What do you think?
Rate this book
It's Not Who You Know, It's Who You Are: Life Lessons from Winners
We live in a culture obsessed with celebrity. When we're not trying to make a name for ourselves, we're following the big names on Twitter, liking them on Facebook, and taking selfies with them if we are lucky enough to run into them in real life. We love winners and we want to be winners. But take it from a man who knows more famous people than most of us will ever meet--it's not who you know that's important, it's who you are inside.
With short, story-driven readings, Pat Williams draws from over fifty years of brushing shoulders with the greats, offering readers motivation to do their best, be themselves, and continually strive to be the people God made them to be. He shows that being a "winner" is more about character, attitudes, values, and faith than it is about coming out on top. Stories from legendary sports figures, leaders, and fascinating people from all walks of life help readers develop true character that speaks for itself.
With short, story-driven readings, Pat Williams draws from over fifty years of brushing shoulders with the greats, offering readers motivation to do their best, be themselves, and continually strive to be the people God made them to be. He shows that being a "winner" is more about character, attitudes, values, and faith than it is about coming out on top. Stories from legendary sports figures, leaders, and fascinating people from all walks of life help readers develop true character that speaks for itself.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 27, 2015
6 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Pat Williams
199 books48 followersPatrick Livingston Murphy Williams was an American sports executive, who served as senior vice president of the Orlando Magic. Williams began his career as a minor league baseball player, and later joined the front office of his team. In the late 1960s he moved into basketball, with his biggest achievements being the 1983 title of the Philadelphia 76'ers and being a partner in the creation of the Orlando Magic.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 12, 2015
It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are is a very valuable book. Often in life, it seems as if people are praised for superficial things, such as their class, status, popularity, or wealth. But when it comes to what is important, it is not about who you know, but rather who you are. This book is a collection of stories written by a variety of people, and each excerpt reiterates the main message of the book: what is important is our character, not our public image.
The book has great wisdom about success, leadership, perseverance, and maintaining values. The book is easy (and enjoyable) to read; many of the sections are rather short and consist of only a few paragraphs. One of my favorite excerpts was one about John Wooden. The author talked about how he would write love letters to his deceased wife on the 21st of every month.With excerpts written by so many different leaders, there is definitely something for everyone; this book represents a wide variety of viewpoints. This would be a good gift to give to your daughter or son, or to someone who has just graduated from college and is ready to enter the workforce.
I received a review copy from Revell.
The book has great wisdom about success, leadership, perseverance, and maintaining values. The book is easy (and enjoyable) to read; many of the sections are rather short and consist of only a few paragraphs. One of my favorite excerpts was one about John Wooden. The author talked about how he would write love letters to his deceased wife on the 21st of every month.With excerpts written by so many different leaders, there is definitely something for everyone; this book represents a wide variety of viewpoints. This would be a good gift to give to your daughter or son, or to someone who has just graduated from college and is ready to enter the workforce.
I received a review copy from Revell.
February 12, 2015
If a book undeniably tied to celebrities, subtitled “Life Lessons from Winners” gets you rolling your eyes or gagging at the thought of being fed high-octane bites of inspiration that burst with promise and fizzle out in real life, I hear you. Do we really need to read accounts of the rich and famous to teach us “focus and prepare, be good to people, serve, do your best; be honest, positive, passionate and loving; work hard, have faith, spread joy…?” As it turns out, It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are says very little we probably haven’t heard before. But oh, well worth the read.
Like the raw ingredients eggs, flour, butter, milk, cocoa that transform into a irresistibly delectable cake when mixed together, rising in the oven, the stories combine to whip up a fresh batch of determination to live and give with all we’ve got. Each entry is short and simple; many are sports related. Every single message is doable and can be applied immediately. By anyone. And like that chocolate dessert the lessons never lose their flavour or appeal.
As Pat Williams shares the life lessons from his cupboard of memories he inadvertently draws you into the kitchen of his own life where nineteen children sit at the table; where the battle with multiple myeloma, embarrassing failed first marriage and bouts of adversity are blended into his recipe for success. His eagerness to keep his ‘eyes and ears wide open’ so he can learn from others, and then impart those lessons is the bread and butter cream behind this book. It’s the royal legacy icing that spreads the wisdom from the past by living it out in the present so future generations can taste its sweet goodness.
From my seven pages of notes with quotes and reminders from this collection of anecdotes and insights, what struck me between the eyes and at the centre of my heart was Pat William’s call from the start to not “squander the opportunity”. To step up with loving courage to be all that God created me to be.
It was worth it to read It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are for the concluding piece alone. It had a powerful effect on me and brought me to tears. With about one week left to live, bible teacher Wendell Kempton found the time and strength to plan his “going away party” complete with the balloons he promised his granddaughter. When the time came, his son ushered his heavenly homecoming whispering “…you’ve done your job and you’re going to your eternal reward. Get your best sermon ready, Dad. You’re going into glory.” The funeral “party” that followed saw six successful sports figures speak about how he influenced their lives, and proved to be a great celebration of a life well-lived and triumphantly completed. Not because of who he knew, but for who he was.
For me that’s what it’s all about. Live my life on earth in such a way that when I arrive at heaven’s gates I’m greeted with “well done good and faithful servant.” It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are underscored that desire and touched my life.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Revell Publishing for the invitation to be part of It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are Blog Tour and the complimentary book in exchange for this unbiased review.
Like the raw ingredients eggs, flour, butter, milk, cocoa that transform into a irresistibly delectable cake when mixed together, rising in the oven, the stories combine to whip up a fresh batch of determination to live and give with all we’ve got. Each entry is short and simple; many are sports related. Every single message is doable and can be applied immediately. By anyone. And like that chocolate dessert the lessons never lose their flavour or appeal.
As Pat Williams shares the life lessons from his cupboard of memories he inadvertently draws you into the kitchen of his own life where nineteen children sit at the table; where the battle with multiple myeloma, embarrassing failed first marriage and bouts of adversity are blended into his recipe for success. His eagerness to keep his ‘eyes and ears wide open’ so he can learn from others, and then impart those lessons is the bread and butter cream behind this book. It’s the royal legacy icing that spreads the wisdom from the past by living it out in the present so future generations can taste its sweet goodness.
From my seven pages of notes with quotes and reminders from this collection of anecdotes and insights, what struck me between the eyes and at the centre of my heart was Pat William’s call from the start to not “squander the opportunity”. To step up with loving courage to be all that God created me to be.
It was worth it to read It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are for the concluding piece alone. It had a powerful effect on me and brought me to tears. With about one week left to live, bible teacher Wendell Kempton found the time and strength to plan his “going away party” complete with the balloons he promised his granddaughter. When the time came, his son ushered his heavenly homecoming whispering “…you’ve done your job and you’re going to your eternal reward. Get your best sermon ready, Dad. You’re going into glory.” The funeral “party” that followed saw six successful sports figures speak about how he influenced their lives, and proved to be a great celebration of a life well-lived and triumphantly completed. Not because of who he knew, but for who he was.
For me that’s what it’s all about. Live my life on earth in such a way that when I arrive at heaven’s gates I’m greeted with “well done good and faithful servant.” It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are underscored that desire and touched my life.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Revell Publishing for the invitation to be part of It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are Blog Tour and the complimentary book in exchange for this unbiased review.
February 21, 2015
Pat Williams in his new book, “It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are” published by Revell shows us Life Lessons from Winners.
From the Back Cover: We live in a culture obsessed with celebrity. We love winners and we want to be winners. But take it from a man who knows more famous people than most of us will ever meet–it’s not who you know that’s important, it’s who you are inside.
In this inspiring book, Pat Williams draws from over fifty years of brushing shoulders with the greats to help you discover what it really means to be a winner. Through his short meditations on success, leadership, family and friends, impact and influence, and becoming a person of excellence, you’ll meet
· a young singer who messed up the national anthem and shot to stardom anyway
· a coach who sacrificed his time to give his players the edge
· a marathon runner who knew the secret to pacing yourself
· a political outsider who confidently reached for an impossible goal
· a football player who wouldn’t let a broken leg stop him from getting to the Super Bowl
· and many more ordinary people with extraordinary character
These entertaining stories of fascinating people from all walks of life will motivate you to do your best, be yourself, and continually strive to be the person God made you to be.
Don’t feel as though you are a winner or successful? Pat Williams addresses this issue with five different parts: Part One: Success, Part Two: Leadership, Part Three: Family and Friends, Part Four: Impact and Influence, Part Five: Becoming A Person of Excellence. Pat Williams shares all the stories concerning all the individuals in this book for one reason only and that is to let us know that Jesus sees us the same way as the individuals showcased. We are winners and successful in His sight and that is the way He created us. So let us take encouragement from these stories and go out and take the world by storm. I think this is a great resource for everyone and would be a great gift for friends and family.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the Back Cover: We live in a culture obsessed with celebrity. We love winners and we want to be winners. But take it from a man who knows more famous people than most of us will ever meet–it’s not who you know that’s important, it’s who you are inside.
In this inspiring book, Pat Williams draws from over fifty years of brushing shoulders with the greats to help you discover what it really means to be a winner. Through his short meditations on success, leadership, family and friends, impact and influence, and becoming a person of excellence, you’ll meet
· a young singer who messed up the national anthem and shot to stardom anyway
· a coach who sacrificed his time to give his players the edge
· a marathon runner who knew the secret to pacing yourself
· a political outsider who confidently reached for an impossible goal
· a football player who wouldn’t let a broken leg stop him from getting to the Super Bowl
· and many more ordinary people with extraordinary character
These entertaining stories of fascinating people from all walks of life will motivate you to do your best, be yourself, and continually strive to be the person God made you to be.
Don’t feel as though you are a winner or successful? Pat Williams addresses this issue with five different parts: Part One: Success, Part Two: Leadership, Part Three: Family and Friends, Part Four: Impact and Influence, Part Five: Becoming A Person of Excellence. Pat Williams shares all the stories concerning all the individuals in this book for one reason only and that is to let us know that Jesus sees us the same way as the individuals showcased. We are winners and successful in His sight and that is the way He created us. So let us take encouragement from these stories and go out and take the world by storm. I think this is a great resource for everyone and would be a great gift for friends and family.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 27, 2015
About the Book:
We live in a culture obsessed with celebrity. When we're not trying to make a name for ourselves, we're following the big names on Twitter, liking them on Facebook, and taking selfies with them if we are lucky enough to run into them in real life. We love winners and we want to be winners. But take it from a man who knows more famous people than most of us will ever meet--it's not who you know that's important, it's who you are inside.
With short, story-driven readings, Pat Williams draws from over fifty years of brushing shoulders with the greats, offering readers motivation to do their best, be themselves, and continually strive to be the people God made them to be. He shows that being a "winner" is more about character, attitudes, values, and faith than it is about coming out on top. Stories from legendary sports figures, leaders, and fascinating people from all walks of life help readers develop true character that speaks for itself.
My Review:
Through hard work and persistence, it is undeniable that eventually we will reach the top. Sometimes it takes the experiences of others to motivate us to get started in an upward direction. In the book, It's Not Who You Know, It's Who You Are: Life Lessons from Winners, Pat Williams lets us in on some very motivated conversations with celebrities that he has had or encountered over the years. Many of which are very positive and life affirming.
It is exciting to read some of these stories, because it gives you a peek into just how "real" these individuals really are. There are over 200 pages filled with short snippets of conversation that will encourage you and inspire you to stay focused on your goal and to keep looking to God for His help and His motivation. Pat Williams is a good encourager and is known across the country. He is a good motivational speaker and encouraging writer!
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Revell.
We live in a culture obsessed with celebrity. When we're not trying to make a name for ourselves, we're following the big names on Twitter, liking them on Facebook, and taking selfies with them if we are lucky enough to run into them in real life. We love winners and we want to be winners. But take it from a man who knows more famous people than most of us will ever meet--it's not who you know that's important, it's who you are inside.
With short, story-driven readings, Pat Williams draws from over fifty years of brushing shoulders with the greats, offering readers motivation to do their best, be themselves, and continually strive to be the people God made them to be. He shows that being a "winner" is more about character, attitudes, values, and faith than it is about coming out on top. Stories from legendary sports figures, leaders, and fascinating people from all walks of life help readers develop true character that speaks for itself.
My Review:
Through hard work and persistence, it is undeniable that eventually we will reach the top. Sometimes it takes the experiences of others to motivate us to get started in an upward direction. In the book, It's Not Who You Know, It's Who You Are: Life Lessons from Winners, Pat Williams lets us in on some very motivated conversations with celebrities that he has had or encountered over the years. Many of which are very positive and life affirming.
It is exciting to read some of these stories, because it gives you a peek into just how "real" these individuals really are. There are over 200 pages filled with short snippets of conversation that will encourage you and inspire you to stay focused on your goal and to keep looking to God for His help and His motivation. Pat Williams is a good encourager and is known across the country. He is a good motivational speaker and encouraging writer!
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Revell.
February 10, 2015
Have you ever really needed a book that you could put down at anytime and you knew it'd be right there waiting for you when you got back, sort of like an old friend? If this makes any sense to you, this is that book. Filled with short narratives from every type of celebrity imaginable, you can read one or you can read ten and when you come back, there is more waiting. This is one of those books that you're going to get from it what you put into it. It can be read casually and you'll just enjoy the stories. It can be read with some depth and you're going to take away a life lesson from each and every one. The author doesn't always tell you what the lesson is, but it is always there. For me, this came at just the right time and it's going into my "life lessons to access" bin of books that sits on top of my dresser. Few make it in but this one won't be going anywhere.
September 10, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
In It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are, Pat Williams compiles interesting experiences and encounters he has had with a wide array of celebrities over the years, highlighting topics such as success and leadership. Each short and quick story shares a valuable piece of advice. Though it seemed a bit repetitive to me at times, It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are is an easy, encouraging and enjoyable read.
Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a copy of It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
In It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are, Pat Williams compiles interesting experiences and encounters he has had with a wide array of celebrities over the years, highlighting topics such as success and leadership. Each short and quick story shares a valuable piece of advice. Though it seemed a bit repetitive to me at times, It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are is an easy, encouraging and enjoyable read.
Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a copy of It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
September 19, 2017
I've sent my insights on Pat Williams' email, and soon sent me a hard copy of his latest book entitled 'The Success Intersection' because he appreciated the insights. Here's the link: https://www.instagram.com/p/BTnUMq3A3...
December 27, 2019
Unremarkable
March 13, 2015
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
This book is filled with short stories of men and women who exemplify what it means to win in life. In the areas of success, leadership, motivation, personal growth, and more Pat Williams tells the stories of those who lived their lives in such a way so as to lead, by example, those who followed them.
This is a great book for anyone wanting to read a quick story to inspire, push, confirm, and even challenge the reader to be more than what they presently are. It would also be a great book for anyone wanting to give a gift to a graduate.
This book is filled with short stories of men and women who exemplify what it means to win in life. In the areas of success, leadership, motivation, personal growth, and more Pat Williams tells the stories of those who lived their lives in such a way so as to lead, by example, those who followed them.
This is a great book for anyone wanting to read a quick story to inspire, push, confirm, and even challenge the reader to be more than what they presently are. It would also be a great book for anyone wanting to give a gift to a graduate.
March 13, 2015
I decided to review this book because I thought it would make a great collection to my homeschool curriculum as a downtime read-along during our school days. We couldn’t get to it everyday, but when we did the stories offered wonderful springboards into great discussions. There were even some stories I had heard before and knew there were videos of some of the people on the web that I could look up. It really brought the stories to life for my kids. “It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are” is a book for all ages, and I recommend it especially to parents looking for short stories they can share with their children, but also to show them they, too, can be winners.
February 1, 2015
This book has some brilliant stories and quotes from winners - in the majority of the cases sports professionals who have given the author pieces of advice that he has been able to combine in to a book which shows how they have passed adversity, encouraged and motivated themselves to achieve their goals. They give I received a copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2015
Pat Williams draws from over fifty years of brushing shoulders with the greats, offering readers motivation to do their best, be themselves, and continually strive to be the people God made them to be.There are over 200 pages filled with short snippets of conversation that will encourage you
It is such a blessing to live in a country where one can have access to such a variety of publications of God's Holy Word and good books to draw you towards Him
well worth the read!
It is such a blessing to live in a country where one can have access to such a variety of publications of God's Holy Word and good books to draw you towards Him
well worth the read!
November 21, 2015
Once again Pat Williams takes his personal stories and transfers them into a meaningful book. Pat knows a few people, I should say a slew of people. His insight always resonates with me and this book will hit your core as it has with me. Super inside stories we never hear about, takes on giving your all, to loving your teammates to loving your parents and family. Winners come in all shapes and forms--this book will shed light on being a winner is more than wins and loses.
February 2, 2015
Just received Pat's new book. I love his stuff ... Have read everyone. Two highlights for me in reading this book was a story about my mentor, Dr. Stephen Olford and a story about Yankee legend, Bobby Richardson. Bobby's son Robby is married to Karen Raws, daughter of Pastor Bill and Ruth Raws.
February 14, 2015
this book validates the common, visibly evident structure of a large part of our society. So many people validate their place in social hierarchy based on the people they know (or think they know).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2015
I received this book free to review. I had never heard of Pat Williams. I am not a basketball fan. I enjoyed reading this book. I felt that the stories were relevant to anyone's life. You didn't have to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy reading this. I would recommend this for young people.
March 26, 2015
A well written book of inspirational vignettes from the world of sports. It covers subjects from leadership, family, and becoming a person of excellence. This was received from Goodreads.
November 23, 2015
This is a compilation of life lessons from well-known leaders in sports, politics, and entertainment. The author retells how he met each person and describes life lessons he learned from each one.
May 2, 2017
There was some good advice, maybe a couple good stories out of the whole book, but generally not all that informative...
The book is just brief conversations the author has had with famous (mostly athletes) throughout the years. Lots of sports, some family, some religion.
The title says "life lessons from winners". There really weren't very many "life lesson" stories.
I skimmed most of this book because it was so dull.
The book is just brief conversations the author has had with famous (mostly athletes) throughout the years. Lots of sports, some family, some religion.
The title says "life lessons from winners". There really weren't very many "life lesson" stories.
I skimmed most of this book because it was so dull.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews