Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference by Guy Kawasaki & Madisun Nuismer Summary
Overview
Guy Kawasaki's "Think Remarkable" distills 40 years of wisdom from Apple, Google, and 225+ podcast interviews with luminaries like Jane Goodall. What surprising trait connects remarkable people? Not genius - but grit, grace, and the audacity to make a difference.
- Prioritize making meaning over money to unlock authentic success.
- Embrace growth mindset, grit, and grace as pillars of transformation.
- Innovate through continuous iteration and user-centric product development.
- Transform obstacles into opportunities with fearless resilience.
- Learn from 200+ remarkable leaders like Jane Goodall and Steve Wozniak.
- Start with simple questions to drive extraordinary changes.
- Cultivate fearlessness to discover untapped personal and professional potential.
- Build legacy through small daily impacts rather than grand gestures.
- Adopt corporate innovation strategies from Apple and Google for personal growth.
- Redefine success as service-driven impact rather than status or wealth.
- Combine relentless curiosity with grace to inspire lasting change.
- Think Remarkable redefines leadership through actionable empathy and tactical optimism.
About the Author
Guy Takeo Kawasaki, co-author of Think Remarkable, is a Silicon Valley icon and bestselling author renowned for his expertise in entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology evangelism.
A former Apple chief evangelist who helped launch the Macintosh, Kawasaki now serves as chief evangelist for Canva, continuing his lifelong mission to democratize technology and design.
His career spans venture capital, board roles at Wikimedia Foundation, and hosting the Remarkable People podcast, where he interviews leaders across industries. Known for blending tactical advice with inspirational storytelling, Kawasaki’s previous works like The Art of the Start and Enchantment have become essential reading for startups and marketers.
Think Remarkable distills lessons from his 40-year career into actionable strategies for achieving professional and personal fulfillment. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide, with translations in over 20 languages.
FAQs About This Book
What is Think Remarkable by Guy Kawasaki about?
Think Remarkable outlines nine transformative paths to personal and professional growth, blending Guy Kawasaki’s 40+ years of experience at Apple, Google, and Canva with insights from 200+ leaders like Jane Goodall and Steve Wozniak. It focuses on cultivating resilience, innovation, and purpose to create meaningful impact. The book offers actionable strategies for adopting a growth mindset and leading a fulfilling life.
Who should read Think Remarkable?
This book ideal for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone seeking personal development. It’s particularly valuable for leaders aiming to drive innovation, individuals navigating career changes, and those inspired by real-world examples from figures like Stacey Abrams and Mark Rober. Kawasaki’s advice caters to readers wanting actionable steps to transform their outlook and make a difference.
Is Think Remarkable worth reading?
Yes—it combines Kawasaki’s proven frameworks with podcast-tested wisdom from icons across industries. Readers gain tactical advice on resilience, creativity, and leadership, backed by case studies from organizations like Wikipedia and Mercedes-Benz. Its blend of inspiration and practicality makes it a standout guide for achieving professional success while maintaining personal integrity.
What are the key lessons from Think Remarkable?
- Growth mindset: Embrace continuous learning and adaptability
- Resilience: Develop grit through setbacks
- Purpose-driven innovation: Create products/services that solve real problems
- Grace under pressure: Lead with empathy in high-stakes situations
The book distills these principles from Kawasaki’s work with tech giants and interviews with extraordinary achievers.
How does Think Remarkable differ from Guy Kawasaki’s previous books?
Unlike The Art of the Start’s entrepreneurial focus, this book offers a holistic life philosophy. It integrates personal development with professional strategy, drawing from Kawasaki’s podcast insights and later-career reflections at Canva. The emphasis on “making meaning” expands beyond business tactics to encompass social impact and individual fulfillment.
What quotes are highlighted in Think Remarkable?
While exact quotes aren’t provided in sources, the book features distilled wisdom from notable figures:
- Steve Wozniak on engineering simplicity
- Jane Goodall on persistent environmental advocacy
- Stacey Abrams on democratic engagement
These insights underscore the book’s theme that remarkableness stems from consistent, values-driven action.
Can Think Remarkable help with career development?
Absolutely. The book provides frameworks for:
- Identifying transferable skills during career pivots
- Building networks through authentic relationship-building
- Communicating ideas effectively via Kawasaki’s “evangelist” methodology
Case studies from Apple’s early days and modern creators like Mark Rober offer concrete examples of career resilience.
How does Think Remarkable approach innovation?
Kawasaki advocates a customer-centric innovation process:
- Start with meaningful problems rather than profit motives
- Prototype rapidly using tools like Canva’s design philosophy
- Iterate based on user feedback loops
The approach mirrors his success at Apple, emphasizing empathy over pure technical prowess.
What critiques exist about Think Remarkable?
While universally praised for its actionable advice, some readers might find the broad scope overwhelming compared to niche self-help guides. However, its synthesis of diverse perspectives (from tech to conservation) is precisely what makes it valuable for holistic growth.
How to apply Think Remarkable’s principles daily?
- Start small: Implement one “remarkable habit” weekly (e.g., mentoring colleagues)
- Track progress: Use Kawasaki’s self-assessment tools for mindset development
- Seek feedback: Apply the book’s iteration strategies to personal goals
The methods mirror techniques used by interviewed leaders to sustain long-term impact.
In what formats is Think Remarkable available?
The book is offered as a paperback, ebook (Kindle), and audiobook, with the latter featuring direct insights from Kawasaki’s podcast interviews. Wiley publishes both physical and digital editions globally.
Does Think Remarkable include case studies?
Yes—it analyzes:
- Apple’s early marketing evangelism strategies
- Canva’s mission to democratize design
- Wikipedia’s collaborative knowledge model
These real-world examples illustrate how organizations operationalize the book’s principles.
How does Think Remarkable define “remarkable”?
The book positions remarkableness as creating enduring positive impact through:
- Innovation: Solving overlooked problems
- Integrity: Aligning actions with core values
- Influence: Inspiring others through example
This triad forms the foundation for both personal fulfillment and professional success.
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Key Themes in Think Remarkable
Quotes from Think Remarkable
Time will pass the same way either way.
The source matters less than having motivation itself.
Doubters can inadvertently provide powerful motivation.
I can be depressed, or I can live my life now.
Characters in Think Remarkable
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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