Crossing the Swamp: My Path to Innovating as a Parallel Entrepreneur - Hardcover

Shen, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0997107790 ISBN 13: 9780997107791

Publisher: Over and Above Creative, 2024

Synopsis

1st Place Winner - Best Business Book --- Next Generation Indie Book Awards 2024.

John Shen is unique among American entrepreneurs. Founder of five startups, he is a “parallel entrepreneur,” going far beyond the usual model of being a solo or serial entrepreneur. He is a first-generation entrepreneur who came to the US at the age of 23 and achieved the American Dream of success. Along the way, he also experienced total business collapse and knows what it is like to come back from failure, to “cross the swamp.”

In this book, John recounts his dramatic life story and the three phases of his extraordinary entrepreneurial journey to success. Through the chapters, he details the eight personal and business qualities that entrepreneurs must develop in order to achieve their highest goals. The book also contains John's advice on the special challenges faced by first-generation immigrant entrepreneurs.

About this title

About the Author

JOHN SHEN is unique among American entrepreneurs. He is the founder of five companies and currently operates four of them simultaneously. He coined the term “parallel entrepreneur,” referring to entrepreneurs who, like himself, choose to launch and operate multiple companies simultaneously. His entrepreneurial leadership has propelled his businesses on the fast track to success. Two of his companies, ALC and Sunstone have been listed among “America’s Fastest Growing Companies” by Financial Times since 2021. He is a co-founder of the Long Beach Accelerator.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Many people wanting to be entrepreneurs have approached me and asked how I came to achieve my success. Some know that I am an immigrant to America, arriving here just three decades ago. People are surprised that I own and operate so many companies at once and want to understand how it can possibly be.. What kind of superpowers do I have, they wonder.

I am not special. I have no actual superpowers. But I do have insights and advice to offer anyone who dreams of becoming an entrepreneur or is in the midst of launching a startup venture. I’m writing this book to share my entrepreneurial journey because I believe anyone can do what I have done. In the course of my career spanning nearly 30 years, I have learned the lessons of how to start and grow profitable companies ― and how to come back from failure. I am opening up my life story to everyone, and by doing so I hope to inspire you so you can do the same. The story of my near suicide after the collapse of my real estate business is the first foundational lesson I want to impart:
Never give in to desperation.
If you experience a business downturn or an outright failure, you do not need to keep holding on to the pressure. Learn, as I did, to let go of the weight you are holding in a single second so you can focus on solving the problems in front of you. For me, knowing how to release stress and pressure has become one of the key strengths that allows me to remain calm while running multiple companies. In a much broader sense, the “Glass of Water” story taught me an invaluable life philosophy. After practicing it so many times, I have become a master of removing pressure instantly and everywhere in my life. This helps me stay positive while handling my work; but more importantly, it takes away any negativity from my personal life as well, filling it with
complete joy and happiness.

I have learned that overcoming difficulties is like crossing a swamp. At first, the mud is thick and the water is deep, and every step is a struggle. But with persistence, each step gets a little easier, and eventually, you start to see the other side. You may have to veer off course, navigate around obstacles, and sometimes even take a step backward, but as long as you keep moving forward, you’ll eventually reach dry land. And when you finally emerge from the other side of the swamp, you’ll be stronger, more resilient, and ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.

Edition details

• Publisher: Over and Above Creative
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0997107790
• ISBN 13: 9780997107791
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320