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Back to #400 The Stubborn Genius of James Dyson, with David Senra.

What Is James Dyson's Business Philosophy?

David Senra, reading James Dyson's two autobiographies, says the business philosophy is difference and retention of total control. From those books he pulled 126 of the best sentences, and the idea has held him for six or seven years.

Difference is pursued for its own sake in everything, from the moment an idea strikes to the running of the business. The principle repeats across decades. Dyson has sought originality for its own sake, and the philosophy demands difference from what exists. His innate personality fits the philosophy he built. He has been a misfit throughout his life. Misfits are not born or made. They make themselves. He was a stubborn, opinionated child, desperate to be different and to be right. He is innately disgusted and repelled from following the herd.

Grokipedia·James Dyson·David Senra

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#400 The Stubborn Genius of James Dyson ·

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  6. How Many Prototypes Did James Dyson Build?David Senra says James Dyson built 5,127 prototypes of the world's first cyclonic vacuum cleaner, and that it took 14 years. A clever person does not do that.
  7. How Did James Dyson Sell the Dual Cyclone?David Senra says James Dyson sold the Dual Cyclone by telling the story of how the vacuum was made.
  8. Why Did James Dyson Build the Vacuum Himself?David Senra says James Dyson dropped licensing and built the vacuum himself after almost all of the license agreements failed and precious time was wasted.
  9. How Did the Dual Cyclone Lead to Later Dyson Inventions?David Senra, reading James Dyson, says the Dual Cyclone led to later Dyson inventions because developing that first vacuum cleaner over the next dozen years…
  10. What Kind of People Does James Dyson Admire?David Senra says the people James Dyson admires are obsessive, impractical, product-driven enthusiasts, and Dyson belongs in that group.
  11. Why Didn't James Dyson Sell His Company?David Senra reads James Dyson's reason for refusing to sell once the company succeeded. Dyson did not set up the company to make money.

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