Second Chances: Top Executives Share Their Stories of Addiction & Recovery by Stromberg, Gary, Merrill, Jane (2009) Paperback

by Gary Stromberg

Inspiring true stories of recovery from the high-pressure world of business. They reached the pinnacle of their careers in spite of-or sometimes because of-substance abuse. They struggled with sobriety while striving for success, often risking their professional lives on the road to recovery. Now, with honesty, courage, and insight, they share their remarkable stories. Michael Deaver, former White House deputy chief of staff, describes his recovery as the single most powerful thing I've ever experienced even compared to meeting presidents and kings. Andrew Zimmern, celebrity chef and TV personality, reveals how he applied the principles of recovery to his profession and that's when my career took off. Michael Glasser, CEO of Seven Jeans, worked hard and partied harder-until the threat of jail forced him to admit, I needed help. Walter Yetnikoff, former president of CBS Records, talks about leaving the music industry to find meaningful work that enhanced-and was enhanced by--his recovery. You'll also hear from James Abernathy of the Abernathy-MacGregor Group, bestselling author William Cope Moyers, and ten other business leaders who found newfound success through the healing power of second chances.

Paperback

First published February 11, 2009

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book because I heard Andrew Zimmern was in it. He spoke bluntly about his days as a homeless, purse snatching addict. It's amazing how far you can fall and still come back. What I found especially surprising was how many of them--the vast majority--credited their recovery to God (even if God is a vague concept) because they could not have done it by their own power. The only shortcoming was that I wished they talked more about their business comebacks. Otherwise, it was a terrific book.