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examining the connection between innovation and corporate success,” Hershatter says. “He makes it look easy, but there is nothing accidental about Michael’s success. He is not only incredibly bright, insightful, and creative, but also extremely strategic and hard working.” Although he wound up gravitating toward business, Dubin has a keen awareness of how every experience along the way helped shape him and guide his path forward—including his foundation in a liberal arts education. The writing and critical thinking skills that he gained as a history major have helped him tell the Dollar Shave Club story. “Whenever I meet alumni, I’m curious to know how their education has
influenced their lives beyond Emory,” Elliott says. “Like Michael, they often say that the liberal arts prepares them to take advantage of unexpected opportunities, whether it’s an unplanned career change or a ton of razors sitting in a warehouse.” Dubin remains CEO of Dollar Shave Club and lives in Venice, California, where he recently renovated his house. “Right now I’m very focused and dedicated to building Dollar Shave Club both domestically and internationally— launching new products, launching new business models,” he told Elliott. “I get an opportunity to learn continually every day from the people around me, and that is the most amazing part of what I do. . . . I’m one of those people motivated
primarily by curiosity, and as long as I’m learning, I’m happy.” In his Commencement speech, Dubin urged Emory graduates to keep an open mind, try new things, and worry less about what’s happening next. “If you want to live a unique and exceptional life, choose unique and exceptional things, make your own choices, follow your interests, follow your passions, and the universe will deliver you on your path . . . be patient.” Be patient—said the not-quite-fortyyear-old billionaire who took a history degree, some business experience, a talent for improvisation, a little luck, and a warehouse full of f---ing great razor blades and made something new.
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