STORY OF BILLIONAIRE, TONY HSEIH AND HIS DEATH

One of the stories that stayed afloat at the top of my mind this year is the story of Tony Hseih.

Tony Hseih would be a familiar figure for those who follow business stories. Tony Hseih is the founder of the reputable company Zappos. Zappos became a legend for its packaging and delivery. Zappos culture was so unique that Tony had to write a book about it.

The book was titled "Delivering Happiness". It is one of the best books on business that you will ever read. It is a bestseller. Countless CEOs, including the richest men today, attribute their understanding of company culture to reading Zappos. Tony appeared to be the epitome of Happiness. His words carried weight. He led the company exemplary.

In 2022, Tony Hseih died. He died in a fire that caught up in his home. Investigators could not conclude what caused the fire, but one possibility is that he caused the fire himself. In the final weeks of his life, Tony was entangled in his small circle of drugs, parties, Alcohol, and mental illness. 

One important insight that was released was that Tony Hsieh, at his death, was not surrounded by close friends who had helped him through the years. All the people around him in the final weeks were people he wasn't close to. In interviews, these new friends had told Tony to see a doctor, but he refused, and none of them could force him. He had cut himself from his roots, he had cut himself from people who had some kind of influence in his life, he had cut himself from people who could give him direction, and he had removed himself from a circle that could make him do the things that were best for him.

At the age of 46, Tony Hseih died. The man who taught the world about Happiness could not find it in his final years. He was a billionaire. He had access to the richest people in the world. He was one of the rare persons who had access to the best care if he wanted. Yet, he made disastrous choices that kept him away from help.

Tony's stories have reminded me to be humble and plant myself in the right circles.