Guy Kawasaki ’72

By Jason Black

‘Iolani School Bulletin: Where are you right now?

Currently, I’m at home in Silicon Valley, California.

‘Iolani School Bulletin: What’s some background on you, your education and your career?

I’m the author of Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions. I’m also the co-founder of Alltop.com, an online magazine rack of popular topics on the web, and a founding partner at Garage Technology Ventures. Previously, I worked as the chief evangelist of Apple. Beyond that, I’m the author of nine other books including Reality Check, The Art of the Start, Rules for Revolutionaries, How to Drive Your Competition Crazy, Selling the Dream, and The Macintosh Way. I have a BA from Stanford University and an MBA from UCLA as well as an honorary doctorate from Babson College.

‘Iolani School Bulletin: How would you define entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship is the art of determining and satisfying the needs of people before anyone else.

‘Iolani School Bulletin: How did ‘Iolani help you prepare for the real world?

‘Iolani was the greatest force in my preparation for the real world—even more so than college. It taught me how to think, analyze, and work hard. In particular, English teacher Harold Keables taught me how to write, and Coach Eddie Hamada ’46 and Coach Charles Kaaihue taught me about teamwork and sacrifice.

‘Iolani School Bulletin: Did you always know you would start your own business?

Not at all. I was 33 years old before I started my own company. I had dreamed about it before but I didn’t take action until then.

‘Iolani School Bulletin: What have you learned along the way?

The most important lesson that I learned along the way is that you should never ask people to do something that you wouldn’t do. This applies to customers, employees, vendors, friends, and family. It is a very practical compass by which to live. It’s my guiding principle.

‘Iolani School Bulletin: What inspires and drives you?

I have a personal mantra for my life: “Empower people.” I want to empower people with my writing, speaking, advising, and sometimes, my investment.

‘Iolani School Bulletin: Most entrepreneurs love to start new, exciting businesses. Do you have aspirations to launch other business ventures?

No, not at this point. I have four children, and they are my priority now. I will not sacrifice my family for a new business.

‘Iolani School Bulletin: Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? Beyond?

I have no idea. Five years ago, I would not have predicted that I’d be where I am today. I just make decisions as new opportunities present themselves.

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