Book Title: Against the Grain: Defiant Giants Who Changed the World
Speaker: Terry O'Reilly, Host, CBC's Under the Influence
Moderator: Brett Hendrie, Director, Strategic Events, Rotman School of Management
Book Synopsis:
In Terry’s bestselling book, My Best Mistake, he uncovers the surprising power of screwing up. Now, he turns his incredible eye to the mavericks who go “against the grain” in their work to see what makes them tick and to explore what lessons we can learn from them. People who chose to ignore conventional wisdom, found or invented a better way, questioned the status quo at great sacrifice and pushed for change against all odds.
Some were drummed out of their careers for it but in the end were proven right (Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis). Some were celebrated but had to fight every inch of the way (Norman Lear). Some re-invented their industry but preferred to stay an outsider (Tom Laughlin—aka Billy Jack). Some confounded their competitors with ingenious strategies (NHL coach Roger Neilson). One even saved millions of people around the world, but was humiliated, demoted, and dismissed for her entire career (Dr. Katalin Karikó—co-creator of the COVID vaccine). All persistent visionaries, each covered in battle scars.
Personal Commentary: On October 23, 2025 I attended the Q&A session held at the University of Toronto, Desautels Hall, 105 St. George St., Toronto. As I regularly listen to Terry O'Reilly on the CBC Radio it was wonderful to see and hear O'Reilly speak about his latest book entitled: Against the Grain: Defiant Giants Who Changed the World. This book outlines the importance of being persistent in pursuing one's ideas despite the odds and obstacles one may encounter. If you believe in your idea do everything possible to make your idea come to fruition.
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