The Monk and the Riddle Essay Example

Valley. It delves into the initiation of startups, the role of venture capitalists, and the intense preparation and pitching of strategies. The book also discusses how one influential individual found fulfillment not in the rewards of their job, but in the job itself.

The Monk and the Riddle tells the story of Komisar as he goes through appointments with venture capitalists and ambitious entrepreneurs. It also explores his conversations with Lenny as he moves towards making a decision. The book provides valuable insights into the differences between management and leadership and emphasizes the importance of drive, passion, and personal and professional success. Komisar acknowledges that "the journey is the reward" once the main goal is achieved. A frustrating part of the book is when it follows a young entrepreneur's aspiration to raise capital for an online interment service. His desire to become rich is seen as insincere. Komisar cautions him that if his only goal is wealth, he may lack the passion to overcome difficult times. Komisar discusses the flaw in having a deferred life plan.

The deferred life plan involves creating a business venture with the goal of becoming wealthy, if one is passionate about the idea. Once wealthy, the individual can then pursue their desired life goals. However, the entrepreneur has a realization and transitions from focusing on online burial services to desiring a more authentic service that honors the deceased with respect. Their main focus is to create a funeral experience filled with joy.

Will he receive the money now? The only thing that can be stated is that a tiger never changes its stripes; in addition, there is a discrepancy between the expressed

passion and genuine passion, which is prevalent throughout Silicon Valley. One of the primary ideas in this book revolves around the postponed life plan. Specifically, we must address the problems that need resolution. These involve making money and advancing professionally and socially, which enables us to engage in significant undertakings.

The main issue is that we often lose sight of our main goal right from the start. We often mistake drive for desire, leading us to accept a delayed life plan. Drive propels you forward, while passion pulls you towards what you love. Drive comes from external sources, while passion comes from within. If you don't know yourself well enough, it's easy to confuse the two.

You relegate your appetite to the second section of your life while striving to meet external expectations, as perceived from your social environments. This drive, overshadowed by passion, forms the basis of a delayed life plan. In essence, according to the author, we must strive to excel professionally, pursue our primary goals, achieve success, and build a career. Only then can we engage in other activities we enjoy.

Rules for the Deferred Life Plan

Rule Number One: Fulfill your obligations.
Rule Number Two: Indulge in activities that bring you pleasure. Within the deferred life plan, you delay addressing the enticing issues until later, if ever.

In this text, the author emphasizes the importance of pursuing your passions, as discussed in the deferred life plan. Komisar, a seasoned Silicon Valley entrepreneur, offers advice to Lenny, a prospective online entrepreneur. Lenny seeks guidance from Komisar in establishing his company, The Funerals.com. Lenny represents an archetype of an Eastern salesman who is solely driven by financial

gain in this business venture, as he sells discounted caskets online.

Komisar initially considers sending Lenny on his way due to his lack of enthusiasm for Lenny's idea. However, when Lenny shows his determination, Komisar decides to consistently assist him. The author wants Lenny to shift his focus from the potential financial gains of his concept to what truly motivates him. Lenny poses the question, "What would it take for someone to be excited about spending the rest of their life on Funerals.com?" In response, the value proposition for the business is revealed, which will generate excitement in others, aid in its execution, and secure funding. Komisar provides valuable information while helping Lenny with his endeavor.

Starting from explaining what Venture Capital firms typically seek, Komisar proceeds to outline the requirements for CEOs at different stages of a startup. He also highlights the qualities that distinguish a good manager from a good leader. Despite his somewhat preachy tone, Komisar is considered reliable due to his extensive experience in various roles including CEO, co-founder, corporate lawyer, and CFO in both successful and moderately successful organizations.

Contemporarily, he provides leadership and direction, as well as contacts, for business people, requiring experience. He supports them during the initial phase, and then either completely retires or transitions to a less critical advisory role. It is evident that he believes multiple ideas can be beneficial, but without a passionate and visionary leader who is willing to take risks and understands people, these ideas will not flourish within the company, which is as influential as possible. In summary, there are no checklists or formulas. Clearly, Komisar believes that one should not have

to work tirelessly in a mediocre job to afford the freedom to pursue their desires in the future.

Select a profession that has a satisfying income. This approach will help solve the chicken-and-egg dilemma.