Brad Jacobs, a serial entrepreneur who has built multiple billion-dollar companies, shares insights in his book 'How to Make a Few More Billion Dollars' about thinking big, managing mindset, and building companies from scratch. His approach emphasizes a positive inner monologue, relentless drive, and the joy of creation as keys to massive success.
Two years ago, Brad Jacobs authored a book titled How to Make a Few Billion Dollars, which detailed his approach to building massive companies from scratch. Since then, he has indeed made a few more billion dollars, prompting him to write a sequel aptly named How to Make a Few More Billion Dollars.
Brad generously shared an early copy of this new book, and it offers a wealth of insights not only on business strategy but also on the crucial role of mindset in achieving extraordinary success.
In the introduction, Brad explains that after his first book, he received many inquiries about topics that were either insufficiently covered or not addressed at all. This sequel aims to answer those questions and expand on his philosophy and methods.
Brad establishes his qualifications by highlighting his extensive experience: starting companies from scratch, assembling high-performing teams, and transforming abstract ideas into billions of dollars of tangible value. What stands out most about Brad is his candid discussion about managing his mind. Over nearly five decades, he has developed tools to turn an imperfect mind into one capable of creating immense value.
He quotes psychologist Albert Ellis, who said, "We're all fallible, messed up human beings," and Brad embraces this truth openly.
Brad describes company building as more than just financial success. For him, it is about bringing something extraordinary into existence from nothing. He paints a vivid picture:
"Imagine this: one moment you've got an idea, and before you know it, you're looking at 150,000 employees, billions in profit, and a soaring stock price on the New York Stock Exchange. It is the ultimate feat of business alchemy."
This perspective captures the awe-inspiring transformation from a simple idea to a massive enterprise.
One of Brad's core principles is the necessity of thinking extraordinarily big from the very beginning. He asserts that no one achieves massive success by thinking small and hoping to become big later. This mindset sets the foundation for ambitious goals and bold actions.
Perhaps the most impactful lesson from Brad's work is the emphasis on cultivating a positive inner monologue. The author of the book and podcast host David Senra shares his personal experience with Brad's influence:
David recounts a conversation with Apollo Ono, the most decorated winter Olympian, who observed that many driven people are motivated by negative past experiences. Apollo asked if anyone had a positive source of drive. David pointed to Brad Jacobs as a prime example of someone whose motivation is rooted in positive energy and enthusiasm.
Brad himself used to be harsh on himself, expecting perfection and beating himself up when he fell short. Over time, he learned to manage his mind better, which has been crucial to his sustained success.
Brad acknowledges that building giant companies is always accompanied by urgent problems and stress. However, he channels this pressure into relentless drive rather than letting it overwhelm him.
This attitude echoes a famous story about Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines, who said he didn't just handle stress—he liked it. This mindset turns challenges into fuel for progress.
Beyond mindset, Brad's book delves into practical aspects such as:
These chapters provide valuable guidance for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses effectively.
Brad Jacobs' How to Make a Few More Billion Dollars is more than a business manual; it is a guide to mastering the mind and embracing the joy of creation. His journey shows that success is not just about financial metrics but about thinking big, managing your inner dialogue positively, and turning pressure into relentless drive.
For anyone aspiring to build something extraordinary, Brad's insights offer a roadmap to not only making billions but doing so with a mindset that sustains and amplifies success over time.
