The GRTiQ 10: John Belizaire (Ep. 178)

In a recent GRTiQ Podcast episode, John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna Computing, shared his insights and experiences during the GRTiQ 10 segment, offering listeners a glimpse into his personal and professional journey.

When asked about the book that had the most impact on his life, John mentioned “Influence” by Robert Cialdini. He emphasized its relevance for innovators who need to convince others to adopt new ways of thinking. Additionally, he recommended “Made to Stick” by Dan and Chip Heath for its valuable lessons on creating compelling stories and pitches. John also highlighted the importance of “Super Thinking” and various biographies, including those of Steve Jobs and Andy Grove, for their profound insights into entrepreneurship and leadership.

For a movie recommendation, John praised “The Godfather” series and TV shows like “Game of Thrones” and “The Sopranos.” However, he emphasized “Silicon Valley” for its humorous yet accurate depiction of startup life, calling it a documentary of sorts for entrepreneurs.

If he could choose only one music album to listen to for the rest of his life, John would pick Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” or Prince’s “Purple Rain.” He also enjoys techno dance music, particularly the works of DJ Hools.

The best advice John received was to maintain laser focus. He shared a story about cold-calling successful entrepreneurs in Boston for guidance and highlighted the importance of avoiding shiny object syndrome by staying committed to one’s primary goals.

One key insight John shared is the need for intentional thinking. He explained that most people filter their experiences through internal chatter, which affects their mood and perception. By being mindful and intentional about one’s thoughts, individuals can significantly improve their problem-solving abilities and overall well-being.

John’s best life hack is combining audiobooks with digital books to enhance his reading speed and comprehension. This method has allowed him to consume a vast amount of information quickly, contributing to his continuous learning and growth.

When it comes to success, John believes persistence is crucial. He emphasized that consistent effort, even in the face of challenges, prepares individuals to seize opportunities and achieve their goals. This persistence, coupled with patience, often leads to what appears to be overnight success.

In the final three questions, John completed the sentences as follows:

1. The thing that most excites him about AI is its future potential to accelerate the success of most enterprises.
2. On X (formerly Twitter), he recommended following Reads with Robbie, known for summarizing books.
3. He is happiest when spending time with his family, especially on a beach with a good book.

To hear more from John Belizaire and delve deeper into his experiences, listen to the complete GRTiQ Podcast interview. https://www.grtiq.com/grtiq-podcast-178-john-belizaire/