Some entrepreneurs are so ridiculously prolific, talented and ‘out-there’ that they get to take on the status of ‘celebrity’ entrepreneur. In my opinion, David Donde is one of those. I know this for a fact because I get to experience both the brand and the products that David brings to the market almost every day at Truth Coffee’s Steampunk HQ, only a short walk from our studios at successness.com in Cape Town. Anyone who has lost themselves to a ‘skinny mac’ and shared wild fantasies in the eclectic, funky, and always busy Truth Cafe, knows what I am talking about. I was not surprised to hear that it’s been voted the world’s best coffee shop by the The Daily Telegraph two years in a row!!! A man not afraid of the brutal truth, David kindly offers up some pearls of wisdom behind his success story in his brief interview. So, sit back, grab a short black of your own and enjoy. Hit it David!!
I Am Driven By: Trying to achieve the extraordinary, and thereby bring joy. Tinkering and building.
My ‘Magic’ comes from: Stealing like an artist. Finding great ideas and getting inspired to move them up and on.
The Difference Between good And Great: Fear of mediocrity and the understanding, that it is about the journey, not the destination.
A Key Talent: AD(H)D
Principles I Live By: Having principles and values that guide one is the principle that matters. Which ones don’t matter.
Critical Skills I Develop: Thinking bigger.
How I Use My Mind: I allow good ideas to filter up on their own.
Dealing With Doubt and fear: Bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but facing fear and forging ahead anyhow.
Performing At My Peak: Trying not to be busy being busy.
My Future Dreams And Ambitions: Can I let you know on my deathbed? Don’t want the limitation now thanks.
How I balance high performance with happiness and contentment: I am never content. I am happy striving.
Advice On Building Wealth: Stop it! Chase success. Wealth is a mirage.
Arogyaswami J. Paulraj was born in Pollachi near Coimbatore, India. He joined the Indian Navy at age 15 through the National Defence Academy, Kharakvalsa and served the Navy for 30 years. Paulraj received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Naval College of Engineering, Lonavala, India, and his doctorate in electrical engineering from the […]
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