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In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Derek Sivers, a remarkable individual whose openness to new experiences has profoundly shaped both his personal and professional journey. What I appreciate the most about Derek is how he's taken important life's lessons and transformed them into wisdom about the things that truly matter.
Derek's passion for learning is infectious, but what's truly fascinating is his refusal to be boxed into any single worldview. This philosophy has served him well throughout his diverse career as an entrepreneur, writer, and musician. Many know him as the founder of CD Baby, which he started in 1998. The company grew to become the largest seller of independent music online, generating over $100 million in sales before Derek sold it in 2008 for $22 million. In a remarkable act of generosity, he donated the entire proceeds to a charitable trust for music education.
But Derek's impact extends far beyond CD Baby. Through his blog and five books, he's become known for his concise, thought-provoking writing on business, life, and decision-making. In our conversation, we dive deep into his two latest works. The first, "HOW TO LIVE," presents 27 conflicting approaches to life, each making a compelling case for a different way of living. Rather than providing easy answers, Derek challenges readers to find their own path based on their unique circumstances and perspectives.
We also explore his newest book, "Useful NOT True," which examines the powerful concept of reframing. Derek makes a fascinating case that success begins with perspective, which then shapes our strategy and actions. He argues that while our initial thoughts might feel true, they're often obstacles we need to overcome. By recognizing that no single perspective holds absolute truth, we can make more informed choices in our lives.
Many of you might know Derek from his three compelling TED Talks, including my personal favorite about the dancing guy on a hill – a brilliant metaphor for how movements begin. Our conversation weaves through various aspects of his life, from his early days to his writing, but what really resonated with me was our discussion about the importance of changing our minds. Derek believes that what we consider absolute truths can actually restrict our growth and shut us off from new learning experiences.
His insights about the power of changing one's mind have particularly influenced my own thinking about life and work, making it one of the highlights of our conversation. I genuinely enjoyed my time with Derek, and I believe this discussion will offer you fresh perspectives on your own life, work, and what matters most to you.
Connect with Derek:
Website
His books can be found below:
Useful Not True
How to Live
Hell Yeah or No
Your Music and People
Anything You Want
As well you can see any of Derek's Ted Talks below:
Derek’s Ted Talks
