TESTED: "The Dream is free but the HU$TLE comes at a cost"

When I first learned that TESTED was being written and subsequently released, I didn't have to think twice as to whether or not I would read it. Alpesh Patel captivates the avid learner-not just reader. I've read hundreds of leadership and business books by "gurus;" but they all seemed to not give what I was looking for-the unfiltered truth. Not to say that they weren't great reads, they just didn't hit home like this one. Perhaps it is timing but I'm on my second read of this and I still cannot believe how much the author had to overcome in order to become a successful entrepreneur. As I read through each page, I thought I was watching a movie. I laughed, I cried but I learned so much more than how to push for my dreams. In between his sharing of foibles and triumphs, Alpesh teaches culture and the culture of global business as well as drops little lines of wisdom that would miss the quick reader. Fortunately, I take notes and with the option to make flash cards, it's even better. If you want a REAL story (memoir) with a "behind the scenes" look at what entrepreneurship and "hustle" looks like and a chance to get to know the man behind the brands-this book is for you. I highly recommend it. We watch from our televisions and devices "Shark Tank" and suppose "pitching an idea" is that simple. Alpesh debunks that myth with his straight-forward approach to what really goes on. As a history buff, TESTED also gave me great insight into what some still must go through today in order to do global business, but not as he did. I was captured with his "bush birth" (literally) to him being a real refugee, kicked out of his birth country and astounded by his ability to move sales and provide service in the largest of economies to the smallest of villages. Many authors will not tell you the details of where they made mistakes and how they came back from it. Not Alpesh. TESTED---Indeed he was and he survived. Seeing the pictures that accompany his story to back up what he wrote, further drove home the need for transparency in telling our stories. Not that he would want to, but if Alpesh had a class in business, I'd be the 1st one in line. Savvy is an understatement. This true story is PROFOUND! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!

I remember lunch with Pesh Patel as he was writing his book, TESTED and he says to me "Bro, it is going to be raw!" with his classic Alpesh grin on his face.And raw it was.It's a phenomenal account of Alpesh's life as one of Africa's disruptors - from making money at a young age, to losing it and making it again, to his many challenges through out the continent.I highly recommend this book for any entrepreneur or innovator wanting to disrupt Africa. Reading it has been described as having a dinner conversation with friends, and if you've spent any time with Alpesh, you'll know this to be true.His passion emanates from the book, same way it did when I had him on my radio show and the numerous times we've spoken at conferences together. Possibly less expletives would have been appropriate (which I would chide him for); it however doesn't detract an iota from the message which is relevant for most African innovators.If you're an aspiring innovator or entrepreneur, this book is for you.Alpesh, keep disrupting Africa!

What a great book. Having been an entrepreneur and doing business in Africa for 5 yrs, I can relate big big time to what Alpesh has gone through and leaving SA and the Sandton posh and hypocritical lifestyle and moved to the US has been the best decision my wife have ever made. Also I realized that in Africa, your own blood is jealous of your success, and when I asked "why" the answer was "it's in our culture" Alpesh has been to Hull university, but most important he has been to the university of LIFE and this money can't buy. Love the way while reading the book you feel like you having a one on one with Alpesh around a nice glass of wine and him taking to you about the Hustle that's comes with big big cost!! Great book and wish you all the best and nothing can be worst after going through the African Pain " Hakuna Matata"

MANDATORY READING for any business program or entrepreneur course. TESTED is a breath of fresh air in a world filled with “it’s easy” or “10-steps to success” messages that aspiring entrepreneurs get. There nothing easy about being an entrepreneur - and yes, the hustle is real. Alpesh provides a vivid reality of the struggles, sacrifices and determination it takes to become successful in business...and maintain your integrity while doing so. This is no fairy tale. This is the roller-coaster of the good, the bad and the ugly – and it’s quite a ride!“An entrepreneur is someone who jumps off a cliff and decides to build a plane on the way down.” -- TESTED

While reading this book it comes obvious that the key for success is integrity and if one remains loyal to our own values, its true that. The way is longer but the reward is sweeter. The fight of the author makes me believe that every story might have a happy ending no matter which journey you are following, either you settle to work in a corporate environment or if you decide to become and entrepreneur. The book does encourage me to be the best version of myself no matter what circumstances I find myself in , life will always test us and it's up to us to decide how we will respond to the challenges. Thank you Alpesh for sharing your story and for awaking the hustler in me.

A must read for ALL entrepreneurs. Tested is not an over night success, it's not a rags to riches kinda book. It's raw, rugged, and brutal. The author is filled with so much passion, and drive that no matter what was thrown at him, he endured and kept his faith. Even though the author experienced what felt like slaps, and punches, he still maintained his cool and kept trekking. Alpesh remained true to himself, true to his brand, his baby! This book is gut wrenching, yet heartfelt. Definitely a roller coaster!"Everybody's got a plan until they get punched in the mouth!" -Tested

A GREAT BOOKI enjoyed it immensely. There is no messing about here , no time wasting on developing various characters or building up complicated story lines . Its mainly about one man and his story, The master Salesman, The Ultimate Hustler, working his magic from one city to the next, from one deal to another. Failing as many times as succeeding but standing taller after every fall.The author shows you how to be creative and think out of the box , to compete in an environment where multinationals reign supreme. To think differently, to make your own rules , and when required to do so, become the solid professional and do everything by the book.In it He say ,‘His word is His Bond”.And He never breaks it. No matter what! It doesn’t matter how hard the task, He always found a way. His integrity, his persistence & perseverance,His courage and determination and his sheer will to come out on top always shone through.If you were looking for a literary masterpiece this isn’t the book , if you wanted a 100% guaranteed step by step guide on how to make millions in business this isn’t the book, (I don't think there is any book out there with that formula) BUT if you want to know what it takes to be a success in all aspects of life, Personal , Family & Business and the character traits that you need, then open this book and be inspired.This book is not just for the entrepreneurs, hustlers and business people, Its for everyone.Its fast paced, its Raw, its ‘in your face’ and It speaks the language most of us understand.

I wrote the foreword to this book, something I'm not in the habit of doing but it is genuinely a fascinating read about endeavour and perseverance mixed with business, entrepreneurial and sales lessons brought to life in a very real way! If you're an entrepreneur or in sales you'll see every mistake you made or are about to make! If you are in a company with an intrapreneurial culture you'll see how not to do things and avoiding losing potential stars that can grow your business. If you're about to realise your exit strategy or your company is about to be acquired; you'll realise the grass isn't always greener on the other side! You'll also see the mindset required to make something out of nothing and have fun in the process. It's a great story and great read!

Reading this book has not only been a roller coaster of emotions, as Alpesh took us through the highs and wins to the lows and harsh failures. But more importantly the way it brings to light some of the most fundamental issues African entrepreneurs face up today is simply remarkable.This is a practical guide on how NOT to do things and a guide on what PERSEVERANCE looks like.Sidi

I saw somebody on Facebook post something about this book and I thought - lets give it a go!As somebody who runs their own business I can really feel the pain, anxiety and stress that Alpesh has been through. Many books on self help/entrepreneurship highlight mainly what they did and how successful they were. However all these other don't really go deep into the dark side of running your own business.Getting hits on sales is not easy and Alpesh described how he followed up his sales so that they actually buy his product. Its no good just simply having great advertising or even a fantastic product. You need somebody to SELL THAT product and see it through!I really enjoyed reading this book so much so that after finishing the chapter I rewrote my business plan.

Absolutely Brilliant. It is so refreshing to read things as they are. From the assessment of lengthy corporate processes and office politics and the lack of local knowledge of all these VP / SVP and other Chiefs, to the difficulty of doing business in Africa or emerging markets. This really resonates as I have experienced doing business in Africa (on the corporate side) and still contemplating the entrepreneurial side of things. Lots of people talk about doing business in Africa and they day dream about the size of the market without understanding the reality of the mass market there and the complexity of this continent.Looking forward to other publications.