Level up your career with Eric Siu

Jun 24, 2020

It’s not often that you hear a successful entrepreneur credit their achievements to time spent playing video games. But gaming is what Eric Siu, founder and investor, says drove him to a rewarding career as a respected marketing leader and host of the podcasts Marketing School with Neil Patel and Growth Everywhere.

As a youth, Eric wasn’t academically or socially successful, but he excelled in serious high-level eSports—and began applying gaming principles to set and accomplish goals in real life. In his forthcoming book, Leveling Up (Winter 2021), Eric shares his insights on how anyone can level up and win the ultimate game of business.

What three words best describe you?
Learner, resilient, contrarian.

What is your book about?
It’s about how gamers can cultivate the right habits and make a positive impact on the world.

Whom do you most admire?
Bill Gates. I admire him because he is focused on solving the world’s biggest problems so he can help improve the overall quality of life for human beings.

What is the last book you read?
Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl. Reading it, you really realize that possessions, money, fame and the like are not worth anything. What helps you power through the toughest times is understanding your own self-worth and convictions.

What do you do when you’re not working?
I read, work out, take courses, and write.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a professional gamer or poker player.

What is your personal motto?
I really like, “If you’re going through hell, keep going,” from Winston Churchill.

Where do you find inspiration?
From learning about other peoples’ successes.