Going to a country, where English is not your mother’s tongue, limited professional network, and lack understanding of the law and regulations, made a difficult decision into a worse nightmare; but with these books it can often help softening the blow and provide a foundation for a new life in Canada a little – easier.
1. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson – The great thing about this book is not the fact that Steve found an iconic company and turned into a multibillion business, but what I love are his background and the lessons he learnt; started from a humble beginning as an orphan, without any formal education, turned passion and ideas into the most loved products. Then the same company that he put his sweat, blood and tears fired him; pushed him out. But Steve went and started a new company – Pixar, a successful computer animated film studio. We can conclude that it is not luck the first time, he did have a good head on his shoulder. This book taught me the value of failure – it is the father of all success; I have not met a single soul who are doing well, without ever fallen on their face. This is a good start for any entrepreneur, who are coming to Canada, because I am 100% sure you will fail, you will get your butt kick, you will cry, you will yell at the world one day, but if you learn to get up and keep going Canada will be a great to call home. And you must have a good head on your shoulder, or Canada will be a cold, and lonely place where the only thing you are able to do is drink coffee with your buddies all day and complain about the snow at your beer party all night.
2. Start With Why by Simon Sinek – It is a simple thought, but many for some reason forgot to ask the question, why? Why do I even get out of bed in the morning? Why do I even brush my teeth? The book digs down and help the reader navigating the world of reasons, and guiding them to answer the ultimate question – why we exist and do what we do? I like this book because it helps many businesses owner think, a skill that certain would-be-Vietnamese entrepreneur lack. And it only amplifies their days in Canada even harder.
3. Built to last by Jim Collins – This book dives into the many habits that built great company. And like any company, it inherited the many traits of its founders. This book is about, how small, tiny, habit can make big impact to a corporation and the world. I often say it is not the big idea that change lives, it is often the smallest act that make or break a person/organization. I love this book: think turn to thought, thought lead to action, and action form habits, ultimately habit led to destiny.
These are books, I believe would help future Vietnamese Canadian entrepreneur lead a more fulfilled life in Canada. It doesn’t cover all aspect of the business in a country that is very slow moving, but I can tell you this after living in it for 34 yours, it is a great place to build a family; because of healthcare, social assistant for those in needs, and of course the welcoming and friendly Canadians.