Larry Julian is a successful consultant and speaker specializing in leadership coaching and strategic planning. He is the author of the bestselling God Is My CEO and God Is My Success. He is president of The Julian Group, which consults with hundreds of large organizations. Larry is also a popular instructor at the University of St. Thomas Management Center. He lives in Plymouth, Minnesota, with his wife, Sherri, and children, Grace and Scott.
This is my first time reading a book written by Author Larry Julian. I was intrigued by the title of the book and I knew it would be a great book to read! And I was right! This book truly is a novelty! Though my book was published in 2001, the message and content still ring true today! This book covers the topics on leadership, including: Success, Patience, Servanthood, Priorities (and so much more!). Julian claims that you can do what's right and be successful. You can be both ethical and profitable. Julian interviews and shares personal stories of 20 Godly Leaders - CEO's, Multimillionaires, TV Managers, a Sports Coach, Politicians - who have made some tough decisions and faced common dilemmas only to find solutions using Godly principles. My book has a Discussion Guide after every chapter. I loved the chapter "Priorities" where S. Truett Cathy explained the origin and legacy of Chick-fil-A. There was a Personal Business Plan at the end of my book to encourage readers to make an action plan specifically designed for their personal success. "God is my CEO" is a thick book, so it may take you some time to finish. I highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Delving into 'God is my CEO' by Larry Julian has been a journey filled with introspection and growth. While it took a record six weeks to complete, each moment spent within its pages was rich with insights that resonated deeply. At the outset, I felt the weight of ambitious reading goals, a pressure to rush through chapters in pursuit of completion. Yet, as the weeks passed, I came to realise how absurd I was being to read in such haste. The book challenged me to slow down, to savour each word, and to reflect on its implications for my life.
One of the most profound realisations was the notion that faith isn't confined to Sundays alone – Julian's words echoed the sentiment that I cannot compartmentalise my relationship with God, relegating it to a mere hour of worship on Sundays. Instead, I am called to integrate my faith seamlessly into every aspect of my life, particularly in the workplace. This revelation stirred within me a newfound sense of purpose and responsibility, urging me to embody my beliefs not just in words but in actions.
Throughout the book, Julian's insights prompted deep introspection, challenging me to reassess my approach to work and relationships. His words served as a mirror, reflecting both the strengths and shortcomings in my character. I found myself pondering questions of integrity, diligence, and grace, grappling with how best to embody these virtues in my daily interactions.
One moving takeaway was the reminder that my faith is not something to be hidden or downplayed in professional settings. While I need not be overtly preachy, Julian's wisdom encouraged me to let my actions speak volumes about my beliefs. Whether through the quality of my work, the kindness I extend to others, or the integrity with which I conduct myself, I am called to be a beacon of light in the workplace, unapologetically professing my faith through every word and deed.
Undoubtedly, this journey of self-discovery and growth is far from over. 'God is my CEO' has merely marked the beginning of what promises to be a transformative journey. As I continue to journal and reflect on its teachings, I anticipate further insights and revelations to emerge, shaping my path forward in profound ways. Though the road ahead may be long and riddled with challenges, I am filled with a sense of excitement and purpose, eager to embrace every facet of my faith journey with unwavering resolve.
God can help anybody. In this book you will find some very smart people who had God wisdom to become more successful, and use principles to help there company be the best.
Just finished this book—all but the appendix on your business plan; saving that for the beginning of next year—and it was a decent read with plenty of examples and encouragement on how to allow the Almighty to lead you in your search for success. Perhaps the most important thing I took away from this book is the concept of how to look at business in a whole new way (Significance instead of Success, Addressing the Important things rather than the Urgent things, etc.). I've got a bad habit of "literary multi-tasking" in that I'm constantly finding new books that interest me so I end up reading about 5 books at a time, so for that reason it made it hard to finish this book in the time I easily could have. Still, a month and a half isn't that bad.
This is the kind of book I mark up with little "stars" next to each point I find worth remembering. That way, it helps me skim over and glean the important points of each chapter when I re-read the book without having to read the whole thing again. I recommend reading these types of books with a pencil in hand for this very purpose.
I purchased the new anniversary edition complete with extra advice from 20 leaders. These tips were sort of random and several didn't really have a main topic and were only one page long, which was sort of disappointing. Hopefully I'll get more from it when I read it again in the future, especially since the main points have my little stars by them now.
There are a few great chapters in the book I recommend reading as a sample as you're perusing it in the bookstore. Chapter 6: "Yielding Control" and Chapter 9: "Priorities" are the two best chapters in the book in my opinion. I really got a lot of great points out of these two chapters that I feel will give me most of what I need even if I didn't read another chapter in the book.
Note: There's a section of the book that's not listed in the Table of Contents that's definitely worth checking out as a final synopsis of the contents of the book on page 254 just after the Chapter 11: "Timeless Tips from Twenty Leaders" entitled "Observations from the Cutting Room Floor."
As a Christian CEO, we are to show that God is our own CEO and that he is the one who is running our business. DO we really want to show the world that we serve a real and mighty God ? This is the way forward, recommended for every CEOs and every business owners..
Doing the right thing, above the bottom line of profit is success unlike any other. We are all blessed in the long run when we do it. I my industry, you are an agent and everything is a sale, much like if you are a hammer then everything is a nail. It is not always a good time to buy and sell real estate. Most agents won't tell you that. This book helps give you the courage to make a better choice and direct the client to do what is best for them, instead of ones commission check. Blessings to all who read this. It covers many different job's out there. A classic ahead of its time!
Wow, what a exciting and motivating book to read in the midst of searching for God’s answer. Indeed the author have done a great job and hard work in putting the contents together for us to learn all those life’s lessons in the business world. All these leadership principles written in the book will never be out of date because the biblical principles offered in it are timeless. Besides, it encourages us to adopt and build up our faith in God. It’s so wonderful after reading it.
A good business book for any Christian leader trying to navigating in a profit driven capitalist society. Each chapter contains two examples of Christian leaders and how they were able to put people, their integrity and God's purpose on their lives and those they led above profits. each example typical shows God's wisdom not only makes us happier but also creates the profits we think were rejecting in an "either/or" society.
I liked the overall theme of the books content. But I felt some of the story a bit dull but functional for carrying accross the points mentioned in the chapters. I love the practical actions steps feel of the last chapter.
I enjoyed hearing about different people experiences in letting God lead our in their life. There were some great reminders such as the serenity prayer and today is the only day we have so make it the best!
Has anyone read the new testament? Stop fooling yourself. It's clear, money and fame are not part of Christianity, Matthew 19:23. It's the opposite. Congratulations on being deceived.
As a manager with almost 20 years experience, I have often struggled between my spiritual practices and my corporate role as manager. Julian demonstrates how okay it is to blend the two. He shares stories of CEO's and NFL coaches who were uncompromising in their beliefs and still were hugely successful. At the end of the book, he has a personal business plan and well-thought out questions to help any individual balance spiritually (or your beliefs) with corporate responsibility to the bottom line.
Be advised, that this book does quote scripture as a means of conveying the message. Julian appears to look at individuals as potential disciples of God, and therefore, you should read if you hold strong beliefs about scripture.
my dad thought I should read this book, so I did. Its an interesting collection of little success stories where managers held to their religious convictions instead of folding under business pressures.
This is by far the best business book i have read to date. It is a MUST read alongside the bible with all serious business people out there. The book is a real encouragement to us believers in walking our faith in the business world.. Its a book I a. Willing to read again and again in the future...
Great read! As a business owner in today's world, it is essential to understand that it is a benefit to operate in integrity and above all, believe that God wants you succeed in business no matter how bleak it may appear to be.
Very inspiring, great leader that follows God's guidance and plan, but more that their believe in God through their faith when making Leadership decisions. Highly recommended id you a through believer in God on he can guide you.
Of course I wasn't the one who bought this. Just like Robert Kiyosaki's books and other financial book, this one was my hubby's genre :p But I liked this. Not too long for each story.
A book that I plan to use as a reference as there is so much to glean. Profit and People, not Profit or People. Faith and Business not Faith or Business