Behind the Genius: The Literary Tastes of Zuckerberg, John, Buffett, and Grede

Behind the Genius: The Literary Tastes of Zuckerberg, John, Buffett, and Grede


In the realm of entrepreneurship, knowledge is power, and wisdom often lies within the pages of books. World-renowned figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Daymond John, Warren Buffett, and Emma Grede have generously shared their literary influences, offering invaluable insights into their remarkable journeys to success.

Behind the Genius: The Literary Tastes of Zuckerberg, John, Buffett, and Grede

Mark Zuckerberg:

The visionary behind Meta finds inspiration in "Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration" by Alice Wallace and Edwin Catmull, delving into the transformative journey of Pixar. He also delves into "The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation" by Jon Gertner, uncovering the origins of Bell Labs, a crucible of innovation.


At Meta's headquarters, Zuckerberg champions the mantra "Done is better than perfect," urging his team to prioritize progress over perfection, a testament to his pragmatic approach to innovation.


Daymond John:

As a prominent investor on Shark Tank, John advocates for personal development through books like "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey and "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. Alongside fellow sharks, he endorses "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill, a timeless classic featuring the success stories of countless entrepreneurs.


Warren Buffett:

The sage investor fondly recalls his early literary pursuits, including "One Thousand Ways to Make $1,000" by F. C. Minaker, which he devoured at the tender age of 7, gaining insights from seasoned entrepreneurs. Buffett also extols the virtues of "Business Adventures: Twelve Classic Tales from the World of Wall Street" by John Brooks, a compilation of gripping business narratives.


Emma Grede:

As the trailblazing CEO of Good American and co-founder of SKIMS, Grede, the first female investor of color on Shark Tank, draws wisdom from "What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School: Notes from a Street-smart Executive" by Mark McCormack. She also finds resonance in "Principles: Life and Work" by Ray Dalio, which offers profound insights into investment strategies.


These selections merely scratch the surface of the literary treasures that have shaped the trajectories of these exceptional entrepreneurs. Aspiring business leaders can glean invaluable lessons from the books that have left an indelible mark on these titans of industry. What are some books that have inspired your entrepreneurial journey? Take a page from their playbook and embark on a journey of exploration and growth.

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