Rich Karlgaard is a bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and speaker. He is the publisher of Forbes magazine and is based in Silicon Valley. He is a renowned lecturer on technology, innovation, corporate culture, and a number of other important business issues and the author of three books, his latest one titled: Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement.

Some interesting insights from this episode:

His time at Stanford poring over Sports Illustrated in the library would later become the genesis for starting up what would become a highly popular technology business magazine.

Starting up Upside Magazine which had a unique style and voice ultimately led to a coveted role with Forbes despite the magazine not being a financial success.

Our cultural obsession with early achievement is detrimental to society.

Some people are successful because they’re competitive and set goals for themselves. Others achieve success because they are explorers chasing their curiosity without an end in mind.

Between the ages of 18 and 25, our prefrontal cortex is still growing and our executive function skills are still developing. Yet, this is the exact time when we’re supposed to be laser focused on launching our future careers.

One of the most important traits CEOs of high performance companies look for in new recruits is curiosity because without curiosity there’s no growth.

Notable strengths of late bloomers include curiosity, compassion, resilience, insight, and calmness.

“Resilience isn’t just the ability to be tough but the ability to have enough built in flexibility so an unexpected failure doesn’t shatter you.”

At any given time, there’s an optimal use of your time, your talent, and your effort.

“Excellence is the intersection between your perfect native gifts and your sense of purpose that is so deep you’re willing to sacrifice for it.”

Links:

Find Rich Karlgaard’s book Late Bloomers here.

Find Rich Karlgaard’s personal website here.

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