ACKNOWLEDGMENTS      

I’d like to thank Bob Nirkind, the terrifically talented senior acquisitions editor at AMACOM. His support, dedication, and guidance made this project a reality. It was also Bob’s excellent judgment that added Alison Hagge to this project. She’s an enormously gifted editor, who carefully thought through every detail, making this business book read like a novel. I’d also like to thank my literary agent, John Willig, who is also an advocate and friend; he is simply one of the best in the business.

Just when I thought I’d heard it all in my career, I found Alan Weiss. Alan has been a mentor, coach, confidant, and guide to me for almost a decade. He’s left an indelible impression on me, and you’ll see his influences all over my work. I’d also like to acknowledge the late Joel DeLuca, another terrific mind, who was very important to my development.

It’s difficult to express just how critical my draft editor, Michael Popke, has been to this project. He and I have faced down more deadlines than I care to remember, and he is the reason we succeed. Michael Popke is as good as they come.

I’d also like to thank those who contributed to the book. This list no doubt will not be all-inclusive and is in no particular order: Julie Terberg, Bob Bell, Bruno Shirripa, Daniel Stern, Eric Dorobiala, Marc Eisenhower, Billy Friess, Gary Ramey, Jody Gunderman, Pat Inks, Jenne Meyer, Lara Lee, Sally Strackbein, Roberta Matuson, Richard Citrin, Hugh Blaine, Judy Chan, Daniel Lock, Leslie Prevish, Kathy Koshgarian, and Kathy Morris.

I’d like to thank our small, but close-knit, family, whose support we treasure. And finally, my most important thank-you goes to my wife, Amy, who makes all things possible.