A decade of long distance running taught me to embrace The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner. Those miles and trials were bootcamp for my next act, as a self-represented artist. Like distance running, successful entrepreneurism isn’t as lonesome as one might think — a point beautifully articulated in Michael Sonnenfeldt’s new book — Think Bigger: And 39 Other Winning Strategies from Successful Entrepreneurs.
Sonnenfeldt’s 240 page tome explores the traits of a successful entrepreneur, through a volume of detailed, intriguing and inspiring case studies of other entrepreneurs. At the core of each venture lies a game-changing visionary, true, but their vision blossoms through the power of mentorship and peer development. In 1999, Sonnenfeldt embraced this ideal to the extreme, establishing TIGER 21 — which stands for The Investment Group for Enhanced Results in the 21st Century.
Now with 29 locations across the globe, TIGER 21 members brainstorm with their peers, actually defending their portfolio once a year. The “portfolio defense” is not just quantitative, it’s qualitative. Financial gain is important, but so is your quality of life… how well have you planned for the future? How informed is your family about your wealth and philanthropic goals? Are your philanthropic activities aligned with your values? How do you plan to transfer your wealth? Are you happy?
The group boasts a network of high net-worth individuals, paying $30,000 in annual membership fees. As an artist, I might have glanced at these details and figured — this book isn’t for me. I’m not at that level, and what can I possibly gain from these insights?
As it happens, a fortuitous piece of marketing for one of my shows, an exhibit of my Kick Ass Actors in Kick Ass Roles series in 2013, brought a TIGER 21 member into my orbit — and it has impacted my life. My mentor and friend, despite an insanely busy schedule, always carves out time to explore my budding ideas, creative and business alike. Having a sounding board, and someone at your fingertips to help you prevent mistakes before they happen by sharing their experience, is beyond valuable. Through this individual, I had the honor of presenting my work and business model to a TIGER 21 group in-person (humbling company on both sides of the podium).
Sonnenfeldt is about disruption, dialog and ever-evolving self assessment — an ethos shared by all TIGER 21 members. When it comes to intelligence versus grit? The latter often plays the role of Rocky, whether your business is washing machines, white label medical equipment, or, yes, even paintings. One day, I aspire to be a TIGER 21 member myself. For now? I’ll keep this book handy, for inspiration, calling upon my trusted mentor and group of advisors, to help me think bigger.
You can acquire the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, 800 ceo read or Indie Bound.
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