Ted Leonsis: The Business of Happiness
February 15th, 2010 by Jim Garrettson
Ted Leonsis’ latest book, The Business of Happiness, released February 8th. The book’s fulcrum is his famous 101 list, 101 things he wanted to achieve before he died that he wrote down after a scary plane experience 25 years ago . “At the time, I thought that ticking items off my list would make me happy. I’ve found that actively pursuing happiness seems to be a driver of success,” he writes in the book’s introduction.
The first part of the book details Ted’s life story, from his college days at Georgetown to his start in the tech industry at Wang Computers to his first successful foray into entrepreneurship. Eventually, Redgate Communications (one of his start-ups) was bought by Steve Case of AOL, catapulting him to national fame. Of the merger with Time-Warner, Ted writes “Let me state for the record: I was passionately opposed to the merger with Time Warner. His glass half-full outlook shows through, and he’s kind to all parties involved in the transaction.
Ted also covers his current successful forays into sports (the Washington Capitals went to the Stanley Cup semifinals last year), filmmaking, and investing in start-ups.
Check out some of the celebrity praise for the book below, courtesy of Amazon.
“As Ted shows, the happier the company, the more successful it can become.”
—Maria Shriver, author, journalist, First Lady of California
“A happy team can be a winning team. It is all about following Ted’s belief in happiness and success. I buy into it completely, and it really works; I believe Ted’s book can help you become MVP in your life, at work, and at home.”
—Alex Ovechkin, two-time NHL Most Valuable Player—Washington Capitals
“Ted Leonsis has one of the most creative minds in business. His insights on business, career planning, and how to succeed in today’s 24/7 environment reflect the wisdom of a renaissance man. . . and in The Business of Happiness, he is your personal guide.”
—Ken Chenault, CEO and Chairman, American Express Company
“Read this book. You may not end up with his life. But there’s a good chance you’ll get something even more valuable—his outlook on life.”
—Chris Wallace, FOX News
“Ted Leonsis is absolutely correct that money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you Ted’s book, which will bring you happiness—and success.”
—LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
