About the book
SAP's Bill McDermott uses his own career to argue that optimism, hard work and disciplined execution let people and organizations reach audacious goals. Raised in working-class Long Island, he gave up three hourly jobs at 16 to buy a small deli. After paying his way through college, he talked himself into selling copiers door-to-door for Xerox, ranked first in every sales role he held and became the company's youngest-ever corporate officer. In 2002 he took over SAP's struggling American unit, bringing his deli, sales and management methods to it, and in 2010 he was named co-CEO. His anecdotes carry lessons on career moves, empathetic selling and team incentives.
Bono praised McDermott for treating ambition and compassion as allies at work, and Starbucks chief Howard Schultz said the story shows how to grow a business and a career with authenticity and respect.
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This book has 5 recommendations
Jack Welch (CEO / General Electric)
Bill McDermott has had a hugely successful career—from Xerox to SAP. In this very human book, he describes the secrets that led to this success.
Tony Bennett (Singer)
Bill McDermott is my good friend because, like me, in spite of great success, he never forgot his humble beginnings. The hardships and challenges his family experienced when Bill was a young boy motivated and inspired him to become the man he is today. Read this book and you too will be motivated and inspired.
Howard Schultz (CEO / Starbucks)
Bill McDermott's story shows how to grow a business as well as a career with authenticity and respect. A heartfelt read, there is much to learn from Bill's journey.
Bono (Lead singer / U2)
Bill McDermott sees ambition and compassion as comrades in the workplace rather than competitors. That’s rare. He claims it's just common sense… but I claim it's the Irish in him.
Gerhard Gschwandtner (Selling Power / CEO)
Bill McDermott shares his blueprint for winning in business and in life with a level of authenticity that reflects the Zeitgeist of our times. The world opens its arms to gifted leaders who don't push change but who skillfully release the astonishing capacities of a team to transform their dreams into possibilities and possibilities into destiny. His insights into dealing with adversity and disappointment show his courage to embrace vulnerability and humility. His pearls of wisdom for business leaders follow the same arc of excellence as his grandfather's legendary ability of sinking consecutive shots from mid-court. A truly thoughtful, exceptional and meaningful read.
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Jack Welch, Tony Bennett, Howard Schultz, Bono, Gerhard Gschwandtner