Blog

03 May

Hello Everyone. Welcome to my blog. This is actually my first blog post ever and I thought I make this one special. From my website you may already know my story, but I’m hoping this blog allows me to communicate directly with everyone. As you all know, I’ve had an incredible and fortunate journey in my life. Not a single day goes by – when I think about how grateful I am. Nevertheless, nothing came easy or was handed to me. It was all risk that turned into reward after some great ups and downs. Over the last 9 years – I’ve had an amazing career on the Internet. At 16 – I started my first Company, ClickAgents, and then one of the first things I did as an adult, at 18, was merge it with ValueClick for $40 million. At 21, I made one of the best decisions of my life, and that was to re-join this industry and start BlueLithium. And, as you may know, BlueLithium merged with Yahoo for $300 million last October. So what next you may ask? I learned one thing about myself while I was learning everything about the way the world works. I love to be challenged and I love to win.

After the merger with Yahoo – I stayed on an interim basis as CEO. In the beginning of 2008, my job was done. One thing I know about myself is that being idle is not something I can do. I figured out very early on – I’m not the type of guy that can simply go on a never-ending vacation or just sit on an island for the rest of my life sipping a margarita. I was ready for my next challenge.

I was introduced to the William Morris Agency and shortly thereafter signed up with them. As you may know – William Morris is one of the oldest talent agencies in the world and represents some of the greatest personalities in entertainment. I felt fortunate that I was in great Company. Things started to move fast. I had some great ideas on some TV shows that I was working with them on, as well as, a memoir that I wanted to write about my journey.

Within several weeks – I was presented an opportunity about a new show that a major network was producing. The more and more I learned about it – the more I fell in love with the underlying premise of the show. Several weeks later – I was casted and selected by the network to star in it. The filming took several weeks and was an incredible experience for me. You can definitely say it was very different than starting a Company. But, like I said – I am always up for a challenge, and this was definitely a memorable one. The show is slated to come out on a major network come this Fall – and as things come closer – I am hoping you all watch it and enjoy it as much I did being a part of it.

Meanwhile, after the filming, I met with several of the top book publishers. I was looking for the right publisher that understood the reason why I was writing this book and the message I wanted to get across. Far too many times – people hear my story and they ask…How? Why? And how can I? The short answer is – it’s not easy and there is no easy way. But, the long answer (you will find after reading the book) if I can do it – you can too! I believe everyone can find that same magic I was able to find in myself. After meeting with Palgrave Macmillan – I signed global rights to my book, “The Dream.” William Morris also helped me find my ghostwriter – Pablo Fenjves (NY Times bestselling author) to help create a very powerful book that I am hoping inspires people to find their magic. Pablo and I have been working on the book for several months now – and it’s been a privilege to work with such an incredible writer. We’re about 90% done – and will be turning over the manuscript next month (June) and are looking forward to releasing it during winter 2008.

So, now what, you may ask? Sell Company #2 – film a show, write a book, what could be next? Like I said – being idle is dangerous for a guy like me. So, I decided to go back into my roots. I love creating something out of nothing. The joy of it – is the best adrenaline rush you can get.

I started researching a couple of months ago – of what the market needed and what Company #3 could do. Obviously, I have a non-compete so I can’t start another ad network. But, what is something that I can use my skill set toward and have a great time creating? Then, it all clicked. And over the last 8 weeks, I’ve been in stealth mode launching gWallet (www.gWallet.com).

I realized how much the credit crisis was hurting America. In a recent report, almost 18% of American homes will either have zero or negative equity. Even the government is looking for a quick fix. President Bush’s recent economic stimulus package was the result of injecting cash back into America. But, the underlying problem still is going to exist. How can you maximize the value of that dollar? Hence, the ideas of gWallet were defined. And, I went to work.

You can say – I am back into full swing and loving it! The adrenaline rush is back – since this is what I love doing. Everything from picking out the name, to the logo, to creating the team is almost like solving the most intricate puzzle. Except – you’re stuck with it after your done building it. Therefore, you have to be careful every step of the way.

Today, VentureWire released an article that outlines how much progress we’ve made in just the last 8 weeks. We’re already well under way for raising $10 million for gWallet. I start my pathway again. I hope this time – it is just as exciting as it’s been the last two times, if not more. Wishing everyone continued success as my journey continues…

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11 Responses to “The Journey Continues…”

  1. rani Says:

    Wishing you great success with your new company gWallet and hope your book becomes a best seller, can’t wait to read it.

  2. Sukhjinder Singh Says:

    Hi G,

    Hi, I have always been a great fan of yours. I am waiting for the book to be out. And once again, thanks for starting a blog, it is a great experience staying in touch with you.

    Sukh

  3. Shivneet Dhaliwal Says:

    Dear Gurbaksh,

    Lovely article. Great insights !

    Here is wishing you the best of success in your new venture. May God Almighty be with you through this ride !

    Rgds,
    Shivneet Dhaliwal

  4. Jasvin K Schroeder Says:

    Hi Gurbaksh

    Congratulations! on your achievements and wish you a great success ahead!

    May Waheguru Bless You!

    Warmest regards
    Jasvin K Schroeder

  5. Patricia Says:

    Congratulations!!!! It is so great to see people like you… a big motivation for us, for our children!!
    When I saw you at Oprah’s, it was so emotional. I came from South America to Canada and I had been trough all kind of stuffs in order to get what I want in my career, as you have to prove a lot; besides the language and my accent, but I still fighting…and after I saw you I will keep doing it!!
    G, I know you have so many messages to answer, but please answer my e-mail as well, I really need to get in touch with you, I would like to share some ideas with you…thank you in advance and all the best for you and your family!!

  6. Desiney Says:

    HI!!! so happy to have found this site. I watched you last night on secret millionaire can you please email at Desiney.Escobedo@Healthonecares.com. Im am very inspired by you. Can you please help answer some of my Q’s
    Thank you

  7. Mike Bentley Says:

    “G” I lust finished your book & I already feel like a changed man! You have truly inspired me & made me believe that I can do it too. I 1st gained interest when I randomly flipped to a pg in Mens Fitness that had your pic. & a short article. & now I cannot stop thinking of my dreams & what I want to become. Thanx again for the inspiration!!!

  8. Sharma Says:

    hi..
    after reading your article I got strength in me. yes! everyone should be like u. I only know in life don’t stop…always accept the challenge.. move furher to get something new…
    God Bless You…

  9. Joan Says:

    Hi G,

    I bought The Dream for my brother to show him that personality, ambition and courage are only some of the required qualities one person must have to pursuit his or her dream(s). After reading the first two chapters of your book, we were about fighting whose going to read the next ones first. What I like about your story, is that you’re telling everything in a chronological order, starting with your family background(parents, immigration, your religion)to whatever brought you to decide to quit school and your determination to follow your (business) instinct when you were still a child. It’s amazing and such a truth what kind of perseverance, strength, insight… are needed to get closer to one’s dream with each step forward…I’m joyfull and thrilled to read the following chapters. Best regards J.

  10. Gupt Says:

    Neil Cavuto (the guy who interviewed u on fox) didn’t really seem nice. Seems like he was trying to provoke you but u handled the situation well.

    I have read The Dream. When u writing ur next book?

  11. Indiiandiiamond Says:

    Hi Gurbakhs ji,

    How are you?

    I just want to tell u, that u are a great inspiration to us all..
    chhoti umar wich inna kuch karna .. its just great!!

    There is somethin in wanna tell u ..

    Is there any possibility to get in touch with you?

    Dont worry You wont regret!

    With lots of Love

    Indiiandiiamond

 

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