“Irrationally Passionate” Book review

Biographies can be intriguing and motivating. My favourite biography is 'Made in Japan' by Akio Morita. There's something stirring about watching these extra-ordinary individuals walk through hardships and road blocks, there’s so much to learn! I prefer biographies of known achievers but Jason Kothari’s title as "Former CSIO of Snapdeal” piqued my interest.

"Pressure Makes Diamonds" -- That’s the story! 

“Irrationally Passionate” is story of Jason, a Hong Kong kid who schooled in different parts of the world, suffered racism, bullying and never fit in because of his Indian heritage marked second class. He was segregated in public, neglected as a customer and kept out of the baseball team. It’s a wonder he succeeded despite everything. He could have had been a pompous ass but instead tries to tell the world of his secrets.

Sting and Shadowman, two superhero characters of Valiant comics were also treated as outcasts became role models for Jason. When Jason saw his favourite comic company dying, he jumped on the opportunity to own it. I think that's highly admirable. Thinking of buying a company, bidding millions that you don't have, is no small feat. A major portion of the book deals with his struggle to resurrect Valiant Enterprise and bringing it back to its glory.

His mantra is based on sheer focus, hard work and perseverance. In his own words - 

"Everyday after school I would spend hours practising alone. I would imagine my basketball idol, Michael Jordan, and me playing one-on-one. Month after month I saw my performance improve. Foul shots, three-pointers, layups, hook shots - I drained bucket after bucket. When I beat every opponent in one-on-one pick-up games, I started challenging two guys to play me at once. When I blew through those competitors, I challenged myself to win an increasing margin and once led to team to a 40-0 victory!"

He takes us through his entrepreneurial life, starting from earning profit of $142 in an hour by selling pizzas as a kid to saving the sinking Snapdeal. He tells us to DARE to dream BIG. 

But "Life is messy and so is business", every business will throw difficulties at you. One should have the focus and resilience to endure the negativity from all around and push oneself to the goal. 

Bill Jemas, former COO of Marvel, Valient's competing company, says - 'Jason, at Valiant Entertainment, was exceptional. His success in reviving Valiant from the ashes is a rare and admirable feat. Jason is a very sharp, dynamic, relentless yet balanced entrepreneurial leader with a wonderful sense of humour and humility who maintains good cheer even through the most trying of times'. 

Kothari goes on to sharing his experiences at Housing.com, Freecharge and Snapdeal. Believing in giving back good to the world, Jason is frank in telling us all his right and wrong actions, successes and failures he made. He not only tells us to push oneself to achieve one’s dream but also when to stop and let go. The book is precious in terms of is his frank how-he-did-it accounts, invaluable learnings and framework of ideal start-up. Jason also tell us of an entrepreneur's personal life as a son, brother, friend and partner.

I believe this book is not just for entrepreneurs but all those who like to dream and have a goal. This book will shatter your glass ceiling of limit and fear. It tells us – “Think BIG. BELIEVE. Work HARD with DEEP CONVICTION. ENDURE. At the same time, also HELP others”

I too believe in Jason's words - Limits Are Illusions.

This book was sponsored by BlogAdda for review. This review is my honest opinion.

Recommended - 4.5 stars