Han, author and former entrepreneur, seeks the wisdom of 100 outstanding leaders to influence young people in their twenties and thirties who are searching for their path to a successful career. During extensive interviews with CEOs, writers, artists, and entertainers, Han developed information on their experiences in early adulthood as they learned about themselves and how they translated that knowledge into winning stature in their chosen profession. With self-knowledge as the core ingredient, we learn about other requirements such as intelligence and hard work, integrity, flexibility, discipline, effective communication skills, drive, and some luck. The CEO of Tower Automotive noted that the best people in business are those who make mistakes, learn from them, fix the important ones, and keep moving on. She counsels, "That's resilience." This small book offers excellent insight for library patrons who are looking for their first jobs after college or graduate school and are trying to find what they are meant to do.
Mary WhaleyCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
"Books celebrating the successes of today's leaders are commonplace; however, with 'Nobodies to Somebodies', Peter has focused on the all-important beginnings of careers. This is a valuable resource for anyone unsure of what comes next." - Brad Anderson, CEO, Best Buy
"Talking to Peter about this book brought back many memories for me. Those years right after college when I was in graduate school were important ones. Like anyone else, I nursed dreams, felt pressure, and had to make big choices. This is the guide I wish I'd had then!"
-Daniel DiMicco, CEO, Nucor
"When I started my career, I never thought I'd end up founding a company like Reebok. But those early years were really important to my development. I'm glad a book like this focuses on the stories of those early years."
-Paul Fireman, Founder and CEO, Reebok
"'Nobodies to Somebodies' is an inspiring look at people who have succeeded in ways measured not in dollars, but in visions and deeds that positively impact our world. I was pleased to be included among the leaders Peter interviewed. I hope the book moves readers to realize the potential for success and for good that lies within us all."
-Millard Fuller, Founder and President, Habitat for Humanity International
"When I was a young lawyer starting my career, I looked up to leaders who went before me. Peter's book helps young people today do the same thing - It's a great read!"
-Mickey Kantor, Secretary of Commerce, Clinton Administration
"This is a fantastic resource for all those who are seeking to lead a life with purpose, and to maximize their personal impact on the world."
-Wendy Kopp, Founder and President, Teach for America
"Choices have consequences. The choices young people make early on shape everything that follows, and a book guiding and defining those choices is long overdue. Don't miss this one."
-Steve Odland, Chairman, President, and CEO, AutoZone
"I hope that Peter Han's humanization of so many of today's 'somebodies' will provide encouragement and inspiration to the somebodies of tomorrow."
- Bill Phillips, Nobel Prize winner in physics
"I love the idea behind this book. Successful people often want to tell their stories, and young people want to hear them!"
-Ann Richards, Former Governor of Texas
"There were times early in my career that I definitely felt like I was choosing the path less traveled. It's very important for the next generation of leaders - whether they're in business, law, medicine, non-profits, or the arts - to understand their options, and to make informed and impassioned decisions about their life's work. Peter's book does a great job sharing what my generation learned along the way."
-Ron Sargent, CEO, Staples
