Journal Entry 1 by HoserLauren from Toronto, Ontario Canada on Saturday, September 25, 2010

Received this from Harper Collins to review.

Robert Herjavec has lived the classic "rags to riches" story, from having only $20 in his pocket to starting up technology companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The son of Croatian immigrants, Herjavec overcame the odds and amassed incredible wealth, doing it through pure hard work and determination. Today a star on television's Dragon's Den and The Shark Tank, he bankrolls the best inventions and shoots down the best intentions. And now, for the first time, he shares his hard-won wisdom in one of the most inspirational business books of the season.

From Chapters
Driven is organized by the work and life principles that made Robert Herjavec both wealthy and successful (indeed, these terms are not synonymous). Herjavec reveals the secrets that took him from waiting tables to growing his nascent technology company, The Herjavec Group, into a world-class conglomerate. His principles are as valuable in the living room as they are in the boardroom. Anyone can succeed, on their own terms, by following his sage but simple advice -- as long as they're willing to take chances, take control of their future and stay true to their vision. 

Journal Entry 2 by HoserLauren at Toronto, Ontario Canada on Friday, October 15, 2010

Robert Herjavec, star of CBC's Dragon's Den, came to Canada with his parents whom only had $20 in their pockets. His story is a true rags-to-riches story. What's unique is that Herjavec isn't an American living the "American Dream", but a Canadian. After selling one business for over $100 million to AT&T, Herjavec started The Herjavec Group, a successful internet security company. This book isn't truely about him though, but rather lessons he has learned over his business life and pointers on how to be successful.

Each lesson is accompanied by an anecdote that either relates back to Herjavec's past, or his time in Dragon's Den. As a Dragon's Den fan, I really enjoyed the inside stories and what you pick up about his relationship with the other dragons, specifically Kevin O'Leary (whom he actually seems to like). Herjavec recognizes that it takes a certain type of person to become an entrepreneur and yet doesn't alienate the reader if they aren't that kind of person.

As a young manager in a small company, I found his pointers on when to say no and his dos and donts of firing an employee (something I thankfully haven't had to do yet) helpful. I laughed to myself about his analysis of MBAs. I completely agreed with it, even though I'm an MBA myself.

For the most part, this felt like common sense. I didn't really have any "a-ha!" moments while reading this, because nothing Herjavec was saying was revolutionary. Herjavec is obviously a charismatic person and this comes across not only in his television appearances but also in his book. Without his charisma, this book would not be nearly as interesting a read. 

Journal Entry 3 by HoserLauren at Second Cup -- Lakeshore at Navy (OBCZ) in Oakville, Ontario Canada on Sunday, March 13, 2011

Released 1 yr ago (3/13/2011 UTC) at Second Cup -- Lakeshore at Navy (OBCZ) in Oakville, Ontario Canada

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Leaving this on the back window sill! 

Journal Entry 4 by aliaskris29 at Burlington, Ontario Canada on Tuesday, March 15, 2011

I am excited to read this book. Picked up from the Second Cup window in Oakville. Thanks for sharing! 

Journal Entry 5 by aliaskris29 at Second Cup -- Lakeshore at Navy (OBCZ) in Oakville, Ontario Canada on Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Released 10 mos ago (7/10/2011 UTC) at Second Cup -- Lakeshore at Navy (OBCZ) in Oakville, Ontario Canada

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Releasing this book on the window ledge of the Second Cup. Please read and pass along.
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