There's something a bit dangerous, yet enticing, about rule-breakers. As a society, we both revere them and hold them as cautionary tales. When mavericks win, they can win big. When they lose...well, we often don't talk about the rule-breakers who don't win. That doesn't mean they don't leave their mark on history. 

But who are these defiant giants? And what can they teach even the most cautious leader? Author and host of CBC's Under the Influence, Terry O'Reilly joined the Visiting Experts podcast to chat about his new book Against the Grain: The Defiant Giants Who Changed the World. He shares the uplifting and surprising wins of Gustave Eiffel and Taylor Swift, and the sad, yet important story of Ignaz Semmelweis, a doctor who changed modern medicine at a great personal cost. 

The whole episode is worth a listen, but the key takeaways include: 

• All mavericks - whether successful or not, had an idea they felt in their core. They pursued a "rule-breaking" idea because they fundamentally knew they were right. In short, conviction in yourself, is key. 
• Even people "in the system," like Taylor Swift, can create new norms. Celebrities inviting fans into their homes is unheard of, yet Swift embraces that more personal connection with Swifties. And it's worked. 
• Trust your gut...truly. If O'Reilly learned - and wants to impart - anything, he truly believes one person can change the world. 

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Prefer to read than listen? Access the full transcript on Simplecast.