Gooday. Yes, It’s business book review day…

There’s been many books written about Elon Musk, but I’m only aware of 1 that’s got Musk’s official blessing & directly includes his own thoughts, views & comments.

Elon Musk written by author & journalist Ashlee Vance is a New York Times bestseller & gives you a true insight into Musk’s childhood, how his brain’s wired & what makes him tick.

I’ve read a lot & heard a lot of stories about Elon Musk, making me form opinions without really getting to know the man. This book has made me change many of those opinions.

Musk had a tough & unhappy childhood. Parents separating. Being severely bullied at school. Even having an operation, as his mother said he had a hearing problem, when he was just thinking.

As a child growing up in South Africa, Musk was already thinking about electric cars & space, like his future was already mapped out before him.

After moving to Canada & then America. Musk & his brother Kimble had nothing. After doing all sorts of work they scraped together enough cash to start up an internet business called Zip2.

Selling it to Compaq for $307m 4 years later with Musk pocketing $22m. He quickly sank all his money into an online payment system, which eventually became PayPal.

PayPal was bought by eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion, netting Musk a cool $165m. Most people would be happy, but not Musk. It was time to begin realising his childhood dreams.

The reason Elon Musk started SpaceX, got involved early with Tesla & helped his cousins get SolarCity off the ground, was not for money (well maybe a little). It is to save humanity.

Musk’s goal is to make sure humanity survives by placing a human colony on Mars. Along the way he sees electric cars & solar panels as a way for humans to be self-sufficient, whilst funding his mission.

The book takes you on an amazing roller coaster ride, making you feel part of Musk’s journey, sharing in his dark (nearly out of business) times & his good times, which there are many.

Don’t get me wrong. Musk is not perfect. He can be arrogant, flash & treats his team poorly. He’s so focused on the mission & achieving the goal, others get left by the wayside at times.

You’ve just got to read this book though. It gives you a fantastic insight into what’s driving Musk on. Showing you the shear will & determination Musk has to achieve his lifetime dream.

‘Elon Musk’ gets a thumbs up & 5 stars.

If you’ve got any questions about the book, connect & message me on LinkedIn or drop me an email to darren@mytotalofficesolutions.com

You can watch all our business book reviews at mytotalofficesolutions.co.uk/business-book-reviews

Thank you for watching & see you next week.