Big Think 2017 Top Ten: #2. How Jean Paul Dejoria Overcame Homelessness Twice and Earned Billions

TL;DR

A tale of overcoming homelessness and giving back, emphasizing the importance of small acts of kindness.

Transcript

A lot of people ask how I got into donating to various causes, and how I got involved in even homelessness along the way, and popped out of it—well it's a very interesting story. My mom has a lot to do with it. At six years old we didn't have any money; there was my mother, my brother and I. We had a deadbeat dad; left us before we were two, but sh... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑 Early childhood lessons on giving can shape a person's lifelong commitment to helping others.
• 😷 Overcoming homelessness requires resilience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to ask for help.
• 🛩️ Small acts of kindness, whether through volunteering or small donations, can have a substantial impact on the community.
• 🌍 Giving back not only benefits others but also provides a sense of fulfillment and connection to the world.
• 👨‍💼 Business involvement in charitable activities enhances employee morale and sense of purpose.
• 🛩️ One does not need vast resources to make a difference; even small contributions can create a positive impact.
• ✊ The narrator's personal journey underscores the importance of empathy, resilience, and the power of community support.

Questions & Answers

Q: What early lesson impacted the narrator's view on giving back?

The narrator's mom taught him the importance of helping those in need from a young age by encouraging him to donate a dime to the Salvation Army during Christmas in downtown Los Angeles.

Q: How did the narrator end up homeless for the first time?

The narrator's first experience with homelessness occurred when his wife abandoned their family, leaving him without money or shelter, necessitating him to live in a car with his two-and-a-half-year-old son.

Q: What motivated the narrator to start John Paul Mitchell Systems, leading to his second experience with homelessness?

The narrator was driven by his entrepreneurial vision to start a company, resulting in him leaving behind his comfortable life to pursue his dream, even though it eventually led to homelessness when his backer pulled out.

Q: How does the narrator emphasize the importance of giving back in business?

The narrator stresses that giving back in business fosters a sense of teamwork and purpose among employees, leading to a more significant impact on the community beyond monetary donations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Early lessons from the narrator's mom instilled a deep sense of giving to those in need.

• Facing homelessness twice in his life, he persevered through hardship, borrowing money and living in a car.

• Stressing the importance of giving back, the narrator highlights that even small acts can make a significant impact.