Odd Careers

In 1965, John Brink left the Netherlands for Canada equipped with only a single suitcase and $25.47 in cash. He had no connections, he didn’t speak the language, and he’d never finished elementary school, yet he was convinced he could make his dream to build his own sawmill come true. With a tenacity bordering on obsession, John achieved his dreams...and then some. In this lively autobiography, John distills a half-century’s hard work to share 10 simple takeaways.

"Beyond the Odds" offers a nuanced exploration of risk perception and management, challenging conventional wisdom and providing fresh insights into how individuals and organizations perceive, assess, and respond to risks. Drawing on interdisciplinary research and real-world examples, this book examines the cognitive biases and psychological factors that influence risk perception, shedding light on why people often overestimate or underestimate risks.

The Four Pillars of Business Success is a business audiobook made to help entrepreneurs, business leaders, and managers learn to develop the strong foundation every business needs to be the best in its class. The audiobook’s author, Alan Yong, utilizes the insights he has gained over the course of four decades in business to offer today’s entrepreneurs a road map to success.

Raj Sarma currently resides in the Bay Area with his spouse and two children. His life journey humbles him, and he aims to share his experiences to inspire those striving for a better life. Raj Sarma’s experiences, both positive and negative, have shaped his thought process and emotional state, emphasizing the connection between daily decisions and personal growth. He is motivated to share his story to help his children understand their father’s background and find their own identities as they navigate their journeys.

Contending with the 24/7 news cycle and an endless barrage of choices and information has stymied leadership and decision-making strategies. The broad-based reaction to this chaotic, unmanageable assault has been to retrench, and to focus on immediate, controllable decisions. In the process, we lose sight of the horizon. More dangerous still, is the shift we've seen from value creation to wealth creation, in a transaction-based society in which the "deal" is more important than the value it drives or the relationships it is based on.

Defying Odds emphasizes the transformative power of faith. Through various stories, it illustrates how faith, akin to an invisible yet potent force, serves as a driving factor that propels individuals to reach beyond their circumstances and strive for success.

Nenna Feelmore, filmmaker and owner of Feelmore Adult Gallery in Oakland, CA provides an insightful and refreshing look into creating, maintaining, and growing a successful business, which so happens to be an adult retail boutique, all while offering useful tips on how to become a better person. Never Let the Odds Stop You highlights the notion that money may not be in the equation, but you can still get what you desire from life.

Dive into this book and discover what’s possible when you follow the principles and practices that have made him the successful entrepreneur he is today. Take this journey and begin forging your own path to success that you’ve only dreamed of!