I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Janet Polach, PH.D., shares some insights into the common mistakes new managers make and how they can best prevent these mistakes from occurring in the book “The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make: How to Avoid Them and Thrive”.
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The Synopsis
Whether you are a manager of many, or a team leader of a few, being a leader requires letting go of the day-to-day work tasks you did so well as an individual contributor and, instead, encouraging production and success through others. New managers are usually promoted because they were outstanding individual contributors: they spoke up in staff meetings, shared good ideas, and executed on time and within scope. Yet, these characteristics are not necessarily the same ones that will make you successful as a frontline manager. Often, organizations invest little in new manager development; thus, new managers are left to guess at what effective leaders do. They often find themselves pressing forward through trial and error. If this sounds familiar, then this book, which examines the seven most common mistakes new managers make, is for you. Each chapter highlights a common challenge that new managers will recognize and then describes strategies and behaviors to build the skills needed to avoid mistakes and achieve success. This book is ideal for the new manager who hopes to evolve into a great leader.
The Review
This was an engaging and fast-paced read. The author does an incredible job of balancing the book’s objectives, allowing readers to get a glimpse of the problems new managers face and the solutions to those problems. The clear and concise nature of the book’s message pairs well with the author’s friendly and personal writing style in each chapter.
The way the author showcased how new managers often come from a place of personal, individual success and need to evolve into team leaders was great to see unfold on the page. From gathering the right tools to effectively lead the team to helping your team develop as individuals and as a group, each chapter effectively walks readers through the steps to become fantastic new managers in their field.
The Verdict
Concise, effective, and engaging author Janet Polach, Ph.D., “The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make” is a must-read business and nonfiction book. The book’s message’s quick pace and interactive nature will keep readers returning to it repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Janet Polach, Ph.D., is a global coach and leadership development professional. She has coached leaders around the world, including China, South Korea, Singapore, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the U.S. She believes all leaders can be great if they invest the time and energy into gathering feedback on themselves and focusing on their development. Janet’s foundation for leadership started in the United States Marine Corps, where she achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring from the Marine Corps Reserves. She possesses deep academic knowledge in adult learning, leadership development, and coaching. Janet holds her Ph.D. in organizational leadership and development from the University of Minnesota.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Lori Van Dusen shares the roller coaster that was her rise in the world of Wall Street in the memoir “Running with Grace”.
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The Synopsis
Nothing about Lori Van Dusen’s childhood indicated she’d become one of the nation’s top independent financial advisors. She was born prematurely with a genetic blood disorder. Her parents divorced when she and her twin brother were less than a year old. But her big, boisterous, loving Italian family, led by her beloved grandfather, a first-generation American with only an eighth-grade education, taught her that the only limitations in life are those we impose on ourselves.
As a young person, Lori wanted to sing on Broadway, not manage money on Wall Street. But in 1986, this quiet, serious young woman walked into the rough-and-tumble, eat-what-you-kill world of Shearson Lehman Brothers and never looked back. She fought her way to the top by thinking outside the box and working her ass off despite the jeers, insults, and sideways glances. Her secret weapon? A need to prove herself so strong she could outwork anyone.
But Lori’s trajectory to the top was not a straight, upward line; it was a rollercoaster. She hit the pinnacle of success only to have it ripped away in a legal battle with one of the biggest banks in the world. She was raped by a PhD candidate at Harvard, swindled by a business partner, and battled two life-altering medical diagnoses. None of that, though, would compare to having the two people she loved most in the world taken way too soon.
Despite the fear and pain, Lori remained hopeful and resilient. In this memorable, poignant, and inspiring memoir, she shares her lowest lows and highest highs as well as hard-earned wisdom from her bumpy personal, professional, and spiritual journey. Life was never meant to be fair, she learned, but we must keep running with grace if we are to find purpose and joy in the face of adversity.
The Review
This was a moving and compelling read. The author did an incredible job of layering this narrative and true story with a healthy balance of drama and heart. The author’s personal tale brought the detailed aspects of the financial industry to life, and her experiences while making her way up the corporate ladder were insightful and engaging.
Yet, it was the heart that was poured into this narrative that made the story so gripping. The memoir proved to be more about the trials and tribulations that the author faced both in their personal and professional life rather than a linear tale of the world of Wall Street, and this allowed the reader to connect and fully feel the emotional weight of the author’s life experiences. The tension and heartbreak the author’s life touches upon and how she overcame tragedy to become the person she is today send a sad yet uplifting message that readers can resonate with powerfully.
The Verdict
Remarkable, insightful, and engaging author Lori Van Dusen’s “Running with Grace” is a must-read memoir and business book. The heartfelt delivery of such a personal story and its impact on the author’s life and readers looking to make their mark in the world will keep people invested in this thoughtful and heartening read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Lori Van Dusen, CIMA®, is the Founder and CEO of LVW Advisors, a registered investment advisory firm that serves both wealthy families and individuals, as well as nonprofit institutions throughout the United States. An advocate of client-focused strategies for more than 25 years, she has become the voice of reason for providing comprehensive integrated solutions in a fragmented financial services industry.
Lori began her investment advisory career in 1987 with Shearson Lehman Brothers, which was later acquired by Citigroup Smith Barney. By 2004, she had achieved the title of Managing Director with Citigroup Smith Barney. She founded LVW Advisors in 2011.
A recipient of numerous accolades, Lori was named to Barron’s Financial Advisor Hall of Fame, which recognizes advisors who have appeared in 10 or more of Barron’s annual Top 100 Advisor rankings. Additionally, Lori was ranked #1 in New York – NY State on Forbes’ 2023 and 2022 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list, and has been ranked for five consecutive years on Forbes’ America’s Top Wealth Advisors list and Forbes’ America’s Top Women Advisors lists. In 2022, she was named CEO of the Year by Institutional Investor’s RIA Intel.
In recognition of her involvement in the Rochester community, Lori was recognized in the Rochester Business Journal’s 2023, 2022, and 2021 Power 100 list and received the 2020 Women of Excellence distinction with the Circle of Excellence honor. The Circle of Excellence recognizes a small group of women each year with longstanding, notable success in the community who are leading the way for other women. Additionally, Lori was inducted into the 2019 Rochester Business Hall of Fame and joins a prestigious list of Rochester business leaders who have been previously inducted. Lori has also been recognized by the Girl Scouts of Western New York as one of the 2019 Women of Distinction.
Lori is passionate about numerous philanthropic causes, serving on several boards focused on urban education, health and wellness and the fine arts, including the Monroe Community College Foundation Board, the University of Rochester Medical Center Board, the F.F. Thompson Health System Board, and the Memorial Art Gallery Board of Managers.
Lori was one of the founders of the Association of Professional Investment Consultants (APIC) and Citigroup Institutional Consulting. She holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation, administered by the Investments and Wealth Institute® (formerly IMCA) in conjunction with The Wharton School. Lori received her undergraduate degree from Ithaca College and a Master of Education from Harvard University.
Lori is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book Running with Grace: A Wall Street Insider’s Path to True Leadership, a Purposeful Life, and Joy in the Face of Adversity, published in 2023.
A native of Rochester, New York, Lori is a long-distance runner and an avid yogi, and enjoys decorating and savoring the area’s local music scene. She regularly cooks and hosts large Italian meals for her family and friends.
No compensation was paid to obtain the above awards. LVW Advisors paid a fee for promotional materials related to Forbes and Barron’s awards. Please see our Disclosures page for additional information.
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Interview with Author Lori Van Dusen
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’ve always had a connection to the page. I believe writing regularly helps me be more creative and also helps flesh out ideas. I’ve been writing regularly since university. I’ve contributed a number of white papers to my industry journals, write out every speech I’ve ever delivered and journal daily as a way to relieve stress and organize my thoughts. I will admit though, I’d never considered myself a writer with a capital W, and certainly never appreciated how hard it was to write a book.
2) What inspired you to write your book, Running with Grace?
I began writing Running with Grace as a personal journal to help with my healing process from the unexpected loss of my husband. When I lost my mom, just a short time later, I wished she had captured her life story for me before she passed away from cancer. I miss her every day, and thought if I had her with me on the page, it would be such a comfort.
I started the project as a way to capture my life’s stories for my sons, and as I shared it with people, including my sons, they all encouraged me to collect the stories into a book to publish them.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Resilience, for sure. I am hoping the book inspires people to find their inner strength and embrace moving through all the things that happen to them, both the good and the horrific. I don’t think you don’t need to go through unspeakable tragedy to be wise, but as I look at my life now, I realize that I am a much wiser and more thoughtful person for going through the loss of my husband and mother.
If my book helps people even get through one day a little lighter, then I think it will have been worthwhile.
It’s been so gratifying to me to see the reviews from people who have read the book. Running with Grace is a Wall Street Journal bestseller and been praised for its “emotional power” by Kirkus Reviews and Readers’ Favorite describes it as “a story of triumphs and defeats inspiring readers to never give up.”
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I never thought I would write a memoir. I had been toying with writing a book of business lessons from a woman in finance and I had even began an outline before my husband died.
After my husband died, I started to believe there had to be a reason all these tragic things had happened to me, and that I wanted to share the lessons that I had learned. It’s such a deeply personal book that the only way I thought to reach people was to write it as a memoir. My individual stories became chapters with the thread of resilience tying them all together.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book (apart from yourself!), what would you ask them and why?
Without a doubt, my grandfather. I have so many questions for him that as a child I would have never thought to ask. I would love to learn more of his story–about his upbringing and how he became the person of such deep integrity. I’d also love to know what it really felt like when as a man in his middle age he became essentially the father to twin babies. I can’t imagine that was easy, but I never felt anything but love and support from him.
6) Has there been a social media site in particular that has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
LinkedIn has been hugely beneficial for me. Not only is it the only social media site I personally spend time on, but I’ve found the connections I’ve made to be richer and more fruitful. LinkedIn recently connected me to a podcast series, that invited me to do a live chat for their subscribers. To support the event, they purchased books as well as interviewed me. LinkedIn hasn’t been overwhelmed by the noise of the other social media platforms, yet. And I am hoping it stays that way.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Find a great editor. No one writes a book alone. The book writing process is much more difficult than I expected. I independently published and invested in professionals to guide me through what feels very much like the wild west process.
I also suggest an aspiring writer assemble a group of trusted beta readers who will give candid feedback. My beta readers were incredibly helpful, especially at identifying some of the business discussions that were too insider baseball for a wider audience. Every writer (and person really) has inherent biases and a diverse group of outside readers can spot them for you. Include people who don’t know you personally to get the most objective feedback.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Are any new books/projects on the horizon?
If readers learn anything from the book it is that the old Yiddish adage “Man Plans and God Laughs” is true. It’s futile to control the future. The only thing you can control is your actions in the present. My life has played out in no way that I had ever envisioned and my hope is that this book will introduce me to an audience outside the finance community as the message is really relevant to women and men everywhere.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Alexander Arshavski shares a powerful guide to finding the right balance between a person’s work and personal life in the book “Work from Home Like a Pro: Hacks for Balancing Work, Life and Profits”.
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The Synopsis
“Work from Home Like a Pro: Hacks for Balancing Work, Life and Profits” is a book that explores work-life balance, financial insights, and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs aiming for success while working from home. It provides high-impact strategies for achieving success in a consulting career – proven time-tested principles, strategies, tactics and best-practices the most successful consultants use to run and grow their consulting business.
Imagine being able to run your consultancy like a business, based on the value that you offer your clients and with the right systems and processes in place. Imagine getting to scale it with the right consulting model for you and the perfect financial habits. Isn’t that every consultant’s dream?
This book makes that dream a reality. The author begins by making a case for remote work and highlighting the perks you get from being your own boss. He then provides the foundational principles for setting up your own consultancy, answering questions like:
* How do I plan my goals and objectives?
* How do I set up my at home work space?
* What about a routine? Does it help me to have one?
* How do I decide what services to offer?
By the time you are done with chapter 2, you have laid the foundations for setting up your business and have explored ideas that you could get started with. Everything else after that is just what you need. Questions like how you balance your work and life when working from home and how you do your money are the next ones that the author tackles. This book is perfect for anyone looking for work from home hacks.
You get to see that the wealthy consultant is one who has their finances in order and who doesn’t skimp on taxes or business records. They know how to communicate with their clients, think faster talk smarter, manage all their projects efficiently and deliver gold every time.
The book introduces you to productivity strategies that you can implement beginning today. An example is the 5% window strip. Imagine your day as a window with 24 hours as the total width. By this strategy you block 5% of your time for a specific task or activity every day, and ensure you give it your focused attention. Which business tasks will be assigned to your window strip? Is it marketing work? Admin work? Or your core service offering? You will be able to determine with this book.
Chapter six helps you to know how to market your business and network. Which social media platforms do you use and why? How do you make sure that all your communication there is working to score you clients, all the time? How can you rely on referrals to help you? Chapter seven is all about scaling your business by expanding the services you offer, delegating and automation.
At the end of the book, the author helps to address common problems that come with working as a freelance consultant. You get tools to deal with isolation, industry changes and things that distract you from your core business. This book contains everything you need to move from having an idea to having a running consultancy. What sets it apart is that rather than simply offering jobs you can do, this book equips you with the necessary skills to excel as a consultant regardless of the field.
The Review
This was a well-developed and insightful nonfiction read. The biggest standout about this book was how the author tuned readers into how to run a business remotely from home. The details that went into the author’s expertise and practices included defining one’s personal and professional goals, setting up an office space separate from one’s home, budgeting and providing financing, and utilizing social media to leverage one’s business.
The personable way the author writes this book and the detail that the author provides for each bullet point of these practices allow for a comprehensive guide readers can turn to when developing their home-based business. The interactivity of the book itself was a great draw, as readers can turn to and practice these experiences repeatedly.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, engaging, and captivating author Alexander Arshavski’s “Work from Home Like a Pro” is a must-read business and nonfiction book. The fast pace of the guide and the straightforward yet compelling information will help readers in their journey to becoming at-home entrepreneurs. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Alexander Arshavski is a seasoned fullstack web developer, entrepreneur, and emerging non-fiction author based in Israel. With over two decades of experience spanning various industries, Alexander has established himself as an entrepreneur and freelancer, adept at navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.
Born with an innate curiosity for technology, Alexander embarked on his professional journey in the early days of the internet boom. Over the years, he honed his skills in web development, mastering both the art and science of crafting seamless digital experiences. His passion for innovation led him to found Almas Web Consulting, a boutique firm specializing in cutting-edge web solutions tailored to clients’ unique needs.
A trailblazer in remote work culture, Alexander has been a dedicated advocate for the remote lifestyle for the past decade. Embracing the flexibility and freedom it offers, he has successfully managed his business and projects from the comfort of his home, setting an example for professionals worldwide.
In addition to his illustrious career in technology, Alexander has recently ventured into the realm of non-fiction writing. Drawing from his rich experiences as an entrepreneur, remote worker, and family man, he seeks to inspire and empower others through his words. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Alexander’s writing resonates with authenticity and depth.
Off the screen, Alexander finds fulfillment in his roles as a husband and father. Together with his wife, Lora, and three sons—Mike, Steven, and Leon—he cherishes the simple joys of family life and strives to instill values of resilience and determination in his children.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Alexander is an avid traveler, nature enthusiast, and lifelong learner. Whether exploring new destinations or delving into the latest tech trends, he approaches each adventure with an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to excellence.
As he embarks on this new chapter as an author, Alexander looks forward to sharing his insights, experiences, and wisdom with readers around the world. Through his books, he hopes to spark meaningful conversations, foster personal growth, and leave a lasting impact on the lives of others.
Connect with Alexander Arshavski on LinkedIn to stay updated on his latest projects and writings. Join him on this transformative journey as he continues to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity in the digital age.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author J.S. Kirby shares tips to help people transition from working in an office environment to at-home work and become the most productive remote worker possible in the book “Working from Home: Slacker to Superstar”.
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The Synopsis
Working from Home: Slacker to Superstar is a book for anyone who wants to learn how to be the best possible remote worker whether you are a CEO or just landed your first job. Transitioning from an office to working remotely can be a huge challenge for some. This book will provide you with the strategies and tools you need to maximize productivity and make sure that every minute of your work day counts.
You’ll gain knowledge on managing your time effectively and organizing tasks so they are accomplished in the most efficient way possible. Working from Home: Slacker to Superstar will give you tips on structure, concentration, motivation, self-discipline, focus and goal setting when working from home.
Working from Home: Slacker to Superstar is an indispensable resource for anyone wanting to dive into the pros and cons of WFH while learning valuable tips and tricks to improve productivity, physical, and mental health as well as increase your efficiency and productivity levels. Take advantage of these working from home tips to help take control of your career and goals.
The Review
I loved how clear and concise this book was. As someone who is disabled and must do remote work to earn a living, the need to establish a professional and motivating environment is one of the most important things that remote workers need in their life. Having more control over your time and environment is a great thing, but the need for structure and order is still great, as it helps improve productivity and keep our work schedules intact.
The author’s relatability and honesty in their writing style, and the directness that the author’s steps to help guide readers towards a more productive at-home work environment were inspiring to see come to life on the page. The need to overcome things that we take for granted at home, like physical activity and communication with others in the company or work field you work in, were well represented in these steps, and the guide itself was both easy to understand and was written in a way that could allow remote workers to refer to the text over and over again.
The Verdict
Insightful, memorable, and engaging, author J.S. Kirby’s “Working from Home: Slacker to Superstar” is a must-read nonfiction and business book on remote work and establishing good work habits as a whole. The knowledge the author imparts to the reader and the thoughtful approach to the physical, mental, and emotional weight of remote work, in general, was a welcome addition that helped elevate the work put into the guide. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
For those looking to either keep the job you currently have or looking to safely leave behind the job you have now to pursue what you love without taking a hit financially to your responsibilities, look no further than author Tony Pisanelli’s “The Phoenix Career Principles: Rising From Employee Ashes to The Flame of Entrepreneurial Success”.
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The Synopsis
Are You Ready to Become the Driving Force of Your Career?
Forget the concept of a job for life – in today’s fast changing world your career can be riding high one minute and be abruptly ended the next. When your career ends, your family responsibilities, finances and self-confidence all
take a hit.
Whether you want to keep the job you have, safely leave the career you hate or find purpose in your working life, The Phoenix Career Principles is your blueprint.
This easy-to-follow book for managing an important pillar of your life shows you how to:
Keep your job when others are losing theirs
Avoid the key mistake that could destroy your career
Safely leave the job you hate to live the life you love
Experience the joy and freedom of a satisfying life
Step into a new world of employment opportunities
“The Phoenix Career Principles is filled with actionable steps and inspiration to help you build a secure and satisfying career that leverages the entrepreneurial journey. . . If you’re looking to not only enhance your career, but also to feel meaning in your life through the work that you do, this book is for you!”
The Review
This was such a well-developed, captivating, and engaging read. What amazed me right away was how much information the author was able to fit into such a short read. The detailed way the author outlined the steps that they took to safely step away from the hustle and bustle of work to find their passions in work and the entrepreneurial spirit that they needed to succeed was so inspiring to read about.
The two things that stood out to me as a reader were both the balance between personal experiences and practical guidelines for implementing these practices for both maintaining one’s current position at work in order to help sustain one’s income while also implementing them into driving their passion and dream jobs forward. The constant fears and pitfalls of becoming your own boss in life have always been the loss of income in a world that is becoming more and more expensive to live in. The author’s easy-to-understand and engaging steps, as well as their experiences, allowed this reader to find the steps to pursue one’s dream career without losing the means to survive and thrive in life.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, engaging, and educational, author Tony Pisanelli’s “The Phoenix Career Principles” is must-read nonfiction read on business and entrepreneurship. I thought the book was well written and thought out, and the clear and cons way the author delivered these practices opened up the reader’s minds and approached the tough subject of striking out on one’s own path with such a caring hand. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
I am a Career Change Coach helping Corporate Professionals adapt their careers for the accelerating changes taking place in the employment landscape. I have developed a proven system that helps professionals move beyond just fulfilling their daily job requirements to building a career platform for the future. As a former corporate professional, I saw first hand how swiftly a person can go from a secure position to the unemployment queue and its devastating implication on their life.
I am passionate about helping these individuals take charge of their careers by setting a future direction, managing change to their advantage and building an extraordinary career that encapsulates who they are, their life purpose and is highly valued in the market place.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Robert Moment takes readers on a journey to discover how leaders can find the skills to become a success and strong leaders in the book, “Executive Coaching: The Ultimate Success Blueprint You Need as a New Executive to Get The Best Business Results”.
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The Synopsis
Are you a new executive leader who needs a blueprint for success and has untapped potential?
Do you want to release it and be an even stronger and more effective leader as a result?
This book will show you how to do it!
Every leader wants to be the best they can be; to inspire, motivate, display strength and be decisive. Most leaders have unexploited skills that lurk beneath the surface and with little idea of how to make the most of them. Of course, there are ways that these abilities can be brought to bear and the good news is that it’s easier than you might think.
With this book, Executive Coaching, you will find that releasing your additional unlocked potential can be achieved with a few adjustments to the way you operate, such as:
Knowing your executive value
Leveraging your skills for maximum performance
The FAST method to becoming an effective leader
Developing successful leadership skills
Problem solving skills to deal with today uncertain business challenges
Turning problems into opportunities
Effective success habits for you to adopt
And lots more…
Executive Coaching book will give you the tools to get the business results you want today.
The Review
The author did such a fantastic job of crafting a well-developed outline of the steps would-be leaders and readers can take to become the executive leaders they were meant to be. Through simple yet effective steps, the author showed readers how to elevate the skills and untapped potential already within themselves to become the leaders their work needs them to be.
The outline and steps the author mapped out in this book were both effective and thought-provoking. One section that stood out to me was the ability of an executive leader to have a good Emotional Intelligence or EQ. Studying and allowing oneself to understand their own ability to control their emotions, as well as the ability to recognize, empathize, and identify with the emotions of those working with or under you. As someone who has recognized the effects of emotional intelligence playing out in front of me, it was refreshing to see a business and inspirational-led book take a look into this side of things.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, educational, and engaging, author Robert Moment’s “Executive Coaching: The Ultimate Success Blueprint You Need as a New Executive to Get The Best Business Results” is a must-read nonfiction book of 2022, and the perfect read for executive leaders or those who want to move into higher positions within their fields. In a thorough and well-researched business and motivational book, the author does a great job of connecting with readers and providing the tools to unlock the skills that already exist within the reader. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Robert Moment is an ICF Certified Executive Coach and ICF Certified Emotional Intelligence Expert. I help new executives achieve peak performance by identifying and removing their blind spots.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author David B. Savage takes readers on an exploration of the nature of collaboration within the world of business, and examines the guides he has crafted in regards to every facet of collaboration within the business, social, and environmental fields in his book, “Breaking Through to Yes: Unlocking the Possible Within a Culture of Collaboration”.
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The Synopsis
Collaboration is the new field of leadership. And it is evolving quickly. Now access the most current and collaborative book. Savage’s updated book guides you through the business, social and environmental costs of bad collaboration, the roadblocks to collaboration, the 10 Essential Steps to Collaboration, Disruptive Technology, Team Assessments, getting beyond fake news, how to create a culture of innovation, create shared value, build on success and much more. Tired of the barriers and wasted resources? This is the breakthrough guide for you and your organization. David B. Savage’s Break Through To Yes provides the key for real success— collaboration! —Marshall Goldsmith, Thinkers 50 #1 Leadership Thinker in the World and Top 5 Management Thinker 2015. KIRKUS REVIEW Break Through To Yes: Unlocking the Possible within a Culture of Collaboration A book thoroughly examines the power of successful collaborations. Canadian collaboration expert Savage (a contributor to Ready, Aim, Excel, 2012) offers a work that couldn’t be more timely. While it addresses organizational collaboration, this book could be interpreted more broadly as a treatise on building a cooperative culture within families, groups, businesses, and government. In a collection of concise chapters, Savage leads the reader through a discussion of the meaning and value of collaboration. The author supplements his own experiences over more than four decades with extensive quotes from experts and results from surveys that he conducted; in effect, he collaborated far and wide to garner input for this volume. Part One lays the groundwork by first exploring reasons for collaboration, why it fails, and what is required for effective collaboration. Part Two explores “The Discipline of Collaboration,” addressing such issues as why collaboration is misunderstood, how to involve stakeholders, and why the practice demands “opening the mind…opening the heart…and opening the will.” This section also delivers a useful assessment tool to determine the state of an organization’s “collaborative ecosystem.” In Part Three, Savage provides a comprehensive road map via 10 specific steps for implementing organizational collaboration. Beginning with “Step 1: Set Intention and Declare Your Purpose,” and concluding with “Step 10: Make It So: Positively Change the Energy and the Future Together,” the book systematically details each step and then summarizes to facilitate implementation. Part Four (“Break Through”) offers a discussion of circles and teams and explains the rise of the “Chief Collaboration Officer” as a senior position, which, Savage writes, is “the greatest advance in organizational productivity in the knowledge economy.” This engaging volume’s Appendices contain additional worthy information, including quotes from experts (from Bryce Medd/Wealthy Tortoise Financial, British Columbia: “In the financial services realm, if the intention is to create one plan, a roadmap for a client, then only by collaboration can all of the various disciplines come together for the best interest of the client”). The Appendices also include an itemized list of “roadblocks to collaboration,” and vital lessons the author has learned from some less-than-successful collaborative engagement startups. Highly readable, informative, and well-organized, this insightful work acts as a short-form textbook on the best practices in collaboration. A valuable volume for the senior leader of any group, business, or organization who wants to build a collaborative culture.
The Review
This was such an informative and insightful read. The author did a fantastic job of finding the right balance of educational and teaching moments within this book with personal experiences and narratives within the context of the book that highlighted the author’s message. The descriptive imagery that the author employs to paint an image in the reader’s mind really emphasizes the concept of collaboration.
Honestly, there were a couple of things that really stood out to me in this read. The first was the way the author was able to connect with all readers for this guide, not just business-oriented readers. I personally am not well versed in business and have never really had the drive for it, but I always appreciate an author who can make an educational guide like this feel understandable and relatable, something the author has accomplished here. Also, I enjoyed seeing how the author’s collaborative teachings applied to more than just business. The book itself opens up a perfect examination of collaboration within the environment itself and opens up to how collaboration can apply to our relationships, our friendships, and so much more.
The Verdict
An engaging, thought-provoking, and educational guide on business, the environment, and beyond, author David B. Savage’s “Breaking Through to Yes” is the ultimate lesson on the nature of collaboration and teamwork that a reader can have. The imagery and tone of the author’s writing convey authority yet compassion in the face of years of individualist and narrow-minded goals set within a business setting, and this guide will lead readers onto a brilliant path of success in many facets of life if they heed the author’s words. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
David B. Savage works with leaders and organizations to advance their success through collaboration, negotiation, conflict resolution, and business development. David brings 42+ years expertise, experience and leadership in oil and gas, renewable energy, health care, entrepreneurship, stakeholder engagement and conflict management. Over a ten-year period, David and partners, collaborated to develop 5 companies and 4 not for profits. Since 2007, Savage Management has focused on build capacity, innovation and accountability in people and in and between organizations and communities. CORE COMPETENCIES: Negotiations and Agreement Building, Business Development, Acquisitions, Management Consulting, Strategic Planning & Execution, Sustainability Engagement and Organizational Development, Management Leadership and Team Building, Stakeholder Engagement, Business Development, Conflict Management, Executive and Team Coaching plus 360 Leadership Assessments. Getting the right people, in the right places, with the right systems and right resources to collaborate, innovate and figure out challenges together is the best way. And, if that is not possible, then guiding the parties to the right people, principles, processes and systems to ensure everyone’s interests are heard and considered is the goal. PUBLICATIONS 2003: David’s Company to Company Dispute Resolution Council published the Let’s Talk Handbook 2011: Think Sustain Ability published Sustain Magazine 2012: Ready Aim Excel: 52 Leadership Lessons 2016: Break Through to Yes: Unlocking the Possible within a Culture of Collaboration 2017: The Collaborative Podcast Series (print, eBook and Audible) include 75 guests from eight nations are; Book 1: The Foundations for Collaboration Book 2: The Collaborative Guest Podcasts Book 3: The 10 Essential Steps Book 4: Unlocking the Possible 2018: Break Through to Yes: Unlocking the Possible within a Culture of Collaboration, Updated and Revised edition Produce Better Outcomes with Well Designed Collaborations: A Handbook for Rotary International Nobody Gets to be Right.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Ian Domowitz takes readers on a journey to explore a company as a product in the business, non-fiction read “The Vice Chairman’s Doctrine”.
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The Synopsis
There are books about product and companies but no books about a company as a product.
After 19 years in academics and 17 years on Wall Street, Ian Domowitz arrives from orbit around the top of a corporation with a mindset of leadership without authority. Author of over 100 publications, the public company Vice Chairman and CEO offers a no holds-barred treatment of influence and leverage complete with coaching, mantras, and tales of leadership. Change management is a lifestyle. Transformation is a calling card and his product is the company itself.
Wrapped inside a series of vignettes, some humorous, some elevating, research and stories show how process and culture converge as competitive advantage. Company priorities of innovation, branding, and culture are refashioned through unorthodox lenses focusing action through design thinking and transformation within a social system. Domowitz blurs lines between self-reflection, philosophy, and management science and makes insightful excursions into the trees and branches of corporate life and decision making.
The Vice Chairman’s Doctrine is a transformative tale of leadership without authority, a perspective suiting a new breed of entrepreneurs and corporate warriors who reject control, live in a world of influencers and aspire to become one.
The Review
What a unique and inspired new direction for non-fiction, business-driven books. The author does a great job of creating a new direction for business-led storytelling, opting for personal and transformative stories and experiences rather than cold hard numbers and figures. The concept of creating a company as you would a product is such a fresh and interesting concept.
The balance of research and development mixed with the author’s unique wit and charm is what really sold this narrative. The concept that people in a company will follow those for whom they perceive to be a leader rather than who they are told is the boss is such a unique concept. It adds to the idea in business that a sense of community and partnerships is essential to the continued success of any company. This and so many other lessons await in this well-written and fascinating read.
The Verdict
A masterful, thought-provoking and engaging non-fiction read, author Ian Domowitz’s “The Vice Chairman’s Doctrine” is a must-read business book. A brilliant deep-dive into business growth and the balance of leadership and power, the author’s unique writing style, hopping back and forth between the voice of The Vice Chairman and the author himself, added humor and wit into the business-led book, creating a tone that could benefit readers of all backgrounds. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Change is a Lifestyle
The Vice Chairman lives to play the game.
At first, there were physical games. Wrestling, tennis, swim meets, and billiards were interspersed with more cerebral pursuits like chess. Music became a game of invention and discipline with time-outs in the gymnasium of mathematics. A term in national security promoted contests of strategy. Exploration and exploitation found expression in the game of ideas. In the ivory tower, the litmus test for success was influence, a battle of credibility. Moving into a corporate environment, influence became the key to the game of leverage.
A good manager knows the Great Game is not about control. It is all about leverage.
I recently retired as Vice Chairman of Investment Technology Group [NYSE: ITG] and CEO of ITG Solutions Network Inc., a leading trading analytics and workflow subsidiary. During nineteen years in academics and seventeen years on Wall Street, I published more than 100 journal articles, chapters in books, and magazine articles.
It’s time for another career as an independent writer of books and stories on business, leadership, and technology. I still have a few things to say.
My working experience spans Northwestern University, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Pennsylvania State University. I have had the privilege of testifying in front of Congress, Senate, federal regulatory bodies, and the International Organization of Securities Commissions.
It wasn’t always that way
Career choices followed after a few years spent as a chef in restaurants and institutional kitchens, followed by a stint with one of those three-letter agencies, and then some time as a tractor-trailer truck driver. Driving trucks subsidized a career initiative in rock music. Just didn’t have the ear. I reluctantly went to college and moved on.
That was then, this is now
I currently serve on the Board of Directors of McKinley Capital Management and am a Fellow of the Program in the Law and Economics of Capital Markets at Columbia University.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Authors Noelle Ihli and Jeanne Allen take readers on a journey to turn their dreams of being an Etsy shop owner and become a full-fledged business in their book, “The Ultimate Guide to Selling on Etsy”.
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The Synopsis
Hey, Etsy sellers! SKIP the “secrets” and “tricks.”
“The Ultimate Guide to Selling on Etsy” teaches you proven, easy-to-follow strategies to get more sales on Etsy and turn your side-hustle hobby into a sustainable business.
So many Etsy sellers with incredible products and potential are completely buried by the competition with weak or low-converting keywords, counterproductive titles, the wrong listing structure, etc. That’s the bad news. The good news is that these problems aren’t hard to fix—if you know what you’re doing!
“The Ultimate Guide to Selling on Etsy,” fully updated for 2021, is your one-stop resource for all things Etsy. And no, you won’t get a fire-hydrant of business lingo and milquetoast advice. “The Ultimate Guide to Selling on Etsy” is a down-to-earth, no-BS, complete guide to help real Etsy sellers–written by REAL top-1% Etsy sellers. Learn simple ways to dramatically improve your Etsy shop ranking, your five-star reviews, your conversion rate, your shop views and traffic. And most importantly, learn how to stop getting buried by your competitors—and start making sales and real income.
You won’t find any “secrets” or snake-oil in this book. Just replicable strategies that we KNOW work because we used them ourselves to turn a brand-new shop with a single listing in 2013 into a top-1% ranking shop with 22k+ sales, a five-star rating, and 6-figure income.
In “The Ultimate Guide to Selling on Etsy” we share the EXACT same strategies we used to grow our Etsy shop. So skip the guesswork, the “secrets,” and the snake oil. Whether you’re just starting out on Etsy or have been putting a lot of work into your Etsy shop without much success, don’t give up. Instead, get this book. Because our success on Etsy wasn’t an accident, or “good luck.” It was the result of meticulous testing, research, and doing more of what worked (and less of what didn’t!). It’s replicable. Which means that you can do it in your shop too.
Noelle and Jeanne (that’s us!) are passionate about helping other Etsy sellers succeed through our coaching. We love what we do, and we LOVE sending the elevator back down to help other women (and men) build and grow their small business on Etsy. The coaching arena for Etsy sellers is a wee bit crowded with mediocre advice from shop owners who rely on guesswork and outdated tactics. We’re here to change that. In “The Ultimate Guide to Selling on Etsy” we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to succeed and grow on Etsy. We’ll share our mistakes (we made a number of them in the beginning), our success, and what WORKS. You’ll learn:
– How to properly set up your shop for success (and common pitfalls!)
– Down-to-earth, real advice and strategies for keywords that bring in sales
– Real-talk and strategies about Etsy’s algorithm and how it ranks your shop and listings
– How to price your products (most sellers get this one wrong)
– The best (and most cost-effective) opportunities for paid advertising
– Little-known opportunities for free advertising that actually work
– Etsy-specific customer service guide for earning 50% more 5-star reviews
– In-depth guide for how to market your shop within and beyond Etsy
– Practical guide to studio space, packaging, and shipping strategies that save you time and money.
– Advice for growing, scaling, hiring freelancers and virtual assistants
– Much, much more. When we say “The Ultimate Guide,” we mean it.
You can do this. And we’ll show you how. Etsy is an incredible platform with a LOT of potential. Now, get out there and ETSY!
The Review
A truly well-written, extensively researched, and memorable read, this book does a fantastic job of breaking down the setup and successes on Etsy. Online shops are growing rapidly, and have taken a life all their own over recent years. Etsy has quickly become one of the internet’s best sites to establish a business and pursue one’s dreams, but not everyone is able to grow their business into something full-time. The experience and knowledge the authors bring to this subject are incredible to read in this book.
The book itself covers a wide variety of topics, and the layout of the sections of this book is great. Starting with the basics of setting up your Etsy shop and determining what kind of shop you want to have, the book delves into everything from crafting a shop name that reflects your shop’s purpose in a succinct manner, to the proper photography tools and settings to get the best photos of your products and even marketing strategies.
A memorable, educational, and thought-provoking read, authors Noelle Ihli and Jeanne Allen’s “The Ultimate Guide to Selling on Etsy” is a must-read for all aspiring entrepreneurs and Etsy shop owners. The perfect blend of how-to and inspirational, this book covers a wide variety of topics and makes for a truly engaging book with readers hoping to improve or even begin their journey onto Etsy. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Etsy is an incredible platform. And if you know what works, you can be successful. We know because we did it. Our Etsy shop started with a single listing in 2013. We’re proud to say that it ranks in the top 1% and brings in 6 figures.
If you’re like us, you’re probably wondering if you have what it takes to be successful on Etsy. If your product is good enough. And even if you’ve seen some success, you may still think of your Etsy shop as your “little hobby.” And we want you to knock that off right now. We’ve found that the people who run Etsy shops are some of the most creative, tenacious people we know. And we have no doubt that you are one of them. You can do this. You DO have what it takes.
And that’s why we wrote this book. Because we’ve figured out what actually works, and we love helping other women (and the occasional awesome dude) take their fledgling Etsy shop, and make it into something that gives back to them what they’re putting into it.
About Us:
Noelle is a boy mom to Luke and Max, and a cat mom to Michelle. When she’s willing to wear pants (which is less often than she aspires to wear them), she can be found in mom jeans. Her husband Nate is the best person she knows. The two things she loves most (in addition to Etsy and the aforementioned children and husband) are murder and horses. (Separately, never together.)
Jeanne is also a mom—to Kaylee, Eileen, and Tober. (Yes, Tober. The short story is that she let Kaylee name her baby brother when she was five. She swears she would have stepped in if Kaylee had added too many Xs or Zs, but luckily, she hadn’t learned those letters yet). Her husband Bryan is, like Noelle’s Nate, pretty dang awesome and supportive. Especially when she decided to veer off a more standard career in technical editing and jumped headfirst into the world of Etsy selling.
