A Fun Learning Experience

Taking readers on a street-smart journey, Cliff proposes a paradigm shift in global education & career training. He also provides thought-provoking stories on The 4 Essentials (mindset, strategies, values, purpose), dispelling myths on how we define & create success. Through trials & triumphs, Cliff shares lessons as a dyslexic student who dropped out of USC at 19 and went on to launch companies in real estate, finance, education & pioneering technology (all in his 20s). Drawing on over 100 famous mentors from Socrates and daVinci to Oprah, Spielberg, Artists & Athletes, Cliff empowers each of us to earn a real-world MBA (Masters in Basic Abilities). This is a fun, fast-paced read for anyone in search of a path to success & happiness.

"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 "misfit journeys", Cliff updated the title to reflect the book's broader themes.

Course Lessons

    1. OVERVIEW • What You'll Learn

    2. QUICK-START TIPS ( 1 MIN)

    3. READ: The Education Dilemma: Navigating 5 Rabbit Holes to Academic & Professional Success: A Think Piece by Cliff Michaels (5-page article, 2024).

      FREE PREVIEW

    4. WATCH: Cliff personal-journey highlights. Talk filmed live at USC's #1 Entrepreneur Class during 2012 Bestseller Book Tour • USC Host Prof. Dave Belasco (13-min video)

    1. READ: The 4 Essentials: A Misfit's Journey (Full E-Book HERE)

    1. LISTEN: Misfits, Rebels & Troublemakers • Cliff's Journey Intro • The Concept of 4 Essentials (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

  • $19.95
  • 38 lessons

Meet Your Instructor

NY Times Bestseller • Entrepreneur • Strategic Coach • Consultant • Facilitator

Cliff Michaels

BORN in New York & raised in L.A., Cliff is a social entrepreneur known for his passionate & 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 students, teams, leaders & entrepreneurs.

A NY TIMES BESTSELLER, Cliff's mini-memoir & stories on famous mentors (historic & present) propose a paradigm shift in global education (The 4 Essentials: A Misfit's Journey to Mindset, Strategies, Values & Purpose). The book launched #1 on Amazon + Barnes & Noble. His "Imagineering Ideas" dinner forum was also a crowd favorite at TEDxLA Imagine Week.

PAST PRESIDENT of the Entrepreneurs' Org L.A, Cliff developed EO's first charity & mentor programs. He was also an original member of USC’s EdTech Ventures, where entrepreneurs build global solutions for remote-learning.

GIVING BACK > With each sale, FREE books & courses go to learners in need. To SPONSOR your favorite student, club, or school (or BOOK CLIFF live), e-mail [email protected]. Also see SPONSOR PAGE HERE!

Testimonials

Tony Hsieh

CEO, Zappos, NYT Bestseller “Delivering Happiness”

“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 spot on 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."

Life + Biz Skills

Masterclasses by Cliff Michaels

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