What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
There are a lot of business books, but they are either "how-tos" or biographies/autobiographies about "heroic" achievements. I hadn't seen any books about what it really feels like to run an early-stage, venture-funded technology company in Silicon Valley. And since I've run six of these companies, I thought I had an original story to tell.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
For me: You Can't Always Get What You Want (Rolling Stones). For Bill Campbell: Hero (Mariah Carey).
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Science fiction - particularly stories that relate to time travel. In a literal sense, my favorite genre to write (business) has nothing to do with science fiction. However, I like playing with time in the way I tell stories, which reflects my interest in science fiction/time travel.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
War and Peace (my father has been trying to convince me to read it for 30 years). Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The Two Golden Rules - it tells the story of how, shortly after my friend, business partner, and I started a company, a prominent investor (unsuccessfully) tried to pressure me into firing my business partner.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Yes - my cat (Mister E) sleeps on the table next to my laptop.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
One of my favorite quotes is from the 1960s British TV show, The Prisoner: "I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed, or numbered. My life is my own." And another is from my paternal grandfather: "It's always difficult to predict, especially the future." As for the philosophy I try to live by: be kind, tell the truth, and try my hardest.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
The one thing would be people realizing that the real Silicon Valley and the mythical Silicon Valley have very little in common.
Mike Grossman is the author of the new book Failure Is An Option: Reflections of a Silicon Valley CEO
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