This book is most impressive of a philanthropist, risk taker and big investor: Masayoshi (Masa) Son. In 1981, he created SoftBank, Japan’s leading PC software distributor; a net worth of $82.77 billion (as of November 25, 2024). This book captures a vivid image of Masa and how he built a business like no other. He made it with impressive results and some would say he acquired a powerful sense of greatness.

Who is this man that benefitted from the fast-moving digital age? Masa somehow was able to find the profitable deals as if he was playing an advanced game of chess. He visualized the future and gambled with huge sums of money. He was right on top of the financial game with his private jets to meet with top tech leaders and potential start-up companies.

The book was engaging with conversations Lionel Barber tracked down from an extensive amount of research and interviews. He was able to get into the head of Masa and how he had a deep desire to be wealthy and more powerful than any other man. The book showcased the rapidly moving innovations in the tech world.

It’s well written and brings back memories of pinball machines, floppy discs, dial-up connections and the long lines for the first Apple iPhones. Barber ended the book with Masa’s imagination and thoughts on what’s next.

While reading about the billions of funds controlled by people like Masayoshi Son, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Elon Musk and others, it’s a natural response to think of what more they could be doing for climate change, poverty and peace in our world. Much of the book reminds readers of what has happened with technology and misleading information. It makes us wonder if it has made our world a better place. This book would make an excellent one for discussions.

My thanks to Atria and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of January 21, 2025.