Binzento was selected to write Brett Wilson's book review
It is a rare occassion that I do a book review here on my blog Binzento Vincente, especially ones that's related to investment banking, but there is always a first! I was one of the few bloggers that were invited by business mogul W. Brett Wilson to review his new autobiograhy: Redefining Success (Still Making Mistakes). I think it's an honor to be asked to do this, so I am giving my honest opinion on this book. :)
Redefining Success (Still Making
Mistakes) by W. Brett Wilson
Review:
I was given an opportunity by the
author, W. Brett Wilson to write a book review on his new and humble
autobiography: Redefining Success (Still Making Mistakes).
In the investment world, Mr.
Wilson is a business magnate, a classic entrepreneur who is willing to take
risks to achieve success. The book summarizes key events that led him to become
the person he is today.
My first in person experience
with Mr. Wilson (other than seeing him on television as one of the dragons on
the hit Canadian reality TV series, Dragon’s Den) was at the Gemini Awards in
2009 (though we have never spoken at that time). I have also encountered him in
various charity and social events. He always brings a good energy with his
involvement in the community.
(Gemini Awards 2009 Red Carpet Gala)
Like many stories of accomplished
individuals, Mr. Wilson’s success did not come without a few “bumps” along the
way. Most of these challenges that he faced in his business are overcome by his
consistency of strong moral ethics, and the beliefs that people always come
first. Ironically in his book he mentions that these standards may not been
applied to his love ones in the past. This was all changed after a traumatic
experience he encountered – Mr. Wilson was diagnosed with prostate cancer in
the early 2000’s – which made him realize the significance of health, family
and friendship which money can’t buy, and matter the most.
In addition to being an
entrepreneur, Mr. Wilson is also a classic philanthropist. He strongly believes
in giving back to the community, and support charities and non-profit
organizations. Being a prostate cancer survivor, he became an active donor for
prostrate cancer research and treatment technology in hopes to provide
diagnosed patients in Alberta a better quality of life. He also invests in
sports organizations striving a healthy lifestyle.
Throughout the book, Mr. Wilson
shares the lessons he had learned via his life experience. My particular
favorite was his story about him being an entrepreneur for the first time at an
early age – where him and his friend made profits from organizing
transportations for fellow schoolmates to travel from campus to bars (chapter
five). Sometimes achievements require seeking the right opportunity and not being
afraid of taking risks. I enjoyed the fact that Mr. Wilson credited individuals
that impacted him (both positive and negative) through his journey to success,
which portrays compassionate and sentimental qualities about him. Another
aspect I found interesting was his “top 5 lists” in chapter ten. Personally I
felt I had a better understanding of Mr. Wilson’s past, present, and future by
reading this chapter alone.
As a young individual aspired to
become successful, perhaps Mr. Wilson’s words-of-wisdom is like a “father
figure” to inspire us. In truth however, I would not have purchase this book if
I was not recommended, mainly because of my lack of involvement with the business
world. For those who are not in the investment and banking industries like me,
you may have to read it with perspective, and engage yourself with a mind that his story is universal to anyone who
wants to achieve greatness in life. We all love to hear positive experiences,
but I appreciate his honesty and humbleness to share the obstacles he encountered
and his failures in the past to the audience.
I cannot say I’ve gained a great
deal of new insight about our world nor had a life changing experience from this
book, but certainly Mr. Wilson’s life journey is a reflection of our own – a
balance of chasing after material goods and interpersonal relationships.
Redefining Success (Still Making Mistakes) is a refresher to us the real
priorities in life, to reevaluate the definition of success, and to learn from
our mistakes. A significant quote in chapter one: “…if your legacy is tied to
the size of your estate, and not the memories you leave behind and the impact
you have made on this earth, then your life journey might have been wasted”. I
was reminded my priority after finishing this book – I picked up my phone and
gave my mother a call.
Redefining Success (Still Making Mistakes) is currently at a fabulous price on Amazon HERE.
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