Trailblazers and Innovators- Marcello Recommends: Top Visionaries Who Changed The World by George Ilian

Wouldn't be great if someone researched 8 of the most influential minds in the entrepreneurial arena and then put together a very easy-to-read compilation of their greatest hits and misses into a book?  Well, you can thank George Ilian because he wrote "Top Visionaries Who Changed The World."   George did all the hard work by reading countless biographers of innovators, trailblazers, and self-made success stories like Warren Buffet, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.  (Yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger)

As a fan of underdogs like the fictional Rocky Balboa, I was actually more impressed by Oprah and Arnold as opposed to most of the others who all had a pretty cushy childhood and parents who could send them to the best schools.  Yes, they are all silly-brilliant and uber-impressive for their tech or business acumen, but I'll always give more credit to anyone who didn't have the red carpet to success rolled out for them by their fortunate demographic.

If you're like me and you get inspired by the real-life ups and downs of ultra-entrepreneurs, George's book will be worth your time.  And speaking of time, you'll save a bunch of it by reading this instead of 8 full biographies.  :)  

Here are a few quotes that stood out for me...

"The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude." -Oprah

"Strength does not come from winning.  Your struggles develop your strengths.  When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."  -Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"The mind is incredible.  Once you've gained mastery over it, channeling its powers positively for your purposes, you can do anything.  I mean anything.  The secret is to make your mind work for you- not against you." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

"My model for success is the Beatles. They were four guys who kept each other's tendencies in check.  They balanced each other, and the total was greater than the sum of the parts." - Steve Jobs  

"We always overestimate the changes that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten. Don't let yourself be lulled into inaction."  -Bill Gates

"Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough." -Elon Musk

"All of my friends who have younger siblings who are going to college or high school- my number one piece of advice is: You should learn how to program." -Mark Zuckerberg

"The art of delegation is absolutely key." -Richard Branson

"There seems to be some perverse human characteristic that likes to make easy things difficult." -Warren Buffet

That last one is a doozy. :) Do you know anyone who can come up with a problem for every solution? Me too! You won't find them in my circle of influence.

You can pick up a revised and updated version of George’s book, here.

Cheers,

-m