7 most recommended Entrepreneurial Autobiography

[caption id="attachment_5595" align="aligncenter" width="433"] 7 most recommended Entrepreneurial Autobiography[/caption]

Originally, I didn't like the autobiography of the former entrepreneur very much.

Circumstances can be different, but it seems like they are trying to teach, saying, ‘Leaders should be like this.

But today's autobiography is a little different.

It gave me fun and deep resonance as if I was indirectly experiencing the initial start-up process of the company.

Rather than saying this and that, he tells the true story of various anecdotes he has experienced while starting and managing his own business.

These books are immersive and read like a novel.

Today, among the many autobiographies I have read, I would like to introduce 7 books that I would like to recommend.

1. Shoedog- Phil Knight, Founder of Nike

[caption id="attachment_5599" align="aligncenter" width="273"] Shoedog- Phil Knight, Founder of Nike[/caption]

(1) Show without telling

Shoedog is the first masterpiece that comes to mind.

This is the story of the early founding of Nike, a great brand recognized by everyone.

Phil Knight doesn't tell a story, he shows it.

It vividly depicts events that have already passed 50 years as if they were yesterday.

It is a book that stands out with its cinematic-like description and direction. Thanks to Phil Knight, a 24-year-old young man. The emotions, anguish, and excitement he felt when he started his business can be felt in the reader.

Phil Knight reveals his mistakes and flaws without adding or subtracting. Jeff Johnson, his first employee. He confessed that he did not share information with him even though he was a founder of the company and did not reply to letters.

He also speaks frankly about the incident in which he secretly steals the documents of his trading partner Onitsuka, and finds out a plan to betray them.

Reading it, I feel like I am going through all kinds of hardships and successes while doing business with Phil Knight.

(2) Although something is lacking

People who were crazy about shoes When you think of Nike as a person, you think of professionals, elites, and the world's best athletes.

Phil Knight and his founding members are far from that image.

There were people who lacked something or had pain.

They are friendly as they seem to be around one person.

What these imperfect people had in common was that they were "shoedogs" who were passionate about sports and crazy about shoes.

I also thought that ‘a company with a philosophy and a brand that lasts for a long time are created by crazy fans of one thing’.

“Shoedog is someone who is dedicated to shoes. People who risk their lives on shoes use this expression with joy when they see someone like them.”

"They've been focused on shoes for a long time."

“They are shoe enthusiasts, and they have a distinct mental disorder. Their heads are full of thoughts about insoles, soles, linings, and backskins.”

“When I see patients like this, I have a strange affinity for them.”

2. Patagonia, surfing when the waves hit - Patagonia founder Yvonne Chunard

[caption id="attachment_5600" align="aligncenter" width="259"] Patagonia, surfing when the waves hit - Patagonia founder Yvonne Chunard[/caption]

(1) A company founded by enthusiasts who love mountaineering and surfing

If it's the craftsmanship that's crazy about one thing, then this guy can't be left out. Patagonia founder Yvonne Chunard.

He was originally a rock climber.

In 1957 he started the climbing equipment company Shenard this Quintment. He wanted to make a good product for himself and his colleagues.

I always came down with ideas for product improvement while going up and down the mountain, and even while making mountaineering equipment at the blacksmith, when the weather was nice, I went to the mountains and the sea.

He was a craftsman and climber who fueled his passion for dangerous sports with nature and insisted on the perfect product for it.

Patagonia started with people who knew Yvonne Shenard.

In short, it is a company founded by fans of outdoor sports such as mountaineering and surfing.

Still, Yvonne Shenard and his staff say we're more like climbers than entrepreneurs, and that 'the blacksmith that makes the best gear in the world' is our identity

(2) Philosophy of ‘business is a means’

Patagonia is known for its philosophy of ‘Business for the Environment and Sustainability’.

Of course, it was not a company with such a firm philosophy from the beginning.

In the late 1980s, Patagonia's success in the apparel business boomed.

However, there have been several chaoses in supporting the rapid growth rate.

We didn't properly train new leaders, we didn't manage our loan funds, our internal information systems, our office space, and so on.

Eventually, in the early 1990s, the recession hit the company and caused layoffs.

That's when Yvonne Sheenard realizes that he lacks a lot, and he goes to many people for advice.

At the time, he said, “I am a successful climber by some chance, and when I earn enough money, I will sail to the South Pacific by boat, and then I will donate money for the planet.”

Then one adviser said, 'That's bullshit.

If you want to donate, sell the company and use that money to create a foundation.

It was at this point that Yvonne Chunard realized that it was necessary to make the ‘why do business’ clear.

Traveled with his staff and chatted with them. He knew its contents and created a mission statement.

‘Other companies are taking responsibility for the environment and

Being a role model when pursuing sustainability.’
Patagonia's mission was to 'make more companies like that in the world'.

By putting its philosophy in writing and sharing its culture with its employees, Patagonia weathered the crisis.

The book explains how the philosophies and principles that have been built up are melted into HR, management, and marketing.

Whether you like Patagonia missions or not, I think this book is a must-read for anyone interested in organizational missions, identity, and empathy.

3. You'll Never Succeed- Marc Randolph, Founder of Netflix

[caption id="attachment_5601" align="aligncenter" width="240"] You'll Never Succeed- Marc Randolph, Founder of Netflix[/caption]

(1) ‘Real’ Netflix founding story You’ve probably heard of Netflix’s founding story at least once.

'Founder Reed Hastings borrowed a video from a blockbuster rental store, and he returned it late, paying a late fee.

Then he came up with the inspiration for late fee-free service.”

But another co-founder, Marc Randolph, says:

"Yes. Of course, it has to do with the late return of Apollo 13, but we didn't think of Netflix because of late fees."

“When Netflix first started, it was also late fees. The Netflix business idea didn’t come to my mind at a moment of divine revelation.”

“Moments of revelation in startup stories are often simplified or fabricated. But the truth is much more complicated.”

“Actually, the idea started with a customized shampoo. (…) This book is the story of how the custom shampoo idea evolved into Netflix.”

“And it’s a story about how our lives have changed in the process.

Mark Randolph is outspoken about the Netflix behind-the-scenes story.

Before Netflix became the ‘Netflix’ as we know it, it covers the story from 1997, when it was first founded, to 2002, when it survived the dot-com bubble and went public.

Mark Randolph doesn't teach that 'Netflix made it this way'. However, he himself simply wanted to start a business.

In fact, I say in a tone that I did not know well. So it's fun and inspiring.

Netflix was the idea that people were saying, 'You're never going to make it.'

Mark Randolph tells you to do anything first.

Then you'll know for yourself whether the idea is good or not.

(2) Netflix's organizational culture Mark Randolph as the early CEO gathered a team and led the company.

It's also interesting to read how he works and how his values ​​are reflected on Netflix.

“People want you to treat them like adults. I feel a sense of duty and want to accomplish the task.”

“I want a space to do that task. I want to work with people who have respectable skills.”

“People who have the judgment to make responsible decisions are best when they have the freedom to make decisions.”

This philosophy later became a Netflix culture made famous by the slide "Freedom and Responsibility."

 

4. Hard Thing- Loudcloud Founder, Ben Horowitz

[caption id="attachment_5602" align="aligncenter" width="292"] Hard Thing- Loudcloud Founder, Ben Horowitz[/caption]

(1) It's a very dramatic story, so you'll fall in love with it and read it.

“Business is such a struggle.
Get your mind right!”
Hard Thing author, Ben Horowitz
Currently in Silicon Valley
He is one of the famous venture capitalists.
In 1999, it was called Loudcloud.
Founded a venture company,
In 2007, it was sold to Hewlett-Packard.
In the process, numerous crises and
A veteran CEO who has gone through hard times.
Hard Thing shatters the beautiful fantasy that comes to mind when starting a startup.

“Entrepreneurs are heavily armed with a beautiful vision when they start a company”

“We will hire the best employees, create beautiful products, and contribute to the development of the world.”

"But one day you realize that the world doesn't work that way."

"Products are full of problems. Markets don't open. Employees lose confidence. Retirees line up. Cash bottoms out."

"A feeling of fear as if a huge wall was coming in from both sides came over."

“This is a ‘bad battle’, and it is a situation you must face if you run a business.”

Ben Horowitz recounts the difficult situations he experienced himself while firing such a cold fact bombing.

(2) Advice you really need

Ben Horowitz offers extremely realistic advice, stating that most books only talk about how not to make things wrong, but the really difficult and important thing in business is how to be in the worst case and what to do.

How to fire an employee, how to fire an executive, what to do when you need to demote a friend, divert an employee from another company. Dealing with employee misunderstandings. Find the right person for a job you've never done before, etc.

He exudes a force like a veteran general who trains new recruits, explaining the crises he faced in the war one by one.

The remedy is also spicy.
'Hold on to the end, hold on'
‘Is it difficult? nobody cares'
‘CEO is a lonely job by nature’

It may not seem like a good idea until you start a business, but those who are in the business
It is known as a book that sympathizes with, “How is it that my situation is so similar?”

5. What only Disney does- Disney CEO, Robert Iger

[caption id="attachment_5603" align="aligncenter" width="233"] What only Disney does- Disney CEO, Robert Iger[/caption]

(1) From junior staff to global corporate CEO Bob Iger is the only person out today to be a salaryman.

He joined ABC as the youngest staff member, where he worked for 22 years until he became president.

In 1995, Disney acquired ABC and worked for Disney for another 23 years.

He's been with the same company for 45 years. That way you can feel a little different style.

In general, founders have a firm worldview and often have a rebellious temperament.

Bob Iger was a positive person in any situation, good at communication and negotiation, and excellent organizational cohesion.

He didn't even come from a good college, and he started his career as a junior staff member.

But he rose through the ranks, eventually reaching the position of CEO of Disney and becoming a respected executive.

At the beginning of his autobiography, there are many stories about Bob Iger's feelings while serving dozens of bosses, the story of how he eventually resolved conflicts and the stories of good colleagues and trust with the boss.

“You must not let your ambitions go too far ahead of the opportunities presented to you.”
“You lose focus, lose your patience, and become impatient. Ambition backfires.”
“You have to find a balance between ambition and reality.”
“You have to do your job well and be patient, but you have to nurture your attitude and build your energy to be one of those people who can pop into your boss’ mind when the opportunity comes.”

(2) Collecting Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and 21st Century Fox

A story made by the Disney Empire

When Bob Iger first became CEO, Disney was in a downturn.

The organization was becoming rigid, and Disney was losing the reputation it had built up.

How he saved Disney from crisis and built the Disney empire is the highlight of this book.

Most of what Bob Iger did was restore trust and negotiate between stakeholders.

For example, he built a friendship with Steve Jobs, who had completely lost his relationship with Disney, and restored his relationship.

This led to the success of the acquisition of Pixar.

As Pixar leads the Disney animation division, Disney animation returns to its heyday.

After that, he persuaded Marvel's reclusive executive Ike Perlmutter to make the acquisition successful in 2009.

Thanks to this, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was born.

It also acquired Lucasfilm after gaining the trust of George Lucas, the father of Star Wars.

After lengthy negotiations with media mogul Rupert Murdoch, we even got 21st Century Fox.

As if to break a seal, the story of Disney's expansion of the IP world is explained one by one.

The story behind the acquisition, the conversation they had. The gossip on both sides. It is very interesting to see the reasons for the conclusion of the acquisition. If you are usually interested in the content industry, I guarantee you will be ‘soon’.

6. Lead your creativity- Pixar Founder, Ed Catmull

[caption id="attachment_5604" align="aligncenter" width="227"] Lead your creativity- Pixar Founder, Ed Catmull[/caption]

(1) Where does creative corporate culture come from? Many people in the content industry are concerned.

'How can I consistently create good content?'

Content is not a product that can be mass-produced by finding a formula.

It's the realm of emotions and instincts, so it's unpredictable. Pixar founder Ed Catmull thought the answer to this question was “creative corporate culture.”

“My goal as president of Pixar was to build a creative corporate culture that breathes life into Pixar so that Pixar can outlive its founders.”

This book is full of Pixar executives' concerns about 'creating a creative corporate culture'.

What is the essence of honesty and honesty? Why is it difficult to be honest?

How to deal with the obsession with over-controlling the process. What is the correct process for creating content...etc. And this trouble has paid off

Pixar has succeeded in releasing masterpieces like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Ratatouille, Up, Inside Out, and Coco on a 'continuous basis'.

Disney CEO Bob Iger, who came out just a moment ago, said that his first visit to Pixar would make his Top 10 list.

“After my visit to Pixar, as soon as I got into the car from the parking lot, I started taking notes. I wasn't sure if the board would allow the acquisition of Pixar.

“But I took a deep breath and described the talent I saw, their creative passion. Their commitment to quality, their ingenuity in storytelling, and their passionate atmosphere of collaboration.”

“It was not only a business that requires creativity, but it was a corporate culture that anyone could aspire to, no matter what kind of business they were doing.”

“The culture that Pixar creates

It was the center of magic.

I just thought that we should do everything we can to make the Pixar takeover.”

(2) Aphorisms or rules are not enough.

The charm of this book is that it does not end with only the obvious proverbs.

Anyone can say it easily. But in reality, it doesn't work.

"I don't really believe in maxims or rules, because there are so many empty maxims and rules that actually prevent necessary reflection."

“For example, ‘Trust the process’,
The phrase ‘story is king’ is Pixar’s credo”

“But simply repeating these words did not prevent us from falling.”

"The phrase can be compared to a 'bag handle'. The meaning (experience, deep insight, truth learned through hard work) of this phrase is 'bag'"

"All too often people grab the handle of their bag and walk out, but they don't realize that the bag has fallen off the handle.

Ed Kemmell explains in detail what a creative corporate culture is, what factors hinder it, and how Pixar overcame it through trial and error, on a case-by-case basis.

I thought it was like a thesis that studied the intangible power of creativity.

The storytelling is a bit less compared to other books, but I would definitely recommend this book if you are interested in Pixar works, content business, creativity, and corporate culture.

7. Let's go, in a way we've never been before- Founder of Balmuda, Gen Terao

[caption id="attachment_5605" align="aligncenter" width="314"] Let's go, in a way we've never been before- Founder of Balmuda, Gen Terao[/caption]

(1) From Rock Star to Entrepreneur Balmuda is called the ‘Apple of Home Appliances’ and is one of the most loved brands.

A toaster that can even revive dead bread and a green fan called the fan-based iPhone are famous.

Balmuda's founder, Gen Terrao, has led a unique life.

He dropped out of high school when he was 17, toured Europe as a wanderer, dreamed of becoming a rock star, and did music for 10 years.

He went through disbanding the band and breaking the contract, and it wasn't until his late 20s that he learned design and production on his own and started designing products.

Gen Terao, who admired brands such as Apple and Patagonia. Because he once dreamed of music, but he really wanted to test his creativity in the world of tools he touched and used.

That's how Balmuda started.

His early products, such as the MacBook stand, became a hit. However, it has an exciting story, such as going bankrupt while doing small-scale manual production, reviving with a dramatic release of green fans, and growing 50 times over the next five years.

(2) A book that talks about life and values ​​rather than management and success

Compared to other books, ‘Let’s go, in a way that was nowhere else’ is the most autobiographical book.

It is not about running a business or the success of Balmuda.

This is an essay about the life of a person named Gen Terao and the values ​​he pursues.

He recalls the experiences that shaped him, and sensibly expresses the smell, taste and temperature of that time.

He writes so fluidly that he feels like an artist rather than an entrepreneur.

This is a book that leaves a deep impression that makes you think once again about the mindset of living life once you finish reading the book.

“Failure teaches us a lot. Either that method was wrong, or this method was better."

“But isn’t the most important thing we can learn from failure is that we know what we really want?”