put in charge of teams and people who are older, have been there longer, know more, and are better educated and ends up in conflict with them every time. He had several companies where his entire team or those around him quit. Not just once, 2-3x in the book.
And of course, despite all the opportunities, and success, somehow it turns into a negative feedback loop where Wes calls it racism. Self fulfilling prophecy. He talks about his relationships with his 'friend' Ahmed Hussen, who also called Canadians racist in his 2017 Ted Talk despite being extremely successful - appointed to a cabinet position after coming here as a refugee? Come on - rags to riches. And then he talks about how he didn't understand why Trudeau wouldn't talk off script with him in an event and how John Tory was frustrated black people aren't a monolithic culture. And all this for someone who says he is apolitical because of his religion...
There are other chapters such as "Being Black is my super power!" Anyways, despite all his success, and having every door opened and punted up the corporate ladder despite being vastly under qualified, Wes is angry and bitter because as he says on p.266 "I was George Floyd.... My friends were George Floyd. My brothers were George Floyd..." And talks about the 'stereotypes' of black crime only to say one page later his brothers both got into trouble with the law in Canada, one was found in a dumpster and other deported.
Maybe Wes is a great guy, but to me he just comes across as bitter, insecure, ego driven, hypocritical, and angry.
Without giving away too many spoilers, he had a difficult childhood in Jamaica basically due to his parents abandoning him. It's horrible for any child to be abused or abandoned. He insists he's over it, but all throughout the book he seems to detail a long line of fractured relationships - parents, coworkers, bosses, and later employees of his companies.
Every company that gives him a chance he ends up spurning, or deserting because they don't bend over backwards to recognize his genius. When he tries to steal clients from his former company it's because 'he's the best' but when they try to steal them back 'it's personal, they're taking food off (his) family's table." Nothing is ever his fault and basically it's always everyone else's fault for 'underestimating him.'
Wes seems to be a very gifted sales person, and was given many opportunities because of his personality, not because he was the best qualified. He talks about it in chapter 18 when he wins the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur award asking the judges why he won because his business was not any more impressive than the other candidates, and got basically told it's because he's black. This seems to be the crux of his issues. He was given opportunities on Bay street because companies were mysteriously were charmed by his personality and image, then he gets put in charge of teams and people who are older, have been there longer, know more, and are better educated and ends up in conflict with them every time. He had several companies where his entire team or those around him quit. Not just once, 2-3x in the book.
And of course, despite all the opportunities, and success, somehow it turns into a negative feedback loop where Wes calls it racism. Self fulfilling prophecy. He talks about his relationships with his 'friend' Ahmed Hussen, who also called Canadians racist in his 2017 Ted Talk despite being extremely successful - appointed to a cabinet position after coming here as a refugee? Come on - rags to riches. And then he talks about how he didn't understand why Trudeau wouldn't talk off script with him in an event and how John Tory was frustrated black people aren't a monolithic culture. And all this for someone who says he is apolitical because of his religion...
There are other chapters such as "Being Black is my super power!" Anyways, despite all his success, and having every door opened and punted up the corporate ladder despite being vastly under qualified, Wes is angry and bitter because as he says on p.266 "I was George Floyd.... My friends were George Floyd. My brothers were George Floyd..." And talks about the 'stereotypes' of black crime only to say one page later his brothers both got into trouble with the law in Canada, one was found in a dumpster and other deported.
Maybe Wes is a great guy, but to me he just comes across as bitter, insecure, ego driven, hypocritical, and angry.
October 9, 2024
A famous actor once said if you contributed a lot to society and you become well know , you should write your own biography before you die because no one is going to be as honest about who you were more than you. With that said,I think Wes Hall was very smart to write about his unconventional rise in a business industry that very few people are familiar with. The problem is this should’ve been two books, part 1 would deal with his personal journey and part 2, his professional challenges.
I think the length of the title alone grabbed the attention of the reader, that’s what got my attention and kept until the middle of the book when he started detailing his career climb. While most people, including myself, appreciated knowing that influencing shareholders voting on the direction of a company is a very valuable and profitable business skill, I was more captivated by his every day personal life. There is no doubt the Wes Hall did the impossible with the limited formal resources available to him. He used persistence and perseverance as one of his most valuable tools to garner a sit at the table where most of his colleagues were handed a guarantee path to success.
In his biography, Wes talked about being raised for the first 10 years of his life by his maternal grandmother after being abandoned by his mother at 18 months along with his 4 year sister and younger brother. He credited mama , as he called her, who took on the responsibility of a mentally challenging daughter along with him and his 2 other siblings plus his mother’s other children all on a plantation salary. Mama helped build those valuable skilled that he took to the board room.
At the age of 10, Wes was once again reunited with his abusive mother and her new family and the level of abuse she put him through required a warning label to the readers. She eventually threw him out at age 13 which left him wondering from one sympathetic friend’s home to the next until his father invited him to join the family in Canada.
The cultural shock was not the only thing for Wes to overcome . He had to adjust to the family he was not familiar with which didn’t take him long to strike out on his own at 18 years. The struggle was real for him but armed with the weapon of hard work and perseverance, he was able to reach a level of unprecedented success.
I loved the book but I think the tone changed between Wes’s personal story and his professional life and that makes the story drag on longer than was necessary .
I think the length of the title alone grabbed the attention of the reader, that’s what got my attention and kept until the middle of the book when he started detailing his career climb. While most people, including myself, appreciated knowing that influencing shareholders voting on the direction of a company is a very valuable and profitable business skill, I was more captivated by his every day personal life. There is no doubt the Wes Hall did the impossible with the limited formal resources available to him. He used persistence and perseverance as one of his most valuable tools to garner a sit at the table where most of his colleagues were handed a guarantee path to success.
In his biography, Wes talked about being raised for the first 10 years of his life by his maternal grandmother after being abandoned by his mother at 18 months along with his 4 year sister and younger brother. He credited mama , as he called her, who took on the responsibility of a mentally challenging daughter along with him and his 2 other siblings plus his mother’s other children all on a plantation salary. Mama helped build those valuable skilled that he took to the board room.
At the age of 10, Wes was once again reunited with his abusive mother and her new family and the level of abuse she put him through required a warning label to the readers. She eventually threw him out at age 13 which left him wondering from one sympathetic friend’s home to the next until his father invited him to join the family in Canada.
The cultural shock was not the only thing for Wes to overcome . He had to adjust to the family he was not familiar with which didn’t take him long to strike out on his own at 18 years. The struggle was real for him but armed with the weapon of hard work and perseverance, he was able to reach a level of unprecedented success.
I loved the book but I think the tone changed between Wes’s personal story and his professional life and that makes the story drag on longer than was necessary .
July 20, 2025
Audiobook narrated by Christopher Allen and Wes Hall who provides the introduction.
Wes Hall is one of Canada's most successful business leaders, the founder of the BlackNorth Initiative and also the newest and first Black Dragon, in the Dragon's Den. I didn’t know anything about Wes Hall until he appeared on Dragon’s Den. I liked the way he presents himself, listening to the pitch, talking to the seller about their idea, never putting them down.
In Mr. Hall’s biography, you will hear his incredible story, raised from the very humble beginnings in Jamaica. He lived in a zinc-roofed shack and was one of several children supported by his grandmother. That was a paradise compared to the two years he lived with his verbally abusive and violent mother. At thirteen, his mother threw him out of the house and he had to live by his wits for the next three years.
At sixteen and sponsored by a father he didn’t really know, he came to Canada. A huge cultural shock was not the only thing for Wes to overcome as he had to adjust to a family he was not familiar with. It didn’t take him long to strike out on his own at eighteen years old. The struggle was real for him but armed with the weapon of hard work and perseverance, he worked his way up from a humble position in a law firm mailroom. His intelligence, curiosity and his ability to see opportunities that other people didn’t, allowed him to reach a level of unprecedented success. Mr. Hall went on to become a major entrepreneur, business leader, philanthropist and change-maker. His story carries a message of hope and change.
Wes Hall is one of Canada's most successful business leaders, the founder of the BlackNorth Initiative and also the newest and first Black Dragon, in the Dragon's Den. I didn’t know anything about Wes Hall until he appeared on Dragon’s Den. I liked the way he presents himself, listening to the pitch, talking to the seller about their idea, never putting them down.
In Mr. Hall’s biography, you will hear his incredible story, raised from the very humble beginnings in Jamaica. He lived in a zinc-roofed shack and was one of several children supported by his grandmother. That was a paradise compared to the two years he lived with his verbally abusive and violent mother. At thirteen, his mother threw him out of the house and he had to live by his wits for the next three years.
At sixteen and sponsored by a father he didn’t really know, he came to Canada. A huge cultural shock was not the only thing for Wes to overcome as he had to adjust to a family he was not familiar with. It didn’t take him long to strike out on his own at eighteen years old. The struggle was real for him but armed with the weapon of hard work and perseverance, he worked his way up from a humble position in a law firm mailroom. His intelligence, curiosity and his ability to see opportunities that other people didn’t, allowed him to reach a level of unprecedented success. Mr. Hall went on to become a major entrepreneur, business leader, philanthropist and change-maker. His story carries a message of hope and change.
Read
February 6, 2025I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to learn of life in a field workers shack (slave), the strength of spirit of his grandmother and how that stable strong loving start in his life formed the basis of his values, personal drive and work ethic in his adult years. His ability to dissociate (or not be aware) of the racism he experienced was also a factor in how he was able to overcome these situations or not let them hold him back.
I was disturbed with Chapter 11 and the seeking out for membership in the Jehovah Witness religion and was glad it did not continue to be in the forefront of the remainder of the book.
I am disturbed that Wes would be expelled from the group on the basis of his standing up for human rights. I feel Wes' success came at a cost - the cost to his family. Anyone who worked that many hours and commuted that distance sacrificed their family life and influence. Wes and Christine had a "bunch of kids" and I am sure Christine felt like a single parent much of the time and that the children lost out on a lot of time and influence of their father in their formative years. I was surprised that Wes would be so concerned about his membership with the JW's when speculating on being vocal in the black human rights movement and was not concerned (ana apparently neither was the faith) with his addiction to work (workaholic) and the challenges that imminently brought to his family.
I was disturbed with Chapter 11 and the seeking out for membership in the Jehovah Witness religion and was glad it did not continue to be in the forefront of the remainder of the book.
I am disturbed that Wes would be expelled from the group on the basis of his standing up for human rights. I feel Wes' success came at a cost - the cost to his family. Anyone who worked that many hours and commuted that distance sacrificed their family life and influence. Wes and Christine had a "bunch of kids" and I am sure Christine felt like a single parent much of the time and that the children lost out on a lot of time and influence of their father in their formative years. I was surprised that Wes would be so concerned about his membership with the JW's when speculating on being vocal in the black human rights movement and was not concerned (ana apparently neither was the faith) with his addiction to work (workaholic) and the challenges that imminently brought to his family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2025
This is the book I will pass to anyone who wants to complain that immigrants are freeloaders and steal jobs.
It is a remarkable story of Wes, born in Jamaica to a young mother who abandoned him and his siblings. They were lovingly cared for by his grandmother who instilled his work ethic and self worth. His mother came back and took him to live with her and her husband but her life was not as she had envisioned and she mentally and physically abused Wes. His father had moved to Canada and kept in touch, sporadically sending money until at 16, he asked Wes to come to Canada to live with him. His father worked hard to support his family but believed in corporal punishment and after a significant beating at 18, Wes left home. Both in Jamaica and in Canada, he lived on his own and worked to support himself. In Canada, he worked many jobs and was given opportunities that led to his success. But his success is really due to his hard work and ability to never give up despite the obstacles he faced.
In later years, he realized how often he faced systemic racism but chose to ignore it. In the last years he has worked to address systemic racism and has been instrumental in various initiatives that support black entrepreneurs, most notable Black North.
If you don’t feel angry after reading this book and understand that this is an example of systemic racism, you may be part of the problem.
It is a remarkable story of Wes, born in Jamaica to a young mother who abandoned him and his siblings. They were lovingly cared for by his grandmother who instilled his work ethic and self worth. His mother came back and took him to live with her and her husband but her life was not as she had envisioned and she mentally and physically abused Wes. His father had moved to Canada and kept in touch, sporadically sending money until at 16, he asked Wes to come to Canada to live with him. His father worked hard to support his family but believed in corporal punishment and after a significant beating at 18, Wes left home. Both in Jamaica and in Canada, he lived on his own and worked to support himself. In Canada, he worked many jobs and was given opportunities that led to his success. But his success is really due to his hard work and ability to never give up despite the obstacles he faced.
In later years, he realized how often he faced systemic racism but chose to ignore it. In the last years he has worked to address systemic racism and has been instrumental in various initiatives that support black entrepreneurs, most notable Black North.
If you don’t feel angry after reading this book and understand that this is an example of systemic racism, you may be part of the problem.
February 15, 2023
This memoir includes, but is certainly not anchored solely by, eloquently written explanations of systemic racism and Hall’s personal journey as a Black immigrant to recognize it. However, it is full of thoughtful reflections on so many other important topics. Whether discussing mental health, the general immigrant experience, or family conflict, Hall always has a unique perspective to share.
One of the many things that make this book great is how it maintains its intriguing narrative as it touches on vastly different seasons of Hall’s life. The book moves seamlessly through his struggles growing up in Jamaica, experience as a new immigrant, journey with faith, professional trials and success, and finally philanthropic work with a focus on anti-Black racism. Hall provides unique cultural context and thoughtful caveats in all the right moments. This ability to keep my attention was an especially impressive feat when I was reading about the finer details of shareholder advisory cases while on vacation!
One word of caution is the unwavering positivity in Hall’s writing might not appeal to people who prefer a dry, grittier tone to their memoirs. From what I know now, though, it seems authentic to Hall’s values and overall messages. I think everyone would derive a ton of value from reading about his journey.
One of the many things that make this book great is how it maintains its intriguing narrative as it touches on vastly different seasons of Hall’s life. The book moves seamlessly through his struggles growing up in Jamaica, experience as a new immigrant, journey with faith, professional trials and success, and finally philanthropic work with a focus on anti-Black racism. Hall provides unique cultural context and thoughtful caveats in all the right moments. This ability to keep my attention was an especially impressive feat when I was reading about the finer details of shareholder advisory cases while on vacation!
One word of caution is the unwavering positivity in Hall’s writing might not appeal to people who prefer a dry, grittier tone to their memoirs. From what I know now, though, it seems authentic to Hall’s values and overall messages. I think everyone would derive a ton of value from reading about his journey.
January 22, 2023
I did not know about the author or his family history prior to reading this autobiography that was recommended to me. While reading:
I recalled seeing the corrugated tin shacks in the Jamaican countryside from the bus that transported our group from the airport to our all-inclusive resort hotel in Negril for a work conference.
I recalled seeing the accommodations provided by farmers to off-shore workers and being horrified that these workers were housed in barns with a tap to get cold water only.
I recalled growing up in rural Ontario where being a foreigner or DP was a major stigma and no people of colour were seen.
I recalled working for a global Fortune 500 company that embraced and promoted diversity, which was the exception and not the norm.
It was heartbreaking to read about physical and emotional abuse that he was subjected to by his mother.
The author was very wise to embrace the humanity and work ethic of his grandmother and to see the wisdom in being resilient and looking for the opportunities when faced with challenges. A lesson for us all.
I like to think that the author would have succeeded even if his father had not sponsored him to come to Canada.
I recalled seeing the corrugated tin shacks in the Jamaican countryside from the bus that transported our group from the airport to our all-inclusive resort hotel in Negril for a work conference.
I recalled seeing the accommodations provided by farmers to off-shore workers and being horrified that these workers were housed in barns with a tap to get cold water only.
I recalled growing up in rural Ontario where being a foreigner or DP was a major stigma and no people of colour were seen.
I recalled working for a global Fortune 500 company that embraced and promoted diversity, which was the exception and not the norm.
It was heartbreaking to read about physical and emotional abuse that he was subjected to by his mother.
The author was very wise to embrace the humanity and work ethic of his grandmother and to see the wisdom in being resilient and looking for the opportunities when faced with challenges. A lesson for us all.
I like to think that the author would have succeeded even if his father had not sponsored him to come to Canada.
February 22, 2023
Another Canadian biography wildly underrated on Goodreads!
A 4.2 at least.
It reads as practical rather than blatantly pulling at your heart strings. Maybe readers might not care for the chapters on business deals, etc. but the point is well taken that his early life was gruelling, the deprivations crushingly real and his business success improbable. He tells his life story in the vein of 'why should it be this hard' rather than 'poor me, wasn't that terrible'.
Only in the last chapters did I realize the motivation for penning this biography was the BlackNorth initiative started after the latest media awakening when the George Floyd murder was caught on video, and went mainstream viral.
He did indeed spend a lot of his daily life barefoot and in poverty. He lived parts of his childhood with a wildly abusive dysfunctional mother and credits his grandmother's crowded home with providing whatever care and stability kept him sane enough to survive.
Should children in crushing poverty be left to save themselves, as the 'pull yourself up by your own bootstraps' phrase implies? What if there are no boots to begin with? No footwear at all?
no basics: no food, no parents,
A 4.2 at least.
It reads as practical rather than blatantly pulling at your heart strings. Maybe readers might not care for the chapters on business deals, etc. but the point is well taken that his early life was gruelling, the deprivations crushingly real and his business success improbable. He tells his life story in the vein of 'why should it be this hard' rather than 'poor me, wasn't that terrible'.
Only in the last chapters did I realize the motivation for penning this biography was the BlackNorth initiative started after the latest media awakening when the George Floyd murder was caught on video, and went mainstream viral.
He did indeed spend a lot of his daily life barefoot and in poverty. He lived parts of his childhood with a wildly abusive dysfunctional mother and credits his grandmother's crowded home with providing whatever care and stability kept him sane enough to survive.
Should children in crushing poverty be left to save themselves, as the 'pull yourself up by your own bootstraps' phrase implies? What if there are no boots to begin with? No footwear at all?
no basics: no food, no parents,
March 18, 2023
Great beginning to this book. Like so many in third world countries, Wes had a very rough childhood. He had determination and smarts, so when he landed on his feet in Canada he worked his way up the success ladder. Then the arrogance kicked in. At one point he and his employees were working at breakneck speed. Half his employees come into his office to resign. In his manic drive to be the ultimate success he had broken half his staff. Instead of looking in a mirror and asking himself why he had done this to his dedicated employees, he comes to the realization that he made poor choices in hiring people who didn’t have the excessive drive like himself. He determines it is his fault for not seeing that they weren’t willing to give up their LIVES and happiness to be the best there is out there in the business world - to help insure that HE is the super achiever. I actually felt sick when I read this section of the book. Perhaps someday Wes will understand the damage he did to himself, his family, and his employees when he chose to scramble to the top at all costs.
July 3, 2023
I heard Wes Hall interviewed on the radio and knew I wanted to read his book. I recommend the book to others.
The story of the life to date of Wes Hall is inspiring on many levels. He overcame so many obstacles en route to his success. The story of how he never gave up through the many adversities he faced has lessons for many. His efforts to unmask the effects of systemic racism have even more lessons.
As Wes states near the end of his book: "Imagine if we created an opportunity that supported and encouraged people like me instead of pushing us down. Imagine the positive impact that would have , the ideas that would come to life, the success and happiness that would be created."
The story of the life to date of Wes Hall is inspiring on many levels. He overcame so many obstacles en route to his success. The story of how he never gave up through the many adversities he faced has lessons for many. His efforts to unmask the effects of systemic racism have even more lessons.
As Wes states near the end of his book: "Imagine if we created an opportunity that supported and encouraged people like me instead of pushing us down. Imagine the positive impact that would have , the ideas that would come to life, the success and happiness that would be created."
October 7, 2023
Good pace to this autobiography. Covers a broad range of subjects: poverty, immigration, racism, faith (Jehovah’s Witnesses), proxy solicitation and shareholder advisory services, the drive to be the best, and family. I find it fascinating how the author has tried to maintain his commitment to his family, faith and his drive to be the best in his vocation. I believe he shows that this is not possible. My takeaway from this is that “to be the best”, there are many times when one needs to sacrifice family and belief, firmly moving them to second place. I believe the author would say it is worth it. I can’t get there.
January 22, 2023
Wes Hall was always a positive, energetic young man when I worked with him at the start of his Bay Street career. We had no idea he had started life in extreme poverty and lived through violence at the hand of his mother. His quick rise in business is incredible, and he describes in detail how he did it. The obstacles he has faced, especially systemic racism in Canada, are all but insurmountable. His faith and positivity keep him moving forward to improve things for those coming after him. An engrossing read.
Note: to avoid the most difficult parts with violence, skip chapters 4 and 5.
Note: to avoid the most difficult parts with violence, skip chapters 4 and 5.
June 22, 2023
Really resonated with this autobiography. This was a great coming of age story. Jamaica proud... While I'd argue against the accuracy of some of the claims about Jamaica and the culture, I believe it's his experience and that's what matters.
Loved that Mr. Hall also pointed out how growing up in Jamaica with black politicians and leaders, he was naive to the Canadian systemic racism that exists. The way he deals with race throughout this book shows the mindset needed to progress but also that it shouldn't be like this.
Loved that Mr. Hall also pointed out how growing up in Jamaica with black politicians and leaders, he was naive to the Canadian systemic racism that exists. The way he deals with race throughout this book shows the mindset needed to progress but also that it shouldn't be like this.
October 14, 2022
Interesting story of a black immigrant from Jamaica who makes it good in Canada through a combination of smarts, hard work, and luck. I found the book boring towards the end when it focused more on business than Hall's personal life. I had read about this amazing man in the Toronto Star, so it was interesting to read his life story. Hall is a Jehovah's Witness, a surprising detail which he is very upfront about.
December 18, 2023
The first part of this book was really well written - following Wes' story as he grows up.
I lost interest as he went into specific details about his business dealings. This large section of the book didn't particularly interest me.
The book picked up again for me near the end when Wes goes into detail about the systemic racism that black people face in business - and in Canada - and discusses the initiatives that he has implemented to work towards reducing systemic racism.
I lost interest as he went into specific details about his business dealings. This large section of the book didn't particularly interest me.
The book picked up again for me near the end when Wes goes into detail about the systemic racism that black people face in business - and in Canada - and discusses the initiatives that he has implemented to work towards reducing systemic racism.
August 15, 2023
An eye-opening and valuable memoir to read. Hall had the qualities to match (and maximize) the lucky breaks that came his way. His huge success in Canada contrasts with the extreme hardship of his childhood in Jamaica.
I was inspired to read the memoir after hearing bits and pieces of his life in Dragon's Den.
I was inspired to read the memoir after hearing bits and pieces of his life in Dragon's Den.
June 14, 2024
It was a great rag to riches story! I found Wes’ story of his childhood and early adult life very interesting. I also applaud that he has created and continues to create change in regards to systemic racism. The only part I didn’t enjoy was all of the business and work talk; I didn’t understand most of it and lost interest during those chapters.
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