"When we were kicking around the idea for Netflix in 1997, proving out an idea was expensive and labo..." — Marc Randolph

Here's a simple truth: When you surround a good idea with brilliant people, it changes. No matter how much you plan, great ideas have a mind of their own.

People imagine that Netflix sprang fully formed into a global streaming giant, but Netflix might have been personalised sporting goods - or customised shampoo - or even pet food, since these were all ideas that I pitched Reed Hastings in those first months.

The real story of Netflix is complicated: an epic tale full of struggle, disappointment, drama, humor, and achievement.

No one has ever asked me to give a graduation speech. But in my years of working with aspiring entrepreneurs, many of them in college, I've gotten used to giving advice.