O MANNY's

It’s almost that time of year, when you have a little more time to assess your founder life. I will admit you really almost have to force a smile to enjoy this Christmas or any religious holiday. It has been a tough year for women, men of color, mix race, LGBTA, Muslims, Jews, Syrians, working class, some white men, etc. You don’t know whether to be fucking glad to be alive or be fucking praying for a skin-color-and gender-religion-changing device for next year. It has been so brutal that people wish Oprah Winfrey or Mark Cuban would run for president. Honestly the title or this content has nothing against Donald or straight-white -male founders, it’s about giving others the courage to pursue their dreams, persevere, give back and avoid being left behind.

I & Founders Under 40™ Group are proud to welcome all founders of all shapes and sizes. We love everyone working on positive and constructive ventures while facing the universal challenges of life. So while I & the Founders Under 40™ Group team were trying to figure out what to offer Founders this up coming Holidays and New Year.

A constant on our minds, is the fact that it's being hell for a lot of people hopefully we can all come together and grow together.

Best Wishes,

Manny of Founders Under 40™ Group
WISHES YOU & YOUR FAMILY HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! ENJOY OUR GIFT TO YOU!

STEP UP YOUR FINANCE

Money and finance education is becoming more crucial to thriving in this world. It’s just getting more complex and sophisticated. There was a time simply hiding your money under your mattress, or saving money at the bank was a great way to be financial secure however in today's world your money needs to be working just as hard. Your knowledge of taxes, traditional financial products, and fintech solutions needs to be updated. I will first share some quick financial tips and in the next section will be list of books to help founders and anyone get financial smarter.

• Align yourself with someone who lives and breaths personal finance, business finance, accounting, taxes, wealth management, laws, etc. Basically a trusted person or resource that’s way better than you at finance matters. 

• Learn to manage your emotions about money in any situation. Don’t worry if someone has more money than you just focus on having a healthy financial foundations.

• Set clear short term and long term financial goals. If you want 5000 US Dollars in a month, figure out what actions you’d need to take and work backwards. For better advice seek professional creditable books, or person.

• Always be creating multiple revenue sources. In a world where millennials are expected to work for several employers in less than a decade, it is important to keep being creative where to make money without criminal factors.

• Wealth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, diligence, disciple, patience, and above average judgement with the relationships you form.
 

 
• Understand that some businesses have better economics and create more high income and wealthy individuals. So the need to keep making yourself more valuable is crucial. Remember people will pay you more for your ability to produce results rather than your knowledge.
 

 

• If you are a minority looking for funds for your business, look into starting a community investment fund where people chip in a reasonable amount into a pool fund. And then the community votes on which business gets the fund and the its financial terms.

• Know where your money is going. Making money might be hard or easy for you but that’s no excuse to have vague idea how much comes in and how much is going out.

• You can barter a lot of things for your business however equal value exchange is crucial. So get creative with not using money to buy things all the time.

• The banks and the financial solutions providers are not your friend so manage your relationship appropriately because these guys are in most cases looking out for their best interest.
 

 
• Hangout with people that make a lot more money (legally) and talk them to teaching you how to make money. Hangout with them not just for their money but for mutual-beneficial-interest like a community soccer league.

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MY BOOKS & RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR FOUNDERS

I remember when Bill Gates was everyone's’ business hero. When Microsoft was more sexy than Amazon or Apple. Now we live in a world where Jeff Bezos, who was a son to a teen mom. (Article: How Amazon founder Jeff Bezos went from the son of a teen mom to the world's richest person
 ) is kicking ass online and planning to kick-ass offline. He might be a white-straight-guy in America but that’s no reason not to learn from him. I recently came across several list of great books Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, Daymond John, Jack Ma, Hamdi Ulukaya, Morris Chang, Jensen Huang, Muhammad Yunus, Sam Zell, Sheryl Sandberg, Martha Stewart, etc recommend so I’ve decided to share over 50+ books plus my recommendations. You can learn from anyone even if they don’t look or act like you. I have personally read a quarter of them and I keep rereading most.

Enjoy FOUNDERS & EVERYONE!!

P.S. If you don't like reading, try audio-books..

GENERAL BUSINESS BOOKS

The Power of Broke By Daymond John

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
by Robert B. Cialdini

How to Win Friends and Influence People
by Dale Carnegie

Marissa Mayer and the Fight to Save Yahoo!
by Nicholas Carlson

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't
by James C. Collins

Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century
by Napoleon Hill

The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses
by Eric Ries

The Art of Startup Fundraising
by Alejandro Cremades

The Art of War
by Sun Tzu

Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.
by Ron Chernow

Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind: How to Be Seen and Heard in the Overcrowded Marketplace
by Al Ries

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
by Sheryl Sandberg

Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard
by Chip Heath

Zig Ziglar's Secrets of Closing the Sale: For Anyone Who Must Get Others to Say Yes!
by Zig Ziglar

Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable
by Seth Godin

The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
by Jack Canfield

Blue Ocean Strategy: How To Create Uncontested Market Space And Make The Competition Irrelevant
by W. Chan Kim

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You
by John C. Maxwell

Losing My Virginity: How I've Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way
by Richard Branson

Zero to One: Note on Start Ups, or How to Build the Future
by Peter Thiel

Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!
by Anthony Robbins

Who Says Elephants Can't Dance?: Inside IBM's Historic Turnaround
by Louis V. Gerstner Jr.

Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers
by Alexander Osterwalder
 
Trump: The Art of the Deal
by Donald J. Trump

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
by Daniel Goleman

Grit
by Angela Duckworth

7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness: Power Ideas from America's Foremost Business Philosopher
by Jim Rohn

Thinking for a Change: 11 Ways Highly Successful People Approach Life and Work
by John C. Maxwell

Becoming a Person of Influence: How to Positively Impact the Lives of Others
by John C. Maxwell

The HP Way: How Bill Hewlett And I Built Our Company
by David Packard

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
by Malcolm Gladwell

Who Moved My Cheese?
by Spencer Johnson

Managing The Professional Service Firm
by David H. Maister

Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy
by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
 
What I Know For Sure
by Oprah Winfrey

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
by Jen Sincero

Elon Musk
by Ashlee Vance

Misbehaving
by Richard Thaler

Rise of the Robots
by Martin Ford

Losing the Signal
by Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff

Digital Gold
by Nathaniel Popper

Bold
by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler

Red Notice
by Bill Browder

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
by Elizabeth Kolbert

The Vital Question
by Nick Lane

How Asia Works
by Joe Studwell

Born a Crime
by Trevor Noah

Shoe Dog
by Phil Knight

Making the Modern World: Materials and Dematerialization
by Vaclav Smil

The Gene: An Intimate History
by Siddhartha Mukherjee

The Fountainhead
by Ayn Rand

The Effective Executive
by Peter Drucker

The Innovator's Dilemma
by Clayton Christensen
 
As A Man Thinketh
by James Allen

Blink
by Malcolm Gladwell

Switch
by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

FINANCE

Irrational Exuberance
by Robert Shiller

A Random Walk Down Wall Street
by Burton Malkiel

The Millionaire Next Door
by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

The Total Money Makeover
By Dave Ramsey

Conscious Capitalism
by John Mackey and Raj Sisodia

How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
by Mohsin Hamid

Black Edge: Inside Information, Dirty Money, and the Quest to Bring Down the Most Wanted Man on Wall Street" by Sheelah Kolhatkar

Rich Dad, Poor Dad
by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich: 75 Avoidable Mistakes Women Make with Money
by Lois P. Frankel

SCIENCE FICTION

The Lord of the Rings
by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
by Douglas Adams

Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down
by J.E. Gordon

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies
by Nick Bostrom

Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness
by Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
by Robert Heinlein

The 'Culture' series
by Iain M. Banks

Our Final Invention
by James Barrat

Revelation Space
by Alastair Reynolds

The Left Hand of Darkness
by Ursula K. Le Guin

Sirens of Titan
by Kurt Vonnegut

Red Mars
by Kim Stanley Robinson

The Mote in God's Eye
by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle

TECH EDUCATION

HTML & CSS for Dummies

Java for Dummies

JavaScript for Dummies

Web Design for Dummies

RISK MANAGEMENT

Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk Paperback
by Peter L. Bernstein

The Power of Resilience: How the Best Companies Manage the Unexpected
by Yossi Sheffi


Management of Information Security
by Michael E. Whitman and Herbert J. Mattord

Cyber War: The Next Threat to National Security and What to Do About It
by Richard A. Clarke and Robert Knake

The Disaster Preparedness Handbook: A Guide for Families
by Arthur T. Bradley

Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family, 3rd Edition
by Dr. Arthur T Bradley

PERSONAL

Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
John Gray

He's Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys
by Greg Behrendt, Liz Tuccillo

The Verbally Abusive Relationship, Expanded Third Edition: How to recognize it and how to respond
by Patricia Evans

The Verbally Abusive Relationship, Expanded Third Edition: How to recognize it and how to respond
by Patricia Evans

The Secret Language of Relationships: Your Complete Personology Guide to Any Relationship with Anyone
by Gary Goldschneider and Joost Elffers

Relationships 101
by John C. Maxwell

Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop…
byDr. Laura Markham

Kaffir Boy: The True Story of a Black Youth's…
by Mark Mathabane

Strong Mothers, Strong Sons: Lessons Mothers…
by Meg Meeker

The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for…
by Armin A. Brott, Jennifer Ash

Toxic In-Laws: Loving Strategies for Protecting Your Marriage
by Susan Forward

The Art of Invisibility: The World's Most Famous Hacker Teaches You How to Be Safe in the Age of Big Brother and Big Data
by Robert Vamosi and Kevin Mitnick

SOCIAL CRISIS

There’s going to be some social and economic change that’s going to leave a lot of people disenfranchise and left behind. Which then means those of us better off will be faced with attacks psychologically and / or physically. As better off individuals and founders we have a great responsibility to not only look at the short term effect of our actions but also the long term effects in terms of the technology, and rules we create and adopt.

During times of uncertainty, founders and potential founders need to get a good education, get a great financial education, get good role models, find a constructive activity, find good friends. etc. Most importantly don’t let your skin, sexual orientation, age, gender be used to judge you. Let your character and performance do the talking.

• The economic devastation of Detroit is a reminder that those who don’t benefit from the revitalization or whose social economic issues are not address are going to make other people’s lives uncomfortable, intentionally or unintentionally. If you are a founder that has savings, family wealth, experience, access to loans, connections, and a safety net thank your lucky star.

• Desire to be founders and entrepreneurs is growing at a rapid pace for many reasons. We all need to make sure that most people have equal chance to excel.

• Success is not merely about what you say, who you know, who knows you, but it’s about what you do.

• Advertisers may use images or actors that look like you or reflect your lifestyle. It however doesn't mean that you’ve to do what they tell you to do. Lebron James in Sprite commercials doesn't mean you have to drink Sprite.

• Investment in the small businesses in your community and in diverse business owners could directly and indirectly help keep the community progressing. A city is a lot like a flower, if you stop watering it will die.

• Why in some communities they are terrified of black restaurant week, but are clad to have Jewish Festival, Indian Festival, Italian Festival, Latino Festival. Embracing diversity and understanding other cultures and challenges will make your city safer. And likely help you and your family get out of a social bubble.

• We all have a responsibility to help others realize that they can be constructive contributors to their families, neighborhoods, city, country. and the world. We must reach a point of just embracing diverse people and welcoming their contribution today or tomorrow.

• Hope the next generation of leaders, likely millennials and Gen Z, will think of social impacts, sustainability, innovation, gender-balanced, diversity and inclusive workforce.

• There could be an increase hostility towards social and economic elites and outsiders if we aren't addressing inequality or unfairness. Wealth concentrated in a few is not a healthy global village.

• There will likely not be enough quality opportunities to please everyone in the future. And upgrading and personal mobility will be crucial.

• What do you call someone whose singing comes easy and brags that everyone whose inability to sing is a weakness? Some people call Blacks, Hispanics, Native Indians, Asians, Women, LGBTA,  Etc. lazy but never stop to think that there might be a little social advantage for being a certain way. 

• Men now have to reassess their hookup or courting game plan. So women, if a certain guy you really like isn't making moves, realize he's making several mental calculations as to what not to do or say that could get him in shit. Does he have to ask for consent for everything? Is complimenting your fashion choice an offense?

• In every society elites are not very far from the powerful and  the politicians which then means the less fortunate or less privileged are feeling neglected. There's anger brewing under the surface.

• Entrepreneurship is something that should be available to all—not just to those with money, connections, or expertise.

• Make it possible that favoritism or discrimination is not a factor to your recruiting.

UNDERSTANDING BIASES (Source: “Google’s Ideological Echo Chamber,”)

Left Biases
Compassion for the weak
Disparities are due to injustices
Humans are inherently cooperative
Change is good (unstable)
Open
Idealist

Right Biases
Respect for the strong/authority
Disparities are natural and just
Humans are inherently competitive
Change is dangerous (stable)
Closed

DRESSING RIGHT CAN OPEN OR CLOSE DOORS

Dressing will depend on your position and who is likely to be your audience or target or interviewer. Whatever the case dress for an appearance that's more likely to help you and not hurt you. Keep in mind that certain looks work differently for different ethnicity, size, gender, status, location, cultures, etc.  I have just researched a generic dressing for success tip so what works for you or research what you want.Not sure the original source but not written by me and was modified for clarity.

DRESS FOR WOMEN

Business Professional

It seems like there are myriad choices for women’s professional dress - and just as many opinions. We recommend that stay on the conservative side of the continuum.
Some general guidelines:

• Wear a dark-colored, 2-piece suit. This is a jacket with either slacks or a skirt. Avoid a dress when going for business professional

• Match the suit with a long-sleeved, conservative white or pastel shirt/blouse

• Shoes should be polished and clean and have a conservative heel

• Wear hosiery that is at or close to skin color

• If you are wearing nail polish, use a clear or conservative color

• Limit your rings to one per hand and your earrings to one set

• Avoid using excess amounts of makeup and perfume;

• Choose a neat, professional hairstyle pinned back to keep your hair away of your face

Business Casual

• Casual pants and skirts should be loose, generally solid colors, and crisp. Avoid a tight fit (a tailored pencil skirt is okay);

• Sweaters are a good alternative or complement to shirts and blouses. However, keep with a conservative neckline;

• Shoes can be boots, loafers, low-heeled pumps or strapped sandals depending on the weather. But avoid flip-flops.

• Jewelry should be conservative and complementary. Avoid trendy pieces and extreme colors

• Cosmetics and perfume should be light and natural;

• Hosiery is not necessary.

***Source unknown

DRESS FOR MEN

Business Professional

A conservative business suit that fits properly is the standard business professional garb. However,
pay attention to the details to ensure you make right impression:

• Wear a dark-colored, 2-piece suit - dark navy or grey is preferable. Avoid conspicuous, bold patterns;

• The dress shirt should be long-sleeved and fit properly. It should not be too tight/loose in the neck and you should see 1/4 inch of the shirt sleeve beyond the jacket sleeve;

• The tie should be a quality silk tie with a subtle pattern. The color should complement the color of the suit;

• Men should wear dress socks that are the same color and tint of the suit;

• The belt should be leather and the same color as the shoes;

• Shoes should be leather and can be either laced or slip-on business shoes. Avoid trendy designs and casual loafers;

• Make sure your hair is kept neat and that you have a clean shave;

• Cologne can be used, but in small amounts.

Business Casual

Business casual attire is less about the golf-shirt and slacks and looking more like business
professional. Here are some general guidelines to follow to ensure you maintain a professional appearance:

• Sport jackets should be a neutral color. Vneck sweaters can be worn with or independently of the jacket. A tie is not necessary

• Long-sleeved shirts can have more color and patterns

• Slacks should be a solid dark or khaki color and can have a flat front

• Socks, like with business professional, should match the color of your pants

• Shoes should be leather - they can be black, brown, or cordovan

• The belt should match the color of the shoes

• Maintain a clean, groomed appearance

***Source unknown

SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS

• Read Donald’s books and read Forbes India December 08 2017 Issue

• In your boardroom strive to reflect some segment of your customer base

• Every ethnicity should sleep with each other so majority of the population will be brown so no more discrimination?

• Don’t wear the banner of diversity if you don’t intend to develop concrete actions to address it. 

•  Maybe tax credit to promote diverse and inclusive society

• Figure out how to reduce risk aversion and resistance to change in your entrepreneur community

• Every business should have element of a social mission

• To speed up our journey towards real inclusion, we realized the need to recognize and address the limiting power of stereotypes.

• Take initiative to break stereotypes in the way we portray women and men in our advertising,

• Address the stereotypes that exist in the workplace and that hold back both men and women from realizing their full potential.

• Run programs across your business aimed at attracting, retaining, and developing diverse talent.

• To drive competitive advantage, secure a strong pipeline of talent for the future, and accelerate the readiness of high-potential diverse talent for senior leadership positions

• Create stress reduction courses and benefits

• Should men face less social pressure to play male-gender-role?

• More safety and tolerance for people different from us.

• Read some of the recommended books

• If you have to get constructive-creative how you escape toxic environments then do it.

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