Mati Goldberg
As you read through that book about Ehud Barak, it reveals some similarities to his ex-subordinate and current nemesis - Benjamin Netanyahu. One boasts his intellectual wisdom and superiority, while the other considers himself “one of a kind” and the only one able to lead the State of Israel. One promoted actions that he knew are unlikely to be executed, while the other is always trying to avoid any responsibility for dangerous moves. Both link between state strategic decisions and tactical choices that serve their needs. One scans the newspapers carefully and looks for criticism against him. The other scolds anyone who posts an unflattering picture of his wife. One tried to weaken the IDF's radio station, while the other made Channel 10 went through a terrible ordeal. Both of them asked (and received) reimbursements for entertainment expenses, which is unclear if they were work-related. They both pushed to purchase a new submarine, as opposed to the opinion of the leaders of the Israeli security forces, each of them for his own reasons. However, the main difference between them is that the former is always walked between the lines, which allows him to keep on declaring that he operated his entire life within the law. Unlike him, The latter found himself on the bench of the defendants.
The Italian political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli once said that every man is potentially corruptible, even if they are good and well educated. This quote, “People can be easily corrupted,” printed on the inside cover page of this fascinating biography of the current prime minister of Israel, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu. Nowadays, when Mr. Netanyahu is facing allegations of being involved in bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, Caspit's book is a rare window into the world of the famous politician, which many relate to as the unrivaled leader of Israel. However, something happened to him during his 10-years term as Prime Minister, and he became – in Caspit's words – the modern version of Louis the Great – He is the state, the state's best interest is Netanyahu's best interest, and without him the country of Israel is hopeless.
Until reading Ben Horowitz's book, ‘The Hard Thing About Hard Things,' I knew that he's a successful VC but didn't realize that what made him such was his previous career as a Co-founder and CEO, who struggled hard before his company acquired.
This book is teaching a lot about leadership and taking care of your people.
“Spend zero time on what you could have done and devote all of your time on what you might do. Because in the end, nobody cares; just run your company” (p. 92)
“There are always a thousand things that can go wrong and sink the ship. If you focus too much on them, you will drive yourself nuts and likely crash your company. Focus on where you are going rather than on what you hope to avoid” (p. 207)
Timothy Ferriss draws the model of the New Rich. These people understood that the right moment to live your dreams is here and now. You should leave your old job and establish your own business that can support your dream life. Live like a millionaire without actually be one.
His formula, DEAL, is made of four components:
Definition – according to the Pareto Principle, you should recognize 20% of the things you do that bring you to 80% of the desired outcomes. Be effective – not efficient, and focus on the few things that make significant progress;
Elimination – save time by “Data Detox” and removal of distractions;
Automation – create “autopilot” that assist you and manage tasks on behalf of you;
Liberation – learn how to release.
In his book, Shimon Peres gave me a glimpse of his massive contribution to the defense of the state of Israel – establishing of the Israel Aerospace Industries, the Dimona Reactor, and the alliance with France – which seemed to him as impossible dreams. In Peres' vision, Impossible does not mean unreasonable. Near to his death, his sole regret was that he did not dream bigger dreams.
”I learned from others that the greatest achievements come from the realization that the mission you are doing, is much more important than the title you are carrying”
The book covers Elon Musk's biography and the forces that led him to become the man he is today, somewhere between Henry Ford and John D. Rockefeller. “When Elon gets into something, he develops just this different level of interest in it than other people. That is what differentiates Elon from the rest of humanity”. His accomplishments in sustainable technology have led to astonishing new levels - along with a complex personality and enormous ego. “For Elon, the word ‘No' does not exist, and he expects that attitude from everyone around him.” He's being notorious for setting unrealistic goals, assigning incredible workloads, and verbally abusing his employees. “The longer you wait to fire someone, the longer it has been since you should have fired them,” once said. Yet, Musk is rightly considered today's leader in the aerospace, automotive, and solar industries.
