One of the great things about writing a book is that it opens doors to meeting interesting people who are willing to share their knowledge and their books with you. This exchange fosters the kind of peer-to-peer learning that serves as the foundation for The Power of Peers: How the Company You Keep Drives Leadership, Success & Growth. Who we surround ourselves with matters – even if it’s just for a few days!
This past week, I was honored to speak to groups of students at Northwestern (Kellogg) and University of Chicago (Booth) business schools. In addition to everything I learned from the great questions and insights that came from some of the world’s finest business school students, professors Paul L. Corona (The Wisdom of Walk-Ons) and Mike Moyer (Pitch Ninja) generously shared their books with me.
Paul Corona offers powerful lessons for business and life in his book, The Wisdom of Walk-Ons! Let’s face it, most of us are walk-ons, not scholarship athletes. That doesn’t mean, however, that we’re not capable of achieving success beyond measure in our respective fields – if we put our minds to it. Three well-told, true stories reveal seven strategies we can all apply to our own lives! Two of the strategies near and dear to my heart are: appreciate your supporters and help others succeed. (By the way, if you ARE a scholarship athlete, there’s something for you here as well). Enjoy the Foreword by legendary Florida State Head Coach Bobby Bowden and read a book you won’t be able to put down.
As for Mike Moyer’s, Pitch Ninja, I was privileged not only to read the book, but also I got to see Mike deliver a live presentation about the book, using the incredibly effective pitching and presentation concepts he espouses. Trust me, when I say they really work. I’ve witnessed and participated in numerous presentation training programs in my career, and I’ve never come across anything quite like Mike Moyer’s program. I’m in the process of creating a PowerPoint presentation about the power of peers specific to business leaders, and I can’t wait to implement everything from the Zone Program and my new special Ninja moves, to providing real flow, and of course, using “Magic Hands!” (Now you have to read the book, right?) Great stuff!
It’s one thing to promote really good content, yet it’s especially rewarding to support good people. Paul was kind enough to take me to lunch, and Mike drove me from the University of Chicago campus back to my downtown hotel at the end of the day – proactive acts of kindness that made my week. You can support them too by buying both books. You’ll be glad you did!
