Misfit Mogul

May 13, 2024
A lively book packing a meaty message, Ahmad’s guide to achieving mogul status offers encouragement for those who feel invisible, that they’re not among the cool kids, or who find themselves bored by what seems to fascinate others. Drawing on his own misfit youth, which found him covering a copy of Rich Dad, Poor Dad in superhero stickers so classmates wouldn’t know what he was reading, Ahmad makes the case that, while many of us live our lives being told to follow the rules and not to make waves, it’s actually the rule breakers whom we admire. Misfit Mogul is rightly dedicated to “all the world’s outsiders,” as Ahmad demonstrates that they’re the ones who change the world. The author, a self-described “skinny Islamic kid,” grew up in Texas, trying to fit in, learning over time that outsiders think differently—and that this ultimately can be their salvation.
The first part of the book focuses, with wit and candor, on “the power of invisibility,” and how the outsider-ness that might feel like a flaw can be converted into a strength, cultivating other great talents such as persistence, innovation, and creativity, essential ingredients for the misfit-to-mogul journey. For Ahmad, the journey’s destination is not becoming rich for the sake of being rich. It is becoming rich by solving problems for others while working for oneself.
The second half explores “the innovator mindset,” with more brisk, funny stories from his life. Both halves feature insights and lessons (“Success happens fast when you’ve built the infrastructure for it”), “Misfit Motivation” statements, and questions for reflection. Ahmad also emphasizes the importance of the right teachers/mentors/influencers on one’s future, generously giving credit to those who recognized his strengths and helped transform him from a bored and frustrated student into an energetic entrepreneur with vision. His frequent reliance on colloquial language may be off-putting to some, but it’s an outsider’s prerogative. This is a pragmatic, enjoyable, and inspiring read.
Takeaway: Inspiring account of achieving success as a proud outsider.
Comparable Titles: Robert Kelsey and Athena Dixon’s The Outside Edge, Ariana Friedlander et al.’s A Misfit Entrepreneur's Guide to Building a Business Your Way.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A