What do you wish you had known 25 years ago? In this collection, contributors ranging from Pat Riley to Rabbi Harold S. Kushner respond to this simple question with stubborn practicality, sage philosophy, and often, surprising profundity. Their advice can save years of hard learning--and make the next 25 years better than ever.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
For more than a decade, advertising executive Richard Edler collected pithy bits of wisdom about business and life from leaders in a variety of fields. If I Knew Then What I Know Now: CEOs and Other Smart Executives Share Wisdom They Wish They'd Been Told 25 Years Ago presents the resultant advice and support in a series of easily digestible nuggets from notables like Senator Orrin Hatch, Rabbi Harold Kushner, Peter Ueberroth and a host of lesser-known authorities.
From Publishers Weekly
Twelve years ago, when Edler was president of an ad agency, he was asked to deliver a commencement address to business graduates. He asked 10 CEOs from different companies the questions that later became the title of this book, and together their answers made a nice speech. The answers so fascinated Edler that he kept posing the questions to other executives from the worlds of business, entertainment, advertising, publishing, politics, television and religion until he had compiled enough practical wisdom to fill a book. Helen Gurley Brown, editor of Cosmopolitan, says self-discipline will get you everywhere. Peter Sealey, former global marketing director for Coca-Cola, says one ought to get international experience. Edler's own advice is to become the person you really are. Many of these "answers" are little more than bons mots sometimes supplemented by a sidebar. This conversationally written book would make a fine gift for an ambitious and philosophical friend.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 38 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Mass Market Paperback
The title of this book led me to believe I would learn shortcuts to becoming a CEO by tapping into the hindsight of current CEO's. Ironically, most of the CEO's and other leaders in this book, having already made it to the top, now wish they had spent more time with family, friends, etc. I really didn't want a sentimental book when I bought this book. Also, it seems easy to advise others to stop and smell the roses after they have already made the big bucks and conquered the business world. Perhaps a better title would be "CEO's share how they wish they would have spent more time with Family and Friends or at least think you should do that instead of worrying about being a CEO." I always feel ripped off when I buy a book and even one page is dedicated to the serenity prayer, which is so vague, obvious and overused it is nauseating. Some of the advice seems to be merely pet peeves or autocratic advice from theory x managers. However, having said that, it is worth reading because about half of the book is filled with useful advice. What in the world went wrong with the other half? I paid full, not half price.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Reading the book I guarantee, that every single reader will find at least one idea, advice or thought useful or important... Many of these ideas are absolutely new, were not published in quotation books. (I worked for a publisher, and we published several quotation books... I know, what's "out there".)
And if you only find one important thought in this stunning collection, don't you think it was worth to read it?
And if you only find one important thought in this stunning collection, don't you think it was worth to read it?
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I picked up this book in a bookstore one day and read the entire book on my lunch hour the next. Page after page, it just "hits home." I would recommend this book to anyone, young or old, who is unsure of themselves or where they want to go in life. There's nothing like the voice of experience!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wish I knew all of that before!
Very interesting book. Lots of comments from people who became successful and achieved happiness. A MUST on anyone's library.
Published on June 4, 2010 by Leonardo Barros
5.0 out of 5 stars
I read jastraub's review....get a life.
My father and Mr. Edler were friends for over 25 years. Unfortunately, Mr. Edler passed away recently. It was a loss. Read more
Published on April 27, 2004 by Mark H.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Insightful
It is an eclectic series of insightful one paragraph-ish stories. You can whiz through this on one plane ride.
Published on August 24, 2003 by Jason Nadrowski
2.0 out of 5 stars
If I Knew Then What I Know Now, I Wouldn't Have Bought It
There are a great many good books that share insight from business leaders on how young want-to-be-executives can advance through the ranks, unfortunately this isn't one of... Read more
Published on August 28, 2002 by J. Straub
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful insights for every day at your work!
Edler did a wonderful job gathering these quotes. They are very helpful. I read it one or two of its quotes every day. You should have it!
Published on November 1, 2001 by G. Alfonsi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful insights for every day at your work!
Edler did a wonderful job gathering these quotes. They are very helpful. I read one or two of its quotes every day. You should have it!
Published on November 1, 2001 by G. Alfonsi
5.0 out of 5 stars
My mentor
I have had the extreme privilege of knowing Rich Edler on a personal level and working side by side with him. At the age of 18, I am forging the path for future success. Read more
Published on June 25, 2000 by "winkwink"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent!
Richard Edler's "If I Knew Then..." is really quite fantastic. I can't say that there was a part I did not completely enjoy. I keep my copy on my coffee table. Read more
Published on December 4, 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the greatest books of all times!
Very inspirational. It is one of my favorites. I am an avid reader when time allows me. I loved it and I plan to keep it within my reach. Read more
Published on June 1, 1999 by Pervaiz R. Karim
3.0 out of 5 stars
Frog's View from the Bottom of a Well
I have no doubt about the intention and goodwill of the author. But, I have problem with the views he presented in this book. Read more
Published on March 25, 1999
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