Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I’m Justin Gesso, MBA and bestselling author.
I chased the standard American Dream and did well…very quickly. I went to college, got a good job, earned my master’s degree at night, got a better job, worked hard, got promoted, and kept rocking.
Before I knew it, I was making a 6-figure salary at a big company. I held a leadership position, had a wife, a kid, and a house…but it didn’t have a white-picket fence. Close enough.
I made it. And I made it at a young age.
BUT…something was off and although I didn’t really know it, my body did.
Despite being healthy, exercising, and eating well, my body broke down and I ended up in the hospital.
This triggered an awakening and I realized I wasn’t living my authentic self. And I wouldn’t as long as I was in Corporate America.
So I put together a plan and quit my job.
Within 1.5 years of quitting my job, I was making more than double my 6-figure corporate salary.
And it’s only getting better. It’s not just the money either. I have more flexibility than I’ve ever had. I get to work on what excites me.
Instead of building a life to suit my job, I have built money-markers that suit my life. I’m living creatively and authentically.
And as a bit of an introduction, don’t assume I had special circumstances. I didn’t have a windfall of cash or any other event to give me a leg up. I was a generic middle-class guy. I started as a call-center agent, worked hard and smart to make my way up, made it to a leadership position at a young age, and then quit to do my own thing.
I got where I am by deliberately focusing on what I wanted and figuring out what I needed to get there. I took action, made a lot of mistakes, but ultimately got it done. If you’re reading this, you probably have what it takes to do the same.
Since then, I’ve been afforded the ability and freedom to pursue bucket-list items, such as writing a book, becoming the bestselling author of “Leave the Grind Behind” and “The Book on Small Business Ideas.”
My goal is to help millions of readers make money in much more meaningful and exciting ways, enabling a life rich in happiness and freedom.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Book on Small Business Ideas, which is about how to level up your mindset, launch high-cash-flow money machines, and finally quit your job this year without the financial risk.
It was a natural follow up to “Leave the Grind Behind.” While the first serves as inspiration and provides the broad tools to quit your job and make money on your own, the second book is much more tactical. They’re a great pair!
And honestly, it was my readers who inspired it. The reception to my first book was much better than expected. I couldn’t believe the number of people who wrote me an actually quit their jobs. They were, though, still full of questions and needed a next level dive.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m on a create binge, I usually wake up every morning at 4am. It’s quiet time. My time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list! I read and listen to books constantly. You can check out my top 22 here: https://justingesso.com/the-22-best-success-books-mindset-money-networking-and-skills/
What are you working on now?
Marketing The Book on Small Business Ideas! Writing is the first hurdle. Selling is the next!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You must launch. That means concentrating all of your marketing power into a single day. 6000 books are published daily, so you have to go crazy to stand out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you enjoy reading and learn how to sell.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. This has proven itself time and time again for me.
What are you reading now?
Expert Secrets.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not quite sure yet…either a short book series on tactical approaches, a podcast, or another book. We’ll see!
What is your favorite book of all time?
As I change, this changes. I’m not picking one!
Author Websites and Profiles
Justin Gesso Website
Justin Gesso Amazon Profile
Justin Gesso’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account