The Art of the Hustle 2 (Complete)

Chapter Eight

Having transitioned from a card based platform to a mobile app, Unity Card was one of the most downloaded apps ever. It eliminated the use of wallets and offered users built-in discounts at participating retailers. And until recently, Trevor announced Unity Bank where customers could apply for, receive, and make adjustments to various lending products through their mobile devices without ever having to step foot in a bank.

With all his success, Trevor was invited to make a speech at the Sauder School of Business at UBC about the importance of perseverance and hustle — two topics he knew quite well.

"Babe, can I practice my speech on you?" Trevor asked Ashley, who was curled up on the couch.

"Of course!"

Overlooking False Creek, Trevor paced back and forth by the window.

"Okay, can you introduce me, please?" Trevor asked.

"Sure. How would you like me to introduce you?"

"Any way you like," he said with a smile.

"Okay," Ashley said, clearing her throat. "Ladies and gentleman, please welcome to the stage, Trevor Morrison!"

"That's it?" Trevor said, not impressed.

"What? No good?"

"How about putting a little English on the ball."

"I'm not sure what that means."

"You know, a little razzle dazzle. Be my hype man."

"Woman."

"Whatever."

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage... the most electrifying, charismatic, handsome man in the world. A man that started from nothing and created one of the largest financial tech companies in the world. But more importantly, his biggest accomplishment to date was obtaining the most beautiful and equally charismatic woman in the world, please put your hands together for Ashley Morrison.....'s husband!"

Ashley began clapping and simulating mock cheers from the crowd.

"Thank you, thank you. You may all take your seats. Oh wow, the applause is still going, that's very kind of you. Settle down people."

Getting serious, Trevor concentrated on his opening.

"As I'm sure many of you know, I created the largest financial tech company in the world, and I did so before I turned thirty."

"Stop," Ashley said.

"What?"

"I don't know, it just sounds a little braggy."

"But it's true."

"I know, but everyone knows that. You don't need to say it."

"Fine. I'll start again."

"By show of applause, who here has a dream to be successful one day?"

Ashley clapped and gave a fake cheer.

"Okay, that's quite a few of you. One of the most important defining factors to make a person successful is their ideas."

Trevor paused for effect, still pacing.

"Now, I'm not talking about regular ideas like installing some waterproof speakers in the shower or building the ultimate sandwich. I'm talking about big ideas. Ideas that can improve the lives of people all around the world and revolutionize entire industries.

"It's less important that you know how to execute those visions, the first step is coming up with those ideas. Once you have the idea, then it's just a matter of taking the first step in bringing that idea into existence."

"I have a question," Ashley said, raising her hand.

"There will be time for questions at the end ma'am," Trevor said.

"As I was saying, you have to be a dreamer. Dream big and don't allow others to squash your dreams. If you can do that, the next thing you need is hustle. Or in other words, the resourcefulness, work ethic, and perseverance to keep going and stay motivated when times are tough or the future looks bleak."

"Oooh!" Ashley said as he arm shot up.

"Yes, you in the front."

"What happens when you come up with a big idea, all your friends think you're crazy for pursuing it, and you hit nothing but roadblocks. At what point are you just being stubborn and refusing to recognize that you have a bad idea?"

"That's a really great question," Trevor said with a smile. "I can't tell you the answer to that because it's different for everyone."

"I didn't like that answer," Ashley said.

"Babe, I don't know some magic formula to separate winning ideas of losing ideas."

"Why are you calling some girl in the audience 'babe'?"

"I'm sorry, ma'am. There isn't one thing to look for that will tell you if you're wasting your time or not. Following up to my last point, I would say, try to take on projects that have a reasonable amount of unreasonability."

"What does that mean?"

"It means, some pursuits may sound ridiculous, such as a young kid with no background in business or finance, creating one of the largest finance businesses in the world. As improbable as it may seem, it's not impossible."

"But aren't you are the exception, not the rule?"

"Ashley, or ma'am, we're getting off topic. My point is, it can be done. Can I please get through this speech?"

"Sorry."

"Where was I?" Trevor said, looking over his notes.