#79 Esther Wojcicki: The “TRICK” to Raising Successful People

In 'The Defining Decade,' Meg Jay challenges the cultural narrative that the twenties are an extended adolescence or emerging adulthood. Drawing from over two decades of work with clients and students, Jay combines the latest science on the twenties with personal stories to highlight the transformative nature of this decade. The book provides tools and advice on how to make the most of one's twenties, focusing on work, relationships, personality, identity, and brain development. It emphasizes the importance of using this time effectively to set the foundation for future success in both career and personal life.

This book captures the leadership style and teachings of Bill Campbell, who played a crucial role in the growth of companies like Google, Apple, and Intuit. Written by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan Eagle, the book is based on interviews with over eighty people who knew and loved Bill Campbell. It outlines his principles on building trusting relationships, fostering personal growth, inspiring courage, and resolving tensions in fast-moving environments. The book serves as a blueprint for business leaders and managers to create higher-performing and faster-moving cultures, teams, and companies.

Published in 1949, 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' is a cautionary tale set in a future where the world is divided into three totalitarian super-states: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. The novel follows Winston Smith, a minor functionary in the Ministry of Truth in Oceania, who begins to question the all-pervasive authority of the Party and its leader, Big Brother. Winston's rebellion, fueled by his forbidden love affair with Julia and his interest in the mysterious Brotherhood, ultimately leads to his capture and brutal reeducation by the Thought Police. The novel explores themes of mass surveillance, censorship, and the manipulation of truth, serving as a powerful warning about the dangers of unaccountable governments and the erosion of individual freedom and dignity.

In 'Dark Horse', Todd Rose and Ogi Ogas explore the concept of the 'dark horse' – individuals who achieve impressive success despite not fitting the conventional mold. Through the Dark Horse Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, they studied women and men who succeeded in unique ways. The book outlines a mindset that empowers readers to make choices aligned with their unique interests, abilities, and circumstances, leading to a life of passion, purpose, and achievement. This approach rejects the 'Standardization Covenant' and promotes a personalized path to success in the Age of Personalization.

In 'The Pearl', John Steinbeck tells the story of Kino, a poor Mexican pearl diver who finds a massive pearl, which he believes will bring him wealth and a better life for his family. However, the pearl becomes a symbol of destructive greed and ambition, leading to tragic consequences. The novella explores themes of family, colonialism, and the dangers of unchecked desire.

In 'How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results,' Esther Wojcicki shares her approach to parenting based on the TRICK principle: Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness. Wojcicki, who has raised three highly successful daughters and taught numerous influential figures, including Steve Jobs's children, argues against helicopter parenting and instead promotes a hands-off approach that encourages children to take risks, make their own decisions, and develop self-reliance. The book emphasizes the importance of reflecting on one's own childhood experiences to improve parenting methods and focuses on building a strong foundation for children to become independent, respectful, and resilient individuals.