Entrepreneur, adventurer, philanthropist ... Australian icon Dick Smith shares his extraordinary life story for the first time.
'Part Bear Grylls, part Bill Gates, but 100% Aussie larrikin. Dick is a great innovator, philanthropist and adventurer, who in my eyes can do no wrong.' - Paul Hogan
'Businessman, adventurer, philanthropist . . . Dick Smith is a true Australian legend.' - Greg Mortimer OAM
'I have been charmed by good fortune to be born in Australia in the 1940s. I have lived through a time of great prosperity and every day I am reminded of my good luck.'
Dick Smith is a remarkable and proud Australian. He has been part of our national consciousness for over fifty years as an innovative and astute businessman, a ground-breaking adventurer, a generous philanthropist and a provocateur for the causes he feels deeply about. Yet, despite his great successes and achievements, Dick has remained down to earth and close to his roots.
So how did the young boy who was one of the most academically hopeless in class become the national living treasure he is today? And what was it within that kid with a speech impediment that allowed him to create three successful businesses, and take on some of the world's greatest and most dangerous aviation challenges?
In My Adventurous Life, Dick shares his inspiring story and the lessons he's learned about staying true to yourself. He has welcomed the freedoms that wealth brings, but has found the simple life more fulfilling. His responsibility is to the world and the people we share it with.
ANZEC Member - Dick Smith
Dick Smith's thirst for adventure began in the Scouts when he developed a love of bushwalking and climbing, including climbing Balls Pyramid. However Dick is best known as an aviation adventurer, flying around the world five times, including being the first person to fly solo around the world by helicopter. This inspired Dick to work on aviation reform as the Chairman of Australia's aviation safety regulator, with a view to harmonising Australian regulations with the rest of the world.As a businessman, Dick founded Dick Smith Electronics which he sold in 1982 to start the publishing and retail company Australian Geographic. Dick also founded Dick Smith Foods, the profits of which go to worthwhile charities.The Dick Smith Fair Go Group is Dick's current project, aiming to raise awareness that unlimited growth is impossible in a world with finite space and resources.
