The Value of Learning: Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur’s Book Club)

In the bustling world of business literature, Steven Bartlett’s “Diary of a CEO” stands out as a compelling read for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned leaders. My name is Rachel, I am a 2020 LaunchX alum and entrepreneur, and I first heard of Steven Bartlett through his informative and uplifting podcast (also titled “Diary of a CEO”). He has spoken with numerous well-known entrepreneurs and celebrities, including actress-entrepreneur Gwenyth Paltrow, Ben Francis, founder of Gym Shark, and Disney Channel star Cole Sprouse (the latter most being one of my favorites).

In his book, he consolidates his many years of experience as an entrepreneur and learning from others. Notably, he begins by stating that he doesn’t believe in lengthy books - he cuts straight to the chase with no fluff in between. The concept he introduced right in the first chapter has been haunting me as an ambitious entrepreneur who may want to do too many things at once. Let’s dive into it a bit.

Fill your buckets in the right order.

The order goes like this: KNOWLEDGE -> SKILL -> NETWORK -> RESOURCES -> REPUTATION.

Here’s a straightforward example: first learn how to code (knowledge), then practice making an app (skill), meet fellow developers and tech entrepreneurs (network), gain access to software, mentorship, or funding (resources), and with all the above it culminates in building your reputation. You cannot have skills without prior knowledge, a network without a valuable skill to contribute, and so on.

It sounds obvious, but Bartlett gives a great example of a friend who took on a big job that paid well (resources) and would make him the head of marketing (reputation). Unfortunately, he didn’t have enough knowledge, skills, and network to supplement this hefty role, and the aftermath turned ugly. Upon reflection, building up the first three bases without distraction from the flashing lights of money and prestige is pivotal.

A humbling reminder

Bartlett’s first chapter on self-discovery really made me reconsider my current values as a 21-year-old entrepreneur. Coming from a high-performance background, it often feels as if we are expected to take on the world at the earliest age possible when there is so much value in being young and learning. 

A great source of pride is the community startups I have built over the past few years. When I introduced myself to a fellow marketing intern over the summer, their response was: “Why are you interning now, then?” Being an intern didn’t feel very flashy or cool. But after reading this part of the book, I fully recognized how exciting it is to be on a team, ask questions, experience leadership, and learn. 

There is no replacement for knowledge, skills, and network – once those three exist, the resources and reputation have no option but to follow.

What no one can take away from you: Knowledge and Skill.

Another beautiful sentiment that Steven touches on is that, at the end of the day, knowledge and skill are the two things that no one could ever take away from you. Maybe one day you go bankrupt (resources), or you move across the world where you know no one (network), or you get “canceled” on socials (reputation). But at the end of the day, no one can take away your coding skills, eye for photography, or ability to speak French. This makes me even more excited to collect knowledge and skills. 

There’s so much more in “Diary of a CEO” about ambition, leadership, and entrepreneurship. It’s a five-star read I’ll revisit every few years to reflect on as my perspectives evolve. Even just from the first chapter on filling my buckets, I’m inspired and invigorated to continue learning and growing. I can’t wait to continue growing, and if you feel in a similar phase in your life make sure to pick up a copy of the book or check out more command post articles. Knowledge is power!