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No Greatness without Goodness: How a Father’s Love Changed a Company and Sparked a Movement
Randy Lewis bet his career that he could create an inclusive workplace at one of America’s biggest corporations where people with disabilities could not just succeed, but thrive. No Greatness without Goodness is the powerful story of a corporate executive who, after watching the world through the eyes of his own child with autism, Austin, realized that we all have a greater responsibility to make the world a better place for everyone, including those with disabilities.
As the Senior Vice President of Walgreens, Randy Lewis has created thousands of full-time jobs for people with disabilities. No Greatness without Goodness offers a firsthand account of what it takes to lead with courage in order to change people’s lives for the better. Randy’s motto is “What’s the use of having power if you don’t use it to do good.” In this book, you’ll learn how to start working for good no matter where you are or how much power you hold.
As the Senior Vice President of Walgreens, Randy Lewis has created thousands of full-time jobs for people with disabilities. No Greatness without Goodness offers a firsthand account of what it takes to lead with courage in order to change people’s lives for the better. Randy’s motto is “What’s the use of having power if you don’t use it to do good.” In this book, you’ll learn how to start working for good no matter where you are or how much power you hold.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2014
49 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
About the author
Randy Lewis
22 books2 followersRandy Lewis, former Vice President of Walgreens, Peace Corps volunteer, Fortune 50 executive and accidental advocate, led Walgreens’ logistics division for sixteen years as the chain grew from 1,500 to 8,000 stores. Randy introduced an inclusive model in Walgreens distribution centers that resulted in ten percent of its workforce consisting of people with disabilities who are held to the same standards as those without disabilities. Its success has changed the lives of thousands with and without disabilities and is serving as a model for other employers in the U.S and abroad.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 2, 2017
Randy Lewis is an executive at Walgreen's, and this is the story of how he championed the goal to integrate people with varying disabilities into the workforce at a new, high-tech distribution center. The goal took on a life of its own, however, as many others within the organization embraced the goal and transformed the culture of the company.
Lewis had a unique perspective, having a son with autism, and living with grave concern over his son's future. This is a great story that reminds us to love the marginalized, to treat them with the same dignity and respect that all human beings, made in the image of God deserve. They bear the mark of our King, as we all do.
Throughout the book Lewis shows how those with disabilities can often perform to the same level, if not higher, than their normally-abled counterparts. Not only that, but bringing the two groups together brings out the best in each. Humans are made, by God, to love one another, and it is a beautiful thing to behold.
One of the most touching stories in the book, is when, at a large conference for the managers of Walgreens, Lewis asks that all those that have a loved one with disabilities, stand up. A huge number of people stepped up, and everyone could see that this is a story that affects so many of us. They are only on the margins of society because we shun them, not because they are a small part of it.
This is the kind of book that will open up a part of your heart that almost all of us need to have opened. It will challenge you in ways that will make you uncomfortable, but it will leave you a better person.
Lewis had a unique perspective, having a son with autism, and living with grave concern over his son's future. This is a great story that reminds us to love the marginalized, to treat them with the same dignity and respect that all human beings, made in the image of God deserve. They bear the mark of our King, as we all do.
Throughout the book Lewis shows how those with disabilities can often perform to the same level, if not higher, than their normally-abled counterparts. Not only that, but bringing the two groups together brings out the best in each. Humans are made, by God, to love one another, and it is a beautiful thing to behold.
One of the most touching stories in the book, is when, at a large conference for the managers of Walgreens, Lewis asks that all those that have a loved one with disabilities, stand up. A huge number of people stepped up, and everyone could see that this is a story that affects so many of us. They are only on the margins of society because we shun them, not because they are a small part of it.
This is the kind of book that will open up a part of your heart that almost all of us need to have opened. It will challenge you in ways that will make you uncomfortable, but it will leave you a better person.
Read
May 28, 20244.5 STARS
How this book ended up on my TBR: I honestly have no idea. And I only recently put it on my TBR because it was immediately available as a library ebook rental. So I really have no excuse. My brain is broken. I can tell you why I did pick it up, though: the book appeared to be at least partially about a father and his disabled son, and how the father's world changed.
I was not wrong about my assessment, though it's fair to say that the book builds off of the initial start. The author, Randy Lewis, eventually became the Senior Vice President of Walgreens. I was going to say "separate from his job," but I think Lewis would say that nothing is separate. Who he is as a person comes through in all areas of his life, and that necessarily includes work. Lewis has a son who is autistic. He and his family were not prepared (is anyone ever really prepared?), and Lewis is pretty upfront about the struggles he and his wife, Kay, endured as sought to support their son. Lewis continually goes back to a question that he says a lot of parents of disabled children ask themselves: what will happen to my child when I am gone? You can see how Lewis has learned through research and working with special education specialists. You can also see how much fight he has, how he and Kay were willing to take chances, even if those chances resulted in failure, to see how much Austin could actually achieve. The successes seemed small at times and took quite awhile, but they did indeed come around.
As Lewis reflected on Austin overcoming challenges and eventually becoming more self-sufficient, he thought about what types of work Austin might be able to do. And then he found out how difficult it is for people with disabilities to attain good jobs. He was at Walgreens by this point, in charge of setting up a new distribution center, and he set a goal: a certain percentage of new hires had to be people with disabilities. Sounded great in theory, but how to actually make it work? Lewis calls attention to the fears that people have, of failure of course, but also fear of what they don't know, and that includes people with disabilities. A good portion of this book is how he was able to set up that distribution center and fulfill the goal, and he's not shy about all the work he and everyone else had to do, how long it took to get everyone on board. The results speak for themselves, and now executives consult with Lewis to enact those changes in their own companies.
Throughout the book, I was inspired by Lewis's language and commitment. He made sure that how they defined disability was inclusive, not restricted. He is himself a business man, but he talked about how he moved away from some some of the expected trends he encountered in business school. Simply put, he argued that you could still do good AND run a successful business. Above everything else, he was adamant that people with disabilities were not charity cases: they are people who society consistently overlooks as being unable to do certain things with no logical basis, and he wants to give them a fair shot.
As long as managers hire people with disabilities as an act of charity, they will never see past the stereotypes that are holding people with disabilities back. Those stereotypes-that individuals with disabilities can't do the work as well, cost more, cause legal suits, have accidents, raise insurance rates, and fail to fit in with the rest of the workforce or the customers-are a wall that no amount of charity will ever overcome. As Saint Augustine observed in the fifth century, "Charity is no substitute for justice withheld."
Just an awesome book. At the end of the book are some short appendices for both businesses and for families with disabled people. This is an inspirational story. I honesty do not always love them, but this one was different, perhaps in part because it's concerning the disabled community, and also because I think he does a really good job speaking about how we as a society need to be more inclusive. As a nondisabled person, I may not have learned a lot that I will put into direct practice, but the content and lessons will stick with me.
--
PS. If you all ever go to The StoryGraph, let's be friends there! Here's my profile.
How this book ended up on my TBR: I honestly have no idea. And I only recently put it on my TBR because it was immediately available as a library ebook rental. So I really have no excuse. My brain is broken. I can tell you why I did pick it up, though: the book appeared to be at least partially about a father and his disabled son, and how the father's world changed.
I was not wrong about my assessment, though it's fair to say that the book builds off of the initial start. The author, Randy Lewis, eventually became the Senior Vice President of Walgreens. I was going to say "separate from his job," but I think Lewis would say that nothing is separate. Who he is as a person comes through in all areas of his life, and that necessarily includes work. Lewis has a son who is autistic. He and his family were not prepared (is anyone ever really prepared?), and Lewis is pretty upfront about the struggles he and his wife, Kay, endured as sought to support their son. Lewis continually goes back to a question that he says a lot of parents of disabled children ask themselves: what will happen to my child when I am gone? You can see how Lewis has learned through research and working with special education specialists. You can also see how much fight he has, how he and Kay were willing to take chances, even if those chances resulted in failure, to see how much Austin could actually achieve. The successes seemed small at times and took quite awhile, but they did indeed come around.
As Lewis reflected on Austin overcoming challenges and eventually becoming more self-sufficient, he thought about what types of work Austin might be able to do. And then he found out how difficult it is for people with disabilities to attain good jobs. He was at Walgreens by this point, in charge of setting up a new distribution center, and he set a goal: a certain percentage of new hires had to be people with disabilities. Sounded great in theory, but how to actually make it work? Lewis calls attention to the fears that people have, of failure of course, but also fear of what they don't know, and that includes people with disabilities. A good portion of this book is how he was able to set up that distribution center and fulfill the goal, and he's not shy about all the work he and everyone else had to do, how long it took to get everyone on board. The results speak for themselves, and now executives consult with Lewis to enact those changes in their own companies.
Throughout the book, I was inspired by Lewis's language and commitment. He made sure that how they defined disability was inclusive, not restricted. He is himself a business man, but he talked about how he moved away from some some of the expected trends he encountered in business school. Simply put, he argued that you could still do good AND run a successful business. Above everything else, he was adamant that people with disabilities were not charity cases: they are people who society consistently overlooks as being unable to do certain things with no logical basis, and he wants to give them a fair shot.
As long as managers hire people with disabilities as an act of charity, they will never see past the stereotypes that are holding people with disabilities back. Those stereotypes-that individuals with disabilities can't do the work as well, cost more, cause legal suits, have accidents, raise insurance rates, and fail to fit in with the rest of the workforce or the customers-are a wall that no amount of charity will ever overcome. As Saint Augustine observed in the fifth century, "Charity is no substitute for justice withheld."
Just an awesome book. At the end of the book are some short appendices for both businesses and for families with disabled people. This is an inspirational story. I honesty do not always love them, but this one was different, perhaps in part because it's concerning the disabled community, and also because I think he does a really good job speaking about how we as a society need to be more inclusive. As a nondisabled person, I may not have learned a lot that I will put into direct practice, but the content and lessons will stick with me.
--
PS. If you all ever go to The StoryGraph, let's be friends there! Here's my profile.
January 1, 2018
This book deserves a place, not just in the bookshelf, but also in the life of any person in the world. To say having read this was inspiring is utterly an understatement. I believe this book is life-changing it can change any person's life.
There was not a single moment of idleness when I was reading it. In fact, I even found myself teary-eyed, with my heart wanting to burst throughout the journey. Now, I can't help but covet the same passion, same principles, same compassion, same goodness, and same love, that the people within the story of Walgreens have. May we all covet the same and change the world altogether.
Because of this book, I have high hopes for a better world for everyone, yes, every one.
There was not a single moment of idleness when I was reading it. In fact, I even found myself teary-eyed, with my heart wanting to burst throughout the journey. Now, I can't help but covet the same passion, same principles, same compassion, same goodness, and same love, that the people within the story of Walgreens have. May we all covet the same and change the world altogether.
Because of this book, I have high hopes for a better world for everyone, yes, every one.
August 1, 2018
Truly an inspirational read!
November 6, 2023
The story is of course incredible, but the writing is a trite and there’s a lot of the story left out. There were a lot of struggles that I felt the author could have delved into more.
May 4, 2015
This is an excellent book. It is highly readable, as well as worth reading. If you have ever wondered about what can happen with "those people" [people with disabilities, real or percieved], this book is for you.
It is a story of a man, and then his company, who were courageous enough to take a stand and do the right thing. I have a new found respect for Walgreens, and will definitely increase my patronage of their stores, based upon this book.
It is not enough to wonder who will do something to help others. We are called to act ourselves. It is not enough to hope someone else will do something to help the less fortunate. Anyone to whom power has been given has a moral obligation to use that power for the good of all.
Particularly good are the appendices at the end, which give some small measure of guidance on how each of us, with our companies, or in our own lives, may take action to help others. It is not enough to have good intentions. We must act on those intentions and make a difference where we are. If you ignore an opportunity to do good, it may not come again.
It is a story of a man, and then his company, who were courageous enough to take a stand and do the right thing. I have a new found respect for Walgreens, and will definitely increase my patronage of their stores, based upon this book.
It is not enough to wonder who will do something to help others. We are called to act ourselves. It is not enough to hope someone else will do something to help the less fortunate. Anyone to whom power has been given has a moral obligation to use that power for the good of all.
Particularly good are the appendices at the end, which give some small measure of guidance on how each of us, with our companies, or in our own lives, may take action to help others. It is not enough to have good intentions. We must act on those intentions and make a difference where we are. If you ignore an opportunity to do good, it may not come again.
February 1, 2015
Honestly I probably never would have read this book if it hadn't been free. It sounded kind of interesting so I downloaded it and maybe I'd read it someday. I started reading it today and read the whole thing in a day. I really enjoyed it and may have shed a tear or two. I think this book is about so much more than hiring people with disabilities. It's about love, faith, changing things for the better and even improving your workplace. I'd recommend this book. :)
June 7, 2020
Uplifting and real
I got this book after just reading the Amazon mini summary. It drew my attention because I have an autistic stepson. I started reading in hopes that there might be some ideas in ways of helping him, he is severely autistic with underlying brain damage. The first thing I got from this was that the author really understands what I feel every day and states it clearly by saying that we all wish to live one day longer than our child. Now what Mr Lewis has written here is greatly inspiring to all of us in this community. He has created a way for a large portion of the community to move forward and be in the community at large of the human race. What Mr Lewis may not know he has done is placed the whole community out in the open to anyone who reads this amazing story. In doing so he helps those of us who have children who will never be accepted in the larger community by first showing that we that care for them are truly not alone, and also gets others who don't deal with this on a daily basis what we feel and go through. Randy, I want to thank you for showing that we are out here. This book will open eyes to everything we should be doing from helping each other to helping and supporting even those we don't know but are on a daily basis.
Please read this with an open heart and maybe it will open your eyes. You will be amazed how much of a difference one man, like Randy Lewis, can make with a simple book.
I got this book after just reading the Amazon mini summary. It drew my attention because I have an autistic stepson. I started reading in hopes that there might be some ideas in ways of helping him, he is severely autistic with underlying brain damage. The first thing I got from this was that the author really understands what I feel every day and states it clearly by saying that we all wish to live one day longer than our child. Now what Mr Lewis has written here is greatly inspiring to all of us in this community. He has created a way for a large portion of the community to move forward and be in the community at large of the human race. What Mr Lewis may not know he has done is placed the whole community out in the open to anyone who reads this amazing story. In doing so he helps those of us who have children who will never be accepted in the larger community by first showing that we that care for them are truly not alone, and also gets others who don't deal with this on a daily basis what we feel and go through. Randy, I want to thank you for showing that we are out here. This book will open eyes to everything we should be doing from helping each other to helping and supporting even those we don't know but are on a daily basis.
Please read this with an open heart and maybe it will open your eyes. You will be amazed how much of a difference one man, like Randy Lewis, can make with a simple book.
November 23, 2020
This is such and inspiring story and a book that will be relevant for decades. Once I started reading, I found it difficult to stop - I think I finished it in three sittings which is quite an achievement for me.
Randy made me realise that people with disabilities doesn't mean they're incapable of doing anything (I don't think I ever though this), it just means maybe they can't do some things, or maybe they can't do it in the way that others do it. I really wish other business owners (as let's face it, a vision like this must come from the top to be successful) would read this book and implement some of the changes to their businesses.
This book will change your perspective on people with disabilities - don't say I didn't warn you!
Quote (p31): "...if I ever had anybody work for me, it would be better if they worried about disappointing me that if they were afraid of me."
Quote (p46): "If work is only about mission, only the end matters. If it has meaning, every day matters."
Quote (p86): "Over the course of six months, employee turnover dropped from 80% to less than 5%, and productivity rose by more than 50%. Absenteeism dropped from 20% to less than 5%. Worker tardiness dropped from 30% to zero."
Randy made me realise that people with disabilities doesn't mean they're incapable of doing anything (I don't think I ever though this), it just means maybe they can't do some things, or maybe they can't do it in the way that others do it. I really wish other business owners (as let's face it, a vision like this must come from the top to be successful) would read this book and implement some of the changes to their businesses.
This book will change your perspective on people with disabilities - don't say I didn't warn you!
Quote (p31): "...if I ever had anybody work for me, it would be better if they worried about disappointing me that if they were afraid of me."
Quote (p46): "If work is only about mission, only the end matters. If it has meaning, every day matters."
Quote (p86): "Over the course of six months, employee turnover dropped from 80% to less than 5%, and productivity rose by more than 50%. Absenteeism dropped from 20% to less than 5%. Worker tardiness dropped from 30% to zero."
September 16, 2018
Randy Lewis is a former Senior VP at Walgreens--a fortune 50 company. As the father of a son with autism, Randy had a special place in his heart for people with disabilities. Unlike others, perhaps, he decided he would do something about it. Lewis convinced Walgreens to do something unprecedented: hire 10 percent of the distribution center workforce from amongst the disabled population. And what's more, Walgreens would hold them to the same standards and pay them the same wages as their other employees.
Lewis asks, "Why have power if you're not going to use it for good?"
The story doesn't end there. The distribution centers in which the people with disabilities made up over 33% of the workforce became models of efficiency and teamwork for the whole company. When senior executives from other Fortune 500 companies learned of Walgreens' success, they implemented programs of their own.
Indeed, there is no true greatness without goodness. This is an inspirational book about an inspirational man.
Lewis asks, "Why have power if you're not going to use it for good?"
The story doesn't end there. The distribution centers in which the people with disabilities made up over 33% of the workforce became models of efficiency and teamwork for the whole company. When senior executives from other Fortune 500 companies learned of Walgreens' success, they implemented programs of their own.
Indeed, there is no true greatness without goodness. This is an inspirational book about an inspirational man.
November 11, 2017
Randy Lewis has done so much to give legitimacy and opportunities in the work force to those within the disabled community. I found this story to be amazing and inspiring. My only complaint (and the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5) was that the writing style was very much "motivational speaker"-esque. Not a writing style that I particularly enjoy. To be fair, it's kind of a petty complaint and Lewis even acknowledges that writing is not his strong point. While the writing might have been lacking, the story itself certainly was not. I found myself laughing and crying as I read about Lewis and his son, Austin, who has autism and was the inspiration behind the movement he (Lewis) started at Walgreens. The personal stories of the employees at the distribution centers were also particularly touching. As someone who has loved ones with disabilities, it gives me hope for their futures, knowing there are "Randy Lewises" out there, advocating on their behalf. An excellent read.
March 1, 2024
Disclaimer: I am the father of an autistic son, and I work for an electronics recycler that specifically employs people with autism and related disabilities. That being said, this is an absolutely amazing book on its own merits.
In addition to being an amazing book about an incredible business initiative, Randy Lewis is on a mission to show that hiring people with disabilities is just a really good business decision.
On top of that, it it shows what can be accomplished, in how many people's lives, with the addition of some compassion. It shows how incredibly strong people can be in the drive for a better life
. And it shows that there is no "them" - only "us".
I would highly recommend this book to:
- hiring managers
- all other managers
- teachers
- parents of special-needs sons and daughters
- parents of typical sons and daughters
- Business owners and executives who want a more productive company
- anyone who values empathy and compassion
In addition to being an amazing book about an incredible business initiative, Randy Lewis is on a mission to show that hiring people with disabilities is just a really good business decision.
On top of that, it it shows what can be accomplished, in how many people's lives, with the addition of some compassion. It shows how incredibly strong people can be in the drive for a better life
. And it shows that there is no "them" - only "us".
I would highly recommend this book to:
- hiring managers
- all other managers
- teachers
- parents of special-needs sons and daughters
- parents of typical sons and daughters
- Business owners and executives who want a more productive company
- anyone who values empathy and compassion
May 18, 2020
Randy Lewis shows what a person with conviction and opportunity can accomplish. He found himself an executive at Walgreens and parent of a son with autism simultaneously. Propelled by his love for his son and his Christian convictions, he realized he was in a unique position to impact the culture of the company to open employment fir those with disabilities. Randy is a very humble, compassionate man and proved himself to be a very effective leader. A lot of the book is about his management style and is widely applicable to being a good leader in any situation where you want to influence and motivate others to catch your vision.
January 28, 2020
Nuggets of wisdom here
I enjoyed this book. The author cuts an “easy” trail for the willing to follow. That said, if you’re not interested in a compassionate business model, or helping your community, this isn’t your book. Many times in the book the author makes clear that you have to not be afraid to fail. I believe that whole heartedly.
Bottom line, “go big or go home” when pursuing your purpose.
I enjoyed this book. The author cuts an “easy” trail for the willing to follow. That said, if you’re not interested in a compassionate business model, or helping your community, this isn’t your book. Many times in the book the author makes clear that you have to not be afraid to fail. I believe that whole heartedly.
Bottom line, “go big or go home” when pursuing your purpose.
November 19, 2017
I got this out of the library because a friend works with adults with Aspergers Syndrome and I thought I'd skim it. It's now 11:55pm and I've read every word. It is a quick read but with more good info and insights than I've read in one book in a long time.
I'll be changing my allegiance to Walgreens immediately.
I'll be changing my allegiance to Walgreens immediately.
August 16, 2017
Randy Lewis is a businessman with an autistic child. Because of what he has learned of life for people with disabilities he convinces Walgreens to hire people with disabilities and make them and the program successful!
June 29, 2019
Excellent for anyone who desires to reach beyond the status quo to the great potential that God desires for their life. Also fun story and helpful guide to understanding and helping people with disabilities.
October 16, 2017
this book is a must read for all upper management and business owners. The concepts are beyond wonderful
April 5, 2018
Outstanding
Excellent book, I enjoyed every word. It was so real, it brought back many memories for me about my son growing up.
Thank you,
Excellent book, I enjoyed every word. It was so real, it brought back many memories for me about my son growing up.
Thank you,
November 20, 2022
So proud to work for Walgreens. My career started at the beginning of this and hearing the impact Randy and the company has made across the world, is so inspiring.
Read
August 13, 2024This was book club book at work for DEIB, more interesting than I expected
October 24, 2024
Love the idea and progress!
September 13, 2025
If everyone could strive to be accepting! This man is one of my heroes!
October 31, 2025
Heartfelt story written by a dad who imagined big and believed something good for his son and his company. In the process he learned that more was possible than he ever dreamed!
February 13, 2022
One of thee most motivating books I’ve ever read. Beautiful, lovely and full of heart.
August 13, 2016
I received an advance copy of this book to review. Opinions are mine.
Randy Lewis had his world turned upside down when he found out his son Austin was autistic. But what he initially viewed as a tragedy has become a journey unlike any other, that has affected how Randy views life and business. What was once viewed as a setback is now a vehicle to bless thousands of other people.
When Randy was hired by Walgreens, he brought with him not only a desire to help the company make money, but the desire to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Tasked with building a new distribution center for the company, Randy paired this with a radical idea.
"…we were going to staff one-third of the workforce with people who have disabilities, many of whom had never been offered a job. People with mental disabilities such as autism and cognitive delays. People with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, spinal cord injuries, and missing limbs. We were going to pay them the same as people without disabilities, have them perform the same jobs, and hold them to the same standards. We would offer full benefits and full-time employment, taking hundreds of people off welfare rolls."
In No Greatness Without Goodness: How a Father’s Love Changed a Company and Sparked a Movement, Randy chronicles the successes and setbacks of this plan, and the successes and setbacks he has faced in his own life, and in raising Austin. There are so many great lessons in this book, for everyone, not just for people whose lives are affected by disability. Randy found that oftentimes people’s disabilities were actually an asset in the distribution center environment. And many times in life, the things that we think hold us back are the things that we can use to our advantage. No roadblocks, only opportunities.
I truly think this is a book everyone should read, and I don’t say that about many books. The book has a Christian slant due to Randy’s personal faith, but the heart of the story is in the people he sought to empower. Those with disabilities and their families will relate to the Lewis family’s struggles and triumphs. For those of us who aren’t directly affected by disability, it is an eye-opening look at what disabled people and their families face on an everyday basis. And for those in business, Randy Lewis provides a new way of looking at things, and suggests that we can do good without sacrificing the bottom line. By treating all people like people, rather than charity cases to be pitied, we can truly make a difference in their lives.
Randy Lewis had his world turned upside down when he found out his son Austin was autistic. But what he initially viewed as a tragedy has become a journey unlike any other, that has affected how Randy views life and business. What was once viewed as a setback is now a vehicle to bless thousands of other people.
When Randy was hired by Walgreens, he brought with him not only a desire to help the company make money, but the desire to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Tasked with building a new distribution center for the company, Randy paired this with a radical idea.
"…we were going to staff one-third of the workforce with people who have disabilities, many of whom had never been offered a job. People with mental disabilities such as autism and cognitive delays. People with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, spinal cord injuries, and missing limbs. We were going to pay them the same as people without disabilities, have them perform the same jobs, and hold them to the same standards. We would offer full benefits and full-time employment, taking hundreds of people off welfare rolls."
In No Greatness Without Goodness: How a Father’s Love Changed a Company and Sparked a Movement, Randy chronicles the successes and setbacks of this plan, and the successes and setbacks he has faced in his own life, and in raising Austin. There are so many great lessons in this book, for everyone, not just for people whose lives are affected by disability. Randy found that oftentimes people’s disabilities were actually an asset in the distribution center environment. And many times in life, the things that we think hold us back are the things that we can use to our advantage. No roadblocks, only opportunities.
I truly think this is a book everyone should read, and I don’t say that about many books. The book has a Christian slant due to Randy’s personal faith, but the heart of the story is in the people he sought to empower. Those with disabilities and their families will relate to the Lewis family’s struggles and triumphs. For those of us who aren’t directly affected by disability, it is an eye-opening look at what disabled people and their families face on an everyday basis. And for those in business, Randy Lewis provides a new way of looking at things, and suggests that we can do good without sacrificing the bottom line. By treating all people like people, rather than charity cases to be pitied, we can truly make a difference in their lives.
August 3, 2016
I adored this book. My uncle suffers with Multiple sclerosis and I hate seeing people treat him differential just because he does not look like everyone else and he cannot talk. I admire Randy for standing up for his son Austin and creating a wonderful avenue that people with disabilities can use to be productive citizens and at the same time allowing them to keep their self esteem in tact by providing for themselves at least on a small level.
This is a book for anyone who believes that one person cannot make a difference-because you can if you put your mind and heart to it. Every single person has a purpose in life that God has destined us to carry out, Randy found his through his son. What could have crippled this family, Randy used to to give his son strength, purpose, pride and above all showed him unconditional love and acceptance.
The only thing I really hate is the Special Wage Certificate Program, which permits nonprofits and companies to obtain a certificate that allows them to hire disabled workers “based on their abilities” at whatever wage they find appropriate, with no minimum. I am not saying that Walgreen's does this at all, it is just one of the injustices that are still out there that really upset me when I hear about companies taking a great thing and exploiting it for basically free labor.
I can easily suggest this book and have done so on many occasions already. One person can change the world if they have the courage to stand up and let their heart speak. I can easily suggest this book and have done so on many occasions already. One person can change the world if they have the courage to stand up and let their heart speak. A disability does not make you useless, even though sadly so many in our society view people with disabilities as just that-useless, instead a disability makes an individual unique and equipped with skill sets that are utilized differently, but they are not incapable and I have yet to meet a person with a disability that did not want to work and be productive and live a "normal" life.
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review and opinion that I have given.
This is a book for anyone who believes that one person cannot make a difference-because you can if you put your mind and heart to it. Every single person has a purpose in life that God has destined us to carry out, Randy found his through his son. What could have crippled this family, Randy used to to give his son strength, purpose, pride and above all showed him unconditional love and acceptance.
The only thing I really hate is the Special Wage Certificate Program, which permits nonprofits and companies to obtain a certificate that allows them to hire disabled workers “based on their abilities” at whatever wage they find appropriate, with no minimum. I am not saying that Walgreen's does this at all, it is just one of the injustices that are still out there that really upset me when I hear about companies taking a great thing and exploiting it for basically free labor.
I can easily suggest this book and have done so on many occasions already. One person can change the world if they have the courage to stand up and let their heart speak. I can easily suggest this book and have done so on many occasions already. One person can change the world if they have the courage to stand up and let their heart speak. A disability does not make you useless, even though sadly so many in our society view people with disabilities as just that-useless, instead a disability makes an individual unique and equipped with skill sets that are utilized differently, but they are not incapable and I have yet to meet a person with a disability that did not want to work and be productive and live a "normal" life.
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review and opinion that I have given.
October 7, 2014
Spurred on by his family's life with their autistic son, Randy Lewis became inspired to create an inclusive workplace at Walgreens, where he was a top executive. And not just any inclusive workplace, but one in which people with all manner of disabilities could be a full part of the Walgreens team, earning the same money, working the same hours, and fulfilling the same production goals.
Mr. Lewis starts his game-changing campaign at a new distribution center the company builds in Anderson, South Carolina. Not only does he want disabled people to comprise a significant percentage of the staff working on the floor, he wants management ranks to reflect his goal as well. The book chronicles his efforts to convince the company to move forward with his goal, the building of the center, the search for those who will manage the hiring, and a few stories of the people who gain jobs at the center.
In order to enjoy the book, you have to have some interest in business books. Mr. Lewis's book is sprinkled throughout with biz speak -- first principles, mission statements -- and inspirational sound bites. ("Innovation is a journey, not a commute.") But, hey, that's what business books are like. I appreciated the parts of the books that dealt with his family life and his son, Austin, and am tempted to say I would have liked more of that in the book. But this is a business book, not a memoir, so I understand that wasn't the author's purpose.
The spiritual focus of the book seems to come almost entirely from conversations Mr. Lewis has with his wife, Kay. So a big shout out to her! I appreciated those lessons and had a good laugh when the author says he learned to begin his sentences with "Verily, verily" when he really wanted people to listen. Mr. Lewis is an inspiring man who took on a huge challenge because his heart was in the right place, and he had the fortitude to make his dream a reality.
Mr. Lewis starts his game-changing campaign at a new distribution center the company builds in Anderson, South Carolina. Not only does he want disabled people to comprise a significant percentage of the staff working on the floor, he wants management ranks to reflect his goal as well. The book chronicles his efforts to convince the company to move forward with his goal, the building of the center, the search for those who will manage the hiring, and a few stories of the people who gain jobs at the center.
In order to enjoy the book, you have to have some interest in business books. Mr. Lewis's book is sprinkled throughout with biz speak -- first principles, mission statements -- and inspirational sound bites. ("Innovation is a journey, not a commute.") But, hey, that's what business books are like. I appreciated the parts of the books that dealt with his family life and his son, Austin, and am tempted to say I would have liked more of that in the book. But this is a business book, not a memoir, so I understand that wasn't the author's purpose.
The spiritual focus of the book seems to come almost entirely from conversations Mr. Lewis has with his wife, Kay. So a big shout out to her! I appreciated those lessons and had a good laugh when the author says he learned to begin his sentences with "Verily, verily" when he really wanted people to listen. Mr. Lewis is an inspiring man who took on a huge challenge because his heart was in the right place, and he had the fortitude to make his dream a reality.
March 15, 2014
There are thousands of people that form an untapped resource. They're not looking for pity, but for an opportunity. They have some type of disability that prevents them from working like "normal" people, but aren't useless. After his son was born with autism, Randy Lewis began to wonder if this group could be integrated into the workforce and be given the opportunity they were looking for. He shares what he found in No Greatness Without Goodness.
Lewis was afraid of what would have to Austin, his son, after he and his wife died, a fear common to parents of children with disabilities. As Lewis worked with his son, and learned from him, a thought of making jobs available to people with physical and mental limitations took root. Getting his company on board took a little time, but everyone agreed that it was worth it in the end.
Randy Lewis shared how having an autistic child made him realize many things. First, that he and his family weren't alone; many families face similar situations. He also realized that he needed to do something, since he was in a position to act. Though it started small, employing people with disabilities become a successful part of Walgreens, and was shared with other corporations.
Reading No Greatness Without Goodness reinforced that all people are capable of something. Adjustments will have to be made to how things are done, but disabled people are part of humanity. It is not an us/them issue, unless that is how we treat it.
This is more than a feel good read, it shows that people can make a difference when given a mission and meaning, and allowed to act.
I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for this review.
Lewis was afraid of what would have to Austin, his son, after he and his wife died, a fear common to parents of children with disabilities. As Lewis worked with his son, and learned from him, a thought of making jobs available to people with physical and mental limitations took root. Getting his company on board took a little time, but everyone agreed that it was worth it in the end.
Randy Lewis shared how having an autistic child made him realize many things. First, that he and his family weren't alone; many families face similar situations. He also realized that he needed to do something, since he was in a position to act. Though it started small, employing people with disabilities become a successful part of Walgreens, and was shared with other corporations.
Reading No Greatness Without Goodness reinforced that all people are capable of something. Adjustments will have to be made to how things are done, but disabled people are part of humanity. It is not an us/them issue, unless that is how we treat it.
This is more than a feel good read, it shows that people can make a difference when given a mission and meaning, and allowed to act.
I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for this review.
August 8, 2014
No Greatness Without Goodness is a really heart-warming book. The author, who also has a high position in the corporation of Walgreens, is a great role model for all corporate personnel. Randy Lewis has had much career success and he owes it to the lessons he has learned from his son. His son is autistic and it was the love for his son that he decided to do something different: he was going to turn Walgreens into a place that people with disabilities could thrive. One thing that his son taught him was that everyone despite whether they had a disability or not had a contribution to make. What I really liked about this book was the author’s attitude that those in leadership have a responsibility to make life better for the world even those with disabilities. The author is a truly courageous man to take such a stand in this world where those with disabilities are often mocked, bullied, and viewed down on. You hear and see this everyday, especially in the news. It happens everywhere: schools, churches, the workplace, neighborhoods, and even in families. However, the author’s attitude about people with disabilities is so refreshing and an attitude that I believe should be the norm in society. I also have to agree with the author’s motto which basically means that if you are in power, you should use it for the good and Randy Lewis is doing just that. I recommend that everyone in a leadership position read this book as well as all teachers, school officials, and people who know someone with a disability. This is a truly remarkable read that has a message that needs to be told.
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