A Memoir of Heroes, Life Lessons, Paradigm Shifts & Entrepreneurship

Inspired by thought-provoking stories on 4 Essentials (mindset, strategies, values, purpose), this masterclass edition of Cliff's NY Times Bestseller explores how we define & manifest success. On a street-wise journey of trials & triumphs, Cliff shares lessons as a dyslexic student who dropped out of USC at 19, then launched companies in real estate, education & technology in his 20s. Drawing on over 100 famous mentors from Socrates & DaVinci to Activists & Entrepreneurs, The 4 Essentials empower each of us to earn a real-world MBA (Masters in Basic Abilities). This is a fun, fast-paced book for misfits & mavens in search of their Mission Possible!

"Cliff's writing is creative & inspirational. I highly recommend "The 4 Essentials." Blake Mycoskie • Founder, TOMS Shoes

"Cliff Michaels delivers a powerful path to profits, passion & purpose." Tony Hsieh • CEO, Zappos

"A visionary leader & social entrepreneur, Cliff sets a winning bar for life & business training." Peter Thomas, Chair Emeritus, Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO)

  • HIGHLIGHTS: Over 100 Short Stories & Inspirational Quotes • Defining Success & Happiness • Motivational Drivers • Leadership Keys • The Power of Thank-You Notes • Creative Thinking • Result-Driven Practice • Emotional intelligence • Embracing Change 

  • MY LESSONS FROM THE EDGE > Cliff's misfit journey through life, school & entrepreneurship. A unique learning experience.

  • ESSENTIAL 1: MINDSET > Discover your best catalyst to personal & professional growth.

  • ESSENTIAL 2: STRATEGIES > Discover why goals, focus & people skills are core to students & professionals alike.

  • ESSENTIAL 3: VALUES > Discover why integrity, humility & gratitude are keys to thriving careers & relationships.

  • ESSENTIAL 4: PURPOSE > Discover why passion, friends, family, health, and making a difference are driving forces to happiness & success.

  • BONUSES: Challenge Exercises • Speaking Highlights

  • FUN FACT: In 2012, this book was originally titled "The 4 Essentials of Entrepreneurial Thinking: What Successful People Didn't Learn in School." When fans sent letters sharing their journeys as misfits & mavens, Cliff updated the title to reflect the book's broader themes.

Course Lessons

    1. Cliff Notes + What You'll Learn!

    2. WATCH CLIFF's LIVE TALK at USC: Personal Journey, Gaps in Education, Experience Myth, Diary of a Dotcom, Discovering The 4 Essentials. Filmed at USC's #1 Entrepreneur Class hosted by Prof. Dave Belasco. (2012 NY Times Bestseller Tour, 13-min video)

    1. READ "The 4 Essentials" Full E-Book here. See next section to start the Audio Book narrated by Cliff. if you need a paperback, Kindle, or Audible edition, please visit Amazon.com

    1. BOOK INTRO: Misfits, Rebels & Troublemakers • Cliff's Journey Intro • The 4 Essentials to Inspire, Fill Gaps, and Raise the Bar for Global Education & Workplace Training (9:12)

    1. Chapter 1 • A Misfit's Journey Begins (9:17)

    1. Chapter 2 • Life 101 & Street Smarts (4:36)

    1. Chapter 3 • A Unique College Experience (12:12)

Course Details

  • $39.95
  • 36 lessons

About Cliff

Entrepreneur • Facilitator • Coach • NY Times Bestseller

Cliff Michaels

BORN in New York & raised in L.A., Cliff is a social entrepreneur known for his people-first approach to life, work & play.

FOUNDED in 1992, Cliff Michaels & Associates specializes in real estate finance & brokerage, venture capital, and personal-to-business consulting. Cliff's Masterclasses for Life & Biz Skills include e-courses, coaching & forums for leaders, life learners & entrepreneurs.

In 1999, Cliff co-founded First Use Registry, the world's first internet company to feature digital-notary technology, raising the bar for intellectual property & file authentication. He's also been an investor & advisor in entertainment, health care & non-profits such as Inclusion Matters (playgrounds & advocacy for disabled communities).

A NY TIMES BESTSELLER (The 4 Essentials), Cliff's unique memoir on life lessons & famous mentors proposes a paradigm shift in global education. The book launched #1 on Amazon. A highly sought-after coach, speaker & consultant, Cliff's "Imagineering Ideas" workshop was "SOLD OUT" at TEDxLA Imagine Week (2016).

PAST PRESIDENT of YEO L.A Young Entrepreneurs' Org (EO), Cliff chaired int'l leadership events, launched record-breaking charity galas, and started EO's first student-mentor programs (1998-2005). He was also an original member of USC’s EdTech Ventures (2018), a cohort for remote-learning solutions.

GIVING BACK > FREE books & courses go to those in need. To sponsor your favorite learners & educators, or to book Cliff, go to the SPONSOR PAGE NOW!

Testimonials

Tony Hsieh

CEO, Zappos, NYT Bestseller “Delivering Happiness”

“In The 4 Essentials, Cliff Michaels delivers a powerful path to profits, passion, and purpose."

Blake Mycoskie

Founder/CEO, TOMS Shoes, NYT Bestseller “Start Something That Matters”

“Cliff’s writing is full of inspiration & practical lessons. I highly recommend The 4 Essentials for students and professionals alike!”

Jayme Riggio

CEO, Riggio Allstate, Top 1% Nationwide

“From classroom to boardroom & Main Street to Wall Street, The 4 Essentials should be required reading. Cliff's journey is authentic and his wisdom is ideal for past & future generations.”

Blake Spencer

Class President, USC Marshall Business School

“When Cliff presented The 4 Essentials to hundreds of students at USC’s #1 Entrepreneur Class, the response was amazing. Thanks for sharing your journey & wisdom. We’re all big fans!”

Mary Mazzio

Award-Winning Filmmaker, Attorney, Social Documentarian

“Cliff is the consummate entrepreneur with a contagious can-do spirit. Engaging and real, his personal story and life lessons are riveting. I’m proud to call him a friend and highly recommend The 4 Essentials.”

Peter Thomas

Chairman Emeritus, Young Entrepreneurs’ Org (YEO)

“I've known Cliff 20+ years and his content is pretty fantastic stuff. A visionary leader & pioneering entrepreneur, Cliff sets a winning bar for life & business training.”

Doug Mellinger

Managing Director, Clarion Capital

"There's too much theory out there. Cliff provides a real-world framework for success. Thanks for bringing this important resource to the world."

Essential Life + Biz Skills

A Masterclass Series of E-Courses by Cliff Michaels