Best of Books – September 2015

People often have a flickering business idea at the back of their heads, but are too busy fitting into the moulds of the society to ever take the next step and stand out. Nilanjana Dutta lists out the books about people who had the guts to take the next step and ended up making millions out of an idea.

Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
Richard Branson, famed owner of Virgin Records, V2, Virgin Airlines, Virgin Cola along with a million other multimillion dollar companies, brings forth his motto and the essence of how the best decisions are made in his autobiography. The book talks about how Branson has fabricated a string of successful enterprises with no central headquarters or management hierarchy. Filled with amusing life events and witty tricks of the trade, it’s a tale of how balancing family, friends, enjoyment along with working hard is a necessity to success.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
A college dropout, with no technical knowledge of computers, revolutionises the very technical world of personal computers with a multimillion dollar company, but is voted out of the company by the board he appointed, only to make a dramatic comeback, after building a new and successful company and selling it to the old one. That extraordinary guy is Steve Jobs and this book is his blueprint to success, twice.

How I braved Annu Aunty and Co-founded a Million Dollar Company by Varun Aggarwal
Cheeky, unapologetically satirical and annoyed by the Annu Aunties of the world, Varun Aggarwal, co founder of Alma Mater, in this book not only gives out important tips like ‘how to save the napkin you scribble out your first business idea on’, but also takes a hit on how the Indian society and its aunties, are suffocating the youth with the myth, a boring monotonous jobs yields a secure future. Moreover, once you get over the Chetan Bhagat-ish tone of the book, it inspires you to come out of the closet and tell the world, “I am an innovator.”

Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Yvon Chouinard
Founder Pantagonia Inc. and Black Diamond Equipment, Yvon Chouinard, went from being just an outdoorsy guy to one of the most environmentally aware outdoor equipment manufacturer with a net worth of $158 million. In this book, he explains, how he built the franchise not on an idea but on his knack for adventure and his tendency to do good. This book takes you through his awe-inspiring journey and motivates you to find the best in yourself and let it drive what you do.

Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder by Arianna Huffington
Co-founder and chief editor of one of the fastest growing media companies in the world, Arianna Huffington, wasn’t sure if this is what success should feel like as she sat with a broken cheekbone and a gash over the eye, as a result of a fall due to exhaustion. She tells her story and makes us realise how, to be successful in life is not just to make millions but to enjoy the little things those millions can’t buy. Her book covers the steps to the top and the ways to stay healthy and hearty enough to stay on top.