Michael

Michael Cao writes this book not as an observer of entrepreneurship, but as someone who experienced its extremes. In May 1999, he took Netoy public during one of the most extraordinary periods in technology and Internet history. At its height, the company reached a market capitalization of more than $250 million, with Cao owning more than 60% of the company. His story includes intense focus, rapid growth, difficult business decisions, friendships brought into the company, family tensions, mistakes, regret, and ultimately the perspective that comes only from looking back after the applause has stopped. What Success Never Taught Me is not a celebration of winning or a story asking readers to feel sorry for losing. It is an examination of both—and of the lessons that became visible only after success was no longer there to hide them.