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Ken Schmitt
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The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points Paperback – January 24, 2023

by Ken Schmitt (Author)

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The World Has Changed Enormously. Has Your Leadership?

No one will dispute these are turbulent and troubled times, times when “business as usual” no longer seems like a viable attitude. So, just how do you cope with a world that often seems to be spinning out of control — especially when your business is caught up in all the chaos?

Now, Ken Schmitt, Founder and CEO of TurningPoint Executive Search, one of America’s leading boutique recruiting firms, pulls back the curtain on the many life-changing challenges he’s faced as a business leader in The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points to reveal what’s worked for him — and what hasn’t. This frank, funny and revealing book pulls no punches as Ken details the massive challenges he’s faced personally and professionally in his journey to the C-Suite, leading his own company. More importantly, he also breaks down the secrets and strategies he’s discovered to be the most effective in navigating the highs and lows which all businesses experience. And he layers it all with a personal touch that makes his advice relatable and real.

You’ll learn what happened after the Great Recession hit, when Schmitt had to tell his staff he had a whopping $200 left in the business account. How he later successfully rebranded and redirected his business, taking it to new heights. How he and his team weathered the unexpected trauma of the pandemic when all their clients disappeared in a matter of weeks — by taking the time to rebuild, refresh and restructure so the company could come back stronger than ever when all the lockdowns ended. You’ll also find out how Schmitt’s father, a serial entrepreneur, sparked his passion for running his own operation — along with the hilarious hiccups he experienced early on in his professional career, working for a series of belligerent and less-than-reliable bosses who drove him out of several business categories until he stumbled onto his true love, recruiting.

Challenging the status quo. Transparency. Diversity. Perseverance and resilience. Staying Connected. Allowing yourself to be human. Schmitt makes it personal by taking these well-known leadership topics and exploding some of the myths around them — by providing incisive new perspectives that are both illuminating and instructive.

The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points is the book you need to understand what successful business leadership looks like in the 2020’s.
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  1. Print length
    196 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    January 24, 2023
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.49 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1642255823
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1642255829
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“I have had the pleasure of partnering with Ken for several years in my former Human Resources executive role for a large global automotive organization. His approach to building a strong relationship and connection right from the start is refreshing and meaningful. As he describes throughout The Practical Optimist, Ken and his team are focused on building long term relationships through transparency and an incredible work ethic, making their clients feel like they are the only thing that matters, and I would choose that any day of the week!”

Jennifer Pikoos
Global Human Resources Leader, Level One Consulting Group


“Ken has created a guide for entrepreneurs that is fresh, current, funny, honest, straightforward, and helpful. His work ethic, sense of humor, and professionalism make him an ideal partner for achieving success while having fun, and these values shine through in The Practical Optimist.”

Ron Gerevas
Professor, CSUSM, former Partner, Heidrick & Struggles


"Ken’s ability to yield the best from his team stems from being inquisitive and introspective, with impeccable EQ. As he describes in The Practical Optimist, being a true leader is all about bringing out the best in your team, and Ken's natural aptitude for teaching and coaching allows his team to be challenged while expanding their skills. I have never been more impressed by a leader."

Danielle Mathis
Head of Talent Acquisition, Clari

From the Back Cover

HOW ENTREPRENEURS CAN DARE TO DO MORE―AND STILL KEEP IT REAL A SEASONED CEO UNLOCKS THE SECRETS TO NAVIGATING BUSINESS―AND LIFE.
Economic disruption. Pandemic panic. Volatile world events. Massive change has suddenly become a constant in recent years, and, as a result, many a business leader has experienced whiplash trying to adapt. So―how do you handle huge, un- expected challenges without losing your grip? How do you find success when everything around you appears to be coming apart at the seams?
In The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life’s Turning Points, seasoned CEO Ken Schmitt, the son of a serial entrepreneur, shares his powerful secrets for facing down your fear, rising above the madness, and coming out on top. Through Schmitt’s frank, compelling, and occasionally hilarious accounts of how he coped with his most difficult personal and professional crises, you’ll discover strategies that will empower you to view life through a new lens and be proactive when trouble strikes.
This isn’t theoretical advice―this is straight talk from a CEO who’s “been there, done that” and understands what’s required of leadership in these turbulent times. Be prepared to give The Practical Optimist a prominent place on your shelf of business books.

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Ken Schmitt

Ken Schmitt

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Ken Schmitt is the Founder and CEO of TurningPoint Executive Search, one of America's leading boutique recruiting firms. He has authored two books. In his latest, The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points, he pulls back the curtain on the many life-changing challenges he's faced as a business leader to reveal what's worked for him - and what hasn't. In this heartfelt and often hilarious book, Ken shares his story of how he coped with his most difficult personal and professional crises. Through Ken’s frank accounts, you discover strategies that will empower you to view life through a new lens and be proactive when trouble strikes.

Inspired by the book, Ken hosts the podcast "The Practical Optimist". Twice a month, you can join Ken and his guests for real conversations about the intersection of leadership and life. In each episode, you will hear candid, inspiring conversations with regular people who are industry leaders. We’ll talk about the decisions they’ve made – both good and bad – and the various turning points that made them the leader and the human being they are today.

This isn’t theoretical advice. This is straight talk from leaders who have been there.