A Misfit's Memoir

Inspired by true stories on "The 4 Essentials" of mindset, strategies, values & purpose, Cliff's 40-something memoir is a street-smart journey for life-learners, educators, and young professionals. Sharing trials and triumphs from life, school, and career experiences, Cliff draws wisdom from historic mentors to modern creatives, empowering everyone to earn a real-world MBA (Masters in Basic Abilities). This is a fun, fast-paced narrative for anyone in search of their passion, purpose, and principles.

"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, Chairman, Entrepreneurs' Org (EO)

"Cliff is the consummate entrepreneur with a contagious can-do spirit. Engaging and real, his story & life lessons are riveting. I'm proud to call him a friend." Mary Mazzio, Award-Winning Film Producer

  • AUDIO + E-BOOK + E-COURSE with Optional Quiz & Completion Certificate • Worksheets • Speaking Tour Highlights. Paperback & audio at Amazon.com

  • HIGHLIGHTS • Short Stories • Inspirational Quotes • Struggles • Solutions • Leadership Keys • The Power of Gratitude • Creativity

  • LESSONS FROM THE EDGE > A misfit's journey through school, life, and career lessons.

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

  • ESSENTIAL 2: STRATEGIES > Discover why goals, focus & people skills are critical to success..

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

  • ESSENTIAL 4: PURPOSE > Discover why passion and health are driving forces to happiness & success.

  • FUN FACT: "In 2012, this book launched as "The 4 Essentials of Entrepreneurial Thinking: What Successful People Didn't Learn in School." Readers shared so many letters about their misfit journeys that I retitled the book in their honor." ~C.M.

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

“Cliff's journey is authentic. His lessons are valuable for all generations. From classroom to boardroom, The 4 Essentials should be required reading. ”

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. A visionary leader & pioneering entrepreneur, he sets a winning bar for life & business training.”

About Cliff

NY Times Bestseller • Entrepreneur

Cliff has been a founder of companies in real estate, education, and tech since 1992, serving thousands of clients and families as a broker and consultant. His commitment to universally-accessible and affordable education inspired him to create a series of e-courses on essential life and career skills.

Cliff's New York Times Bestseller, The 4 Essentials, provides a unique memoir with historic-to-present mentors. The book introduces a paradigm shift in global education and career training.

A past President of the Entrepreneurs' Organization LA, Cliff launched EO's first mentor programs in 2004. He's also an original member of the USC Rossier School EdTech Ventures, a cohort creating ed-tech solutions on six continents.

Cliff's self-paced e-courses are FREE. To sponsor custom or certified courses for your favorite learner, club, or school, contact our team today!

Essential Life + Biz Skills

Certified E-Courses by Cliff Michaels