SASE OSU was able to invite, fundraise, and bring James Sun to OSU to inspire students on “How to Write Your Own Success Story.” James was a Finalist on The Apprentice and is an extremely successful investor, entrepreneur, and tv/movie producer. Over 200 students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and corporate managers attended the event. This blog summarizes the key points of the event through the eyes of the students and how they were inspired by the experience.
Jeff. S – Junior – Mechanical Engineering – Northwestern U.
“Throughout college I’ve been a typical Asian engineering student. Follow my parent’s lead by 1) studying hard to get good grades, and 2) finding a nice job. Fine by me -sure, it meant learning some time management and pulling all nighters but my work would pay off in terms of GPA. I met friends in various extracurricular groups and had a good time on weekends. After 3 years at Northwestern, I was settling into a routine of work, sleep and play.
I’m not kind of person that enjoys going to speaker events. Nor have I ever watched The Apprentice. However, James made me realize that I was missing an opportunity. Rather than choosing an easy path, like studying all the time I could pull of something more. If James could work full time, graduate with good grades and run an immensely profitable fund at the same time, surely I could accomplish more than a high GPA. In short, there are a few things he said that changed my perspective on a dime.
These are obvious points, but perhaps never implemented well.
- Goals – Don’t just set the usual long term ones, you’ll just forget. Decide on something small to accomplish every single day.
- Never, ever think “no” to yourself. It roadblocks entrepreneurs and leaders all the time.
- Take risks. Why be the unhappy middle-aged corporate worker that holds onto a 6-figure salary only for security? Find a passion to pursue early on so you don’t get stuck in a rut later in life.”
Yuange Y. – Senior – Finance – Ohio State U.
“James Sun has truly been an inspiration for us all. Whether you’re in the realm of business, or just a college student with ideas, James gives you the motivation to follow your goals. One of the most important concepts from this meeting include taking risks. James talked about taking risks as an entrepreneur at a start-up company. Upon seeing the hardship he had to faced, I felt his struggles really diluted my personal issues. As the President of the undergraduate investment club, one issue that I constantly face is getting more people involved. James offered me this advice: “If you are passionate about something, all you need to do is find 2 people who are just as passionate. For each of those 2 people, they need to find 2 more people who share the same passions.” His statement turned something unfeasible to something that can be accomplished before I graduate. James’ appearance will always be remembered and his words will always be embodied.”
Jon L. – Senior – Chemical Engineering – Ohio State U.
“The James Sun event was very inspiring to me. James was an eloquent speaker and maintained a very persuasive and intriguing way of life. Hearing about his experience as an entrepreneur provided important information about how to successfully achieve one’s goals. I think he catalyzed the drive for many people in the audience to constantly identify and/or create opportunities to succeed, thus achieving the goal of the event labeled ‘How to write your own success story’.
Two major concepts stuck with me from this event. The first involves pursuing opportunity every day. It is so easy just to sit back and complete what you are supposed to every day, then return home from work and relax. Setting daily goals versus quarterly goals allows for a leverage (or domino) effect over time, and ultimately allows for one to activate his or her inner drive to achieve success. This leads into the second concept that James Sun has left with me, and that is to ‘Act as if..’. Try this concept out if you have not already, I promise you will experience a change in lifestyle unlike anything you have experienced before.”