Every Street is Paved with Gold: The Road to Real Success

Every street is paved with gold, by Kim Woo-Choong, is a book that will appeal to young executives. Kim Woo-Choong, is a self-made billionaire. Kim made his fortune by starting his company Daewoo and by working day and night at exporting a variety of goods to the world market from 1967 to 1997. When the Asian financial crisis hit, Daewoo and many other Korean firms where in deep trouble. At the time, Daewoo was in the middle of a massive global expansion funded by heavily borrowing funds on the world's financial markets. As the crisis deepened, the company struggled to repay its creditors. During the time, Kim took steps to save his company by diverting Daewoo funds and securing illegal loans. Kim is currently a fugitive and in hiding. ( But it is my view that the Korean government at the time, is just as guilty as Kim for the inept way it handled the financial crisis ). It is Kim Woo Chung's life story ( Daewoo ) and that of Chung Ju Yung ( Hyundai ) which is actually inspiring - the achievements of their companies ( via Korea's labor force ) within a 30 year period. This book is filled with short-stories about how a business person should conduct him/herself in the world; what their business outlook, vision and attitude towards opportunity should be. Kim writes about the importance of dreams, visions, optimism and prompt business decisions to entrepreneurs. He gives many examples of how risk taking, hard work, effective time management and the nurturing of skills can transform a business. Kim also stresses leadership characteristics and that hard work is as important as profits. I found certain sections of the book very inspiring. Kim has a forceful way of expressing his ideas in many inspiring quotes. Many of his short stories, contain profound and thought provoking business tips.

Every street is paved with gold, by Kim Woo-Choong, is a book that will appeal to young executives. Kim Woo-Choong, is a self-made billionaire. Kim made his fortune by starting his company Daewoo and by working day and night at exporting a variety of goods to the world market from 1967 to 1997. When the Asian financial crisis hit, Daewoo and many other Korean firms where in deep trouble. At the time, Daewoo was in the middle of a massive global expansion funded by heavily borrowing funds on the world's financial markets. As the crisis deepened, the company struggled to repay its creditors. During the time, Kim took steps to save his company by diverting Daewoo funds and securing illegal loans. Kim is currently a fugitive and in hiding. ( But it is my view that the Korean government at the time, is just as guilty as Kim for the inept way it handled the financial crisis ). It is Kim Woo Chung's life story ( Daewoo ) and that of Chung Ju Yung ( Hyundai ) which is actually inspiring - the achievements of their companies ( via Korea's labor force ) within a 30 year period. This book is filled with short-stories about how a business person should conduct him/herself in the world; what their business outlook, vision and attitude towards opportunity should be. Kim writes about the importance of dreams, visions, optimism and prompt business decisions to entrepreneurs. He gives many examples of how risk taking, hard work, effective time management and the nurturing of skills can transform a business. Kim also stresses leadership characteristics and that hard work is as important as profits. I found certain sections of the book very inspiring. Kim has a forceful way of expressing his ideas in many inspiring quotes. Many of his short stories, contain profound and thought provoking business tips.

I liked this book because it changed the way I looked at life, in general and the way I live in particular. Although this book does not seem like a typical 'how to' book, it does more than that by example. The author's exemplary life style, extremely hard working, simple and modest puts the average complaining person to shame. After reading this book I personally have changed. The author's ideas about thrift, attitude towards your work, hard work and simple living are contagious. It is difficult not to imbibe these values after reading this book. It is a 'must read' for every one including and specially youngsters.

This book, by the founder Chairman of Daewoo, is something which you will cherish all life long. If you are an employer, do yourself a favor by giving it to your employees, and charge me the cost of the book in case their productivity does not go up by at least 50%! Not to mention, how much hard work you will put in if you read this book. The kind of hardwork this guy has done is almost contagious as it comes through the pages and gets you faster than the cold virus. It is amazing how hard this guy has worked to come up in life and how simple his life style is. All the values of life from living simple to earning a day's labor through hard work are illustrated through verbs (and no adjectives, mind it!) by this great living legend. After reading this book I have started buying only Daewoo products as a mark of respect and gratitude for what I have learnt from this great soul. Don't miss it for anything in this world! Awesome!