Brian Smith
Brian, Co-Founder of UGG, highlights the go-to books he’s found valuable throughout his journey of building and selling his company.
1. The Birth of a Brand by Brian Smith
Why Brian recommends this book: : "When I had the opportunity to update this classic Hero’s Journey prior to narrating the Audible version six years after publication, I discovered that I did not have to change one word from the original manuscript. This book is a roadmap for entrepreneurs, both new and seasoned ones, and delves into the philosophy and spirituality needed to stay the course no matter what the product or service one is offering. There are 59 tangible take-aways that are timeless for building any business, and maintaining a healthy and practical lifestyle."
2. The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman
Why Brian recommends this book: "I loved this book as it explores the concept of taking on a powerful persona (imaginary) in the running of your business. Todd cites examples of many famous celebrities, sportspeople, business builders and ordinary businesspeople who can make bigger things happen in their lives by taking on an attitude of “specialness” in the course of working on a result. I use his methods prior to going on any stage, when I slip into 'Brian Smith Speaker' mode and become someone other than myself."
3. Authentic Negotiating by Corey Kupfer
Why Brian recommends this book: "In the early days of my career, my low self esteem really handicapped me from deserving great results in any negotiation. Corey’s book is full of techniques to stand on an equal footing with every person you wish to engage and provides win-win solutions that make you come out of every negotiation feeling good….. even if nothing is resolved."
4. Shoe Maker by Joe Foster
Why Brian recommends this book: "When I was starting the UGG Business, one my imaginary adversaries was Reebok, who was also trying to get traction in the U.S. footwear market. After reading (Founder) Joe’s stories of his travails and small successes, it validated my theme that 'you can’t give birth to adults' and celebrated the fact that the JOURNEY is the reward that every brand building exercise provides."
5. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Why Brian recommends this book: "The first title is a timeless classic that every entrepreneur must read. The material in his second book written in 1938 was considered so controversial at that time, that no publisher would take it to market. Napoleon Hill reveals the very deep personal obstacles including Fear, Procrastination, Anger and Jealousy as tools of the Devil himself to keep non-thinking humans from aspiring to more in their lives."
About the Speaker
Brian Smith
Founder of UGG
Graduating in 1978 as a Chartered Accountant in Australia, Brian came to California looking for the next big opportunity to bring back to Australia. While studying at the UCLA Graduate School of Management he observed that there was no sheepskin footwear in the US. With only $500 in capital, he imported boot samples and over the next seventeen years built the UGG Australia brand into a multi-million dollar international enterprise. He sold in 1995 and the brand has continued to grow to exceed a billion dollars in annual sales for the past six years. Brian is one of the most sought after International business leaders in the country today. He is committed to teaching entrepreneurs how to leverage their most precious assets from within, and to recognize and pursue their passions to create a fulfilling and successful life.