Melanie Perkins

Founder of CANVA

Summary:

Melanie Perkins, a university student at 19, envisioned a user-friendly graphic design

tool while frustrated with available options. With her boyfriend, Cliff Obrecht, she founded
Fusion Books in her mom's lounge room, catering to the school yearbook market. In five
years, it became Australia's leading platform and expanded internationally.

Melanie's determination led her to found Canva, aiming to "empower the world to
design." Despite initial challenges, Canva became a unicorn startup, valued at $40 billion by
2021. Melanie's dedication to her ideas and hard work paid off, making her Australia's richest
woman under 40.

Facing challenges and embracing risks, Melanie navigated her way through the
competitive startup world. She emphasizes setting ambitious goals and empowering her team
to achieve them, regardless of age or gender biases. Melanie's leadership focuses on fostering
a visionary environment, driving Canva's growth and impact.
 Transitioning from an introverted student to a visionary leader, Melanie overcame
fears and seized opportunities, including a pivotal meeting with a Silicon Valley investor. Her
leadership style emphasizes setting audacious goals and empowering her team to excel.

Looking ahead, Melanie envisions Canva's expansion to reach every internet user and
aims to maximize positive impact, including supporting non-profits. Despite the challenges,
Melanie celebrates milestones and fosters a culture of ambition and dreaming big at Canva.

Melanie's journey is not without its share of daunting moments, including stepping
into unfamiliar territory during pivotal meetings and grappling with the immense
responsibility of leading a rapidly growing company. However, her determination and
adventurous spirit have propelled her forward, leading to successful collaborations and
strategic decisions that have shaped Canva's trajectory.

As Canva continues to evolve and grow, Melanie remains focused on the company's
core mission of democratizing design and empowering individuals worldwide. She
recognizes the importance of celebrating achievements along the way, fostering a culture of
appreciation and motivation within the team. Melanie's leadership extends beyond the
boardroom, as she actively seeks opportunities to give back to the community and support
causes close to her heart.

Looking to the future, Melanie's vision for Canva is boundless, with aspirations to
further expand its reach and impact while staying true to its values. With dreams, ambitions,
and goals driving her, Melanie continues to inspire others with her unwavering commitment
to innovation, leadership, and making a difference in the world of design and beyond.
What Inspires Me

Melanie Perkins started her journey as a young university student with a big dream.
Frustrated by the lack of easy-to-use graphic design tools, she decided to create her own
solution. With determination and hard work, Melanie, along with her boyfriend Cliff,
launched Fusion Books from her mom's lounge room. This was just the beginning of her
remarkable story.

Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Melanie never gave up. She believed in her
vision to empower people through design. This belief led her to create Canva, a platform that
makes design accessible to everyone. Today, Canva is used by millions worldwide, thanks to
Melanie's dedication and passion for making a positive impact.

Melanie's story teaches us important lessons about resilience and chasing our dreams.
She shows us that with determination and a willingness to overcome obstacles, anything is
possible. Melanie's journey inspires us to believe in ourselves, follow our passions, and make
a difference in the world, just like she did with Canva.

Moreover, Melanie's story highlights the significance of embracing innovation and

taking risks. Despite facing uncertainties and stepping into unfamiliar territory, she remained
steadfast in her pursuit of creating something truly revolutionary. By pushing the boundaries
of what was thought possible in the world of design, Melanie transformed Canva into a global
powerhouse, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.

Furthermore, Melanie's commitment to social impact serves as a shining example of

using success for the greater good. Through Canva's support for non-profits and community
outreach initiatives, she demonstrates the importance of giving back and using one's platform
to uplift others. Melanie's dedication to making a positive difference in the world reinforces
the notion that true success is not only measured by financial achievements but by the
positive impact we leave on society and the lives of those around us.
Lessons Learned:

Melanie's journey teaches us valuable lessons about perseverance and determination.

Despite facing challenges and setbacks, she never gave up on her dream of empowering
people through design. Melanie's story reminds us that success often requires hard work,
resilience, and the willingness to overcome obstacles.

Furthermore, Melanie's commitment to innovation and taking risks shows us the

importance of pushing boundaries and embracing new opportunities. By daring to step
outside her comfort zone and pursue her vision, she was able to create something truly
remarkable with Canva. Melanie's journey inspires us to be bold, to chase our dreams, and to
seize opportunities for growth and innovation.

Moreover, Melanie's dedication to making a positive impact through Canva's social

initiatives demonstrates the importance of using success to uplift others. Her story reminds us
that true success is not just about personal achievements but also about giving back and
making a difference in the lives of others. Melanie's journey teaches us that with passion,
perseverance, and a commitment to social good, we can create meaningful change in the
world.

Melanie's story also underscores the significance of believing in oneself and one's
vision, even in the face of doubt or skepticism. Despite being initially met with challenges
and uncertainties, Melanie remained steadfast in her belief in the potential of Canva to
revolutionize the design industry. Her unwavering confidence and self-belief served as a
driving force behind Canva's success, reminding us of the importance of trusting our instincts
and staying true to our convictions, even when the path ahead may seem daunting.
 Adi Dassler
Founder of ADIDAS

Summary:

Adolf "Adi" Dassler, the founder of Adidas, began his shoemaking journey in a small
Bavarian town, starting in his mother's washroom. Driven by a desire to craft the perfect
sports shoe for athletes, Dassler set out to differentiate himself in the market by actively
seeking feedback from athletes on his early shoe designs.

By gathering insights from athletes about their needs and preferences, Dassler was
able to create athletic shoes that were highly valued by his customers. In 1949, at the age of
49, he officially registered "Adi Dassler Adidas Sportschuhfabrik," marking the beginning of
the Adidas brand. That same year, the iconic Adidas three stripes made their debut on a shoe
model.

Dassler's dedication to creating top-quality athletic footwear was validated in 1954

when the German national football team won the World Cup final wearing Adidas cleats.
This historic victory propelled Adidas and its founder into the spotlight, establishing them as
household names on football pitches worldwide.

Since then, Adidas has evolved into an international brand renowned for its high-
quality athletic wear. Dassler's story underscores the importance of listening to customers and
continuously striving to meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

Adidas attributes Dassler's success to his personal touch and dedication to meeting
with athletes, carefully listening to their feedback, and observing ways to improve or
innovate to support their needs. This customer-centric approach earned Adidas the trust of
elite athletes and consumers alike, laying the foundation for its enduring success as a global
athletic brand.

What Inspires Me

Adolf "Adi" Dassler's story is profoundly inspiring for several reasons. Firstly, his
humble beginnings in a small Bavarian town demonstrate that greatness can emerge from
even the most modest of circumstances. Starting his shoemaking venture in his mother's
washroom highlights Dassler's resourcefulness and determination to pursue his passion
against all odds.

Secondly, Dassler's relentless pursuit of excellence in creating athletic footwear sets a

powerful example of dedication and commitment to craftsmanship. By actively seeking
feedback from athletes and continuously refining his designs, he exemplified the importance
of listening to customers and adapting to their needs—a principle that remains at the core of
Adidas's success to this day.

Moreover, Dassler's pivotal role in the German national football team's victory at the
1954 World Cup final underscores the transformative impact of his innovations. The triumph
not only solidified Adidas's reputation as a premier sports brand but also cemented Dassler's
legacy as a visionary whose creations could propel athletes to unprecedented heights of
success.

Furthermore, Dassler's emphasis on personal connection and attentive listening to

athletes reflects his genuine passion for understanding and serving their needs. This
customer-centric approach, combined with his relentless pursuit of improvement, earned him
the trust and loyalty of elite athletes—a testament to the enduring power of building
meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

Ultimately, Adolf "Adi" Dassler's story serves as a timeless reminder of the boundless
potential of human ingenuity, perseverance, and innovation. His journey from a small-town
shoemaker to the founder of one of the world's most iconic sports brands inspires us to
embrace our passions, strive for excellence, and never underestimate the transformative
impact of our ideas and efforts on the world around us.
Lessons Learned:

Adolf "Adi" Dassler's story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and
customer-centricity. Starting in his mother's washroom in a small Bavarian town, Dassler's
determination led him to create Adidas, one of the world's most iconic sports brands. He
embraced challenges as opportunities for growth, continuously refining his designs and
pushing the boundaries of athletic footwear.

Dassler's success was rooted in his deep understanding of his customers' needs. By
actively seeking feedback from athletes and crafting products tailored to their requirements,
he built a loyal customer base and established Adidas as a trusted brand. His emphasis on
building genuine relationships and earning the trust of athletes underscored the importance of
integrity and authenticity in business.

Throughout his journey, Dassler embodied the values of perseverance and continuous
improvement. His relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to innovation set a
standard of quality that defined the Adidas brand. Ultimately, Dassler's story serves as an
enduring inspiration, reminding us of the transformative power of passion, resilience, and a
customer-focused mindset in achieving success against all odds.
 Socorro C. Ramos
Founder of NATIONAL BOOKSTORE

Summary:

Socorro C. Ramos, the founder of National Bookstore, has a story that reads like a
captivating drama. Starting as a saleslady at just 18 years old, Socorro's journey to success
began when she met and fell in love with the son of a wealthy bookstore owner in Manila.
Despite facing opposition from their parents, Socorro and her beloved, Jose, defied the odds,
got married, and had twins.

Together, Socorro and Jose took over a bookstore branch and rebranded it as National
Book Store. However, their early years were fraught with challenges. During a war, their
store was destroyed, forcing them to rebuild from scratch. Even as they faced suspicion and
setbacks, they persevered, relocating the store and rebuilding it multiple times in the face of
adversity.

Despite enduring hardships, Socorro and Jose's determination paid off. National
Bookstore flourished, growing to over 100 stores across the country. Even in the digital age,
the bookstore chain continues to thrive, a testament to Socorro's resilience and foresight in
adapting to changing times while staying true to her passion for books and education.
 Socorro's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the
importance of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering dedication to one's dreams. Despite
the challenges they faced, Socorro and Jose's love for each other and their shared vision for
National Bookstore propelled them forward, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of business
and literature. Today, National Bookstore stands as a symbol of Socorro's enduring legacy
and the power of love, determination, and entrepreneurship.

What Inspires Me

Socorro Ramos's journey as the founder of National Book Store is a remarkable tale
of resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. Firstly, her story embodies the
triumph of the human spirit over adversity. From humble beginnings as a saleslady at the age
of 18, Socorro embarked on a journey filled with challenges, including opposition from her
own family and the destruction of her store during times of war.

Secondly, Socorro's unwavering belief in the power of love and perseverance is

deeply inspiring. Despite facing familial disapproval and societal obstacles, she remained
steadfast in her commitment to her partner, Jose Ramos, and together they built National
Book Store from the ground up. Their enduring love and shared vision served as the
foundation for their success, illustrating the transformative power of unity and determination.

Moreover, Socorro's resilience in the face of adversity serves as a beacon of hope for
aspiring entrepreneurs. Despite setbacks such as the destruction of their store and the
suspicion surrounding their business, she and Jose never wavered in their determination to
rebuild and succeed. Their ability to overcome challenges with grace and determination is a
testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Furthermore, Socorro's commitment to her passion for books and education is deeply
inspiring. Despite the rise of digital technology, National Book Store continues to thrive,
remaining a beloved institution in the Philippines. Socorro's dedication to providing access to
literature and educational resources underscores the transformative impact of literacy and
knowledge in empowering individuals and communities.

Ultimately, Socorro Ramos's story serves as a testament to the power of resilience,

perseverance, and unwavering determination in the pursuit of one's dreams. Her journey from
a saleslady to the founder of a renowned bookstore chain is a testament to the indomitable
human spirit and the limitless possibilities that can arise from a steadfast commitment to
one's passion and purpose.

Lessons Learned:

Socorro Ramos's journey from a humble saleslady to the founder of National Book
Store is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of following one's passion.
Despite facing familial opposition and the destruction of her store during wartime, Socorro
remained steadfast in her determination to succeed. Alongside her husband, Jose Ramos, she
rebuilt the store into a beloved institution that continues to thrive today.

Her story teaches valuable lessons about seizing opportunities, taking calculated risks,
and adapting to changing circumstances. Socorro's unwavering commitment to customer
satisfaction and her ability to stay attuned to evolving market trends ensured the continued
success of National Book Store even in the face of digital disruption.

Socorro Ramos's story instills the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Despite encountering numerous setbacks and challenges along her entrepreneurial journey,
she never wavered in her determination to succeed. Her ability to persevere through difficult
times serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks are merely temporary obstacles that can be
overcome with resilience, determination, and a positive mindset.

Furthermore, Socorro's commitment to her passion for literature and education

underscores the value of staying true to one's values and beliefs. Despite the rise of digital
technology and changing market trends, she remained steadfast in her dedication to providing
access to books and educational resources. Socorro's unwavering commitment to her mission
not only contributed to the success of National Book Store but also left a lasting impact on
the communities it serves. Her story inspires us to pursue our passions with integrity,
authenticity, and a sense of purpose, knowing that staying true to our values is essential for
long-term success and fulfillment.

Above all, Socorro Ramos's story inspires us to pursue our dreams with unwavering
determination and to remain true to our values and passions. Her journey serves as a reminder
that with resilience, perseverance, and a customer-centric approach, we can overcome
challenges and achieve remarkable success. Socorro's legacy lives on not only through
National Book Store but also through the enduring impact of her entrepreneurial spirit and
dedication to literature and education.