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What Made Me Who I Am
Starting a business is a wonderfully naïve venture. Only a fortunate few will survive--and very few of those who thrive will have something special to say about failure, success, and leadership.
Bernie Swain is one of those few very fortunate people. He quit his job in 1980 to start a lecture agency with his wife and a friend. By the end of their first rocky year--just as his savings were running out--Swain's first revenues trickled in. He began signing every speaker with a handshake; this proved to be the hallmark of trust that helped accelerate the company's growth. Years later, his roster of speakers would be the greatest in history since America's first agency represented a host of notables such as Mark Twain, Susan B. Anthony, and Frederick Douglass.
The best of Swain's fortunes turned out to be the speakers themselves because these remarkable leaders had become his personal friends. What Made Me Who I Am captures the leadership transformations of 34 of those friends--from Doris Kearns Goodwin to Colin Powell, Terry Bradshaw to Tom Brokaw, and Tony Blair to Dave Barry. This assembly of people defines a generation. What were their most powerful influences? Defining moments? Decisions that contributed the most to their character and accomplishments?
Swain captures answers to these questions and more in an inspiring, practical collection of true-life stories for leaders today. What Made Me Who I Am is also a terrific gift book for graduates and others who are just starting out in life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Washington DC-based BERNIE SWAIN is co-founder of Washington Speakers Bureau and today's foremost authority on the lecture industry. Over the past 35 years, Swain has represented former US Presidents, cabinet members, business executives, public figures, media leaders, and sports legends. For more, visit BernieSwain.com.
Bernie Swain is one of those few very fortunate people. He quit his job in 1980 to start a lecture agency with his wife and a friend. By the end of their first rocky year--just as his savings were running out--Swain's first revenues trickled in. He began signing every speaker with a handshake; this proved to be the hallmark of trust that helped accelerate the company's growth. Years later, his roster of speakers would be the greatest in history since America's first agency represented a host of notables such as Mark Twain, Susan B. Anthony, and Frederick Douglass.
The best of Swain's fortunes turned out to be the speakers themselves because these remarkable leaders had become his personal friends. What Made Me Who I Am captures the leadership transformations of 34 of those friends--from Doris Kearns Goodwin to Colin Powell, Terry Bradshaw to Tom Brokaw, and Tony Blair to Dave Barry. This assembly of people defines a generation. What were their most powerful influences? Defining moments? Decisions that contributed the most to their character and accomplishments?
Swain captures answers to these questions and more in an inspiring, practical collection of true-life stories for leaders today. What Made Me Who I Am is also a terrific gift book for graduates and others who are just starting out in life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Washington DC-based BERNIE SWAIN is co-founder of Washington Speakers Bureau and today's foremost authority on the lecture industry. Over the past 35 years, Swain has represented former US Presidents, cabinet members, business executives, public figures, media leaders, and sports legends. For more, visit BernieSwain.com.
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2016
6 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 28, 2016
Very inspiring. Highly recommended.
September 10, 2019
I put off finishing this because it is so inspiring. I ended up buying more copies as gifts. Perfect to keep in the car for waits at the dentists or when you're early for a meeting. I read books so I want a hard cover available when I can't sleep. I tolerate paperbacks for travel. Anyway, this would be a book that sends a message to a friend that you care about them and know they need some inspiration now or sometime.
February 27, 2017
I'm not sure which I enjoyed more -- the behind-the-scenes story about Bernie Swain and Washington Speakers Bureau or the personal stories presented by the lecture agency's speakers. Either way, it was a wonderful book packed with lessons about leadership and perseverance.
February 16, 2020
Fascinating insights into the lives of prominent people including Madeleine Albright, Tom Brokaw, Tony Blair, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and others, revealing the influences, values, and decisions that made them who they are.
October 22, 2019
Insightful backstories
Inspiring, moving and insightful stories about key moments and experiences of what made some leaders (famous and not so famous) who they are or become.
Inspiring, moving and insightful stories about key moments and experiences of what made some leaders (famous and not so famous) who they are or become.
September 8, 2016
As a young entrepreneur, What Made Me Who I am is a must read. In this day and age, it can feel like all communication occurs behind a computer or phone screen. Reading Bernie Swain's story reminds you how vital it is to build and nurture sincere and trusting relationships and the lasting impact that can have on both your professional and personal life.
While the book's line up of contributors falls into the upper echelon of the world's most successful and relevant public figures, it is remarkable how often I connected to their stories and influences. The beauty of this collection is I know I will find myself returning to different essays now and again for inspiration as I continue to learn and grow as a business owner.
Great gift for any recent college graduate or anyone just looking to read some fascinating and motivational stories.
While the book's line up of contributors falls into the upper echelon of the world's most successful and relevant public figures, it is remarkable how often I connected to their stories and influences. The beauty of this collection is I know I will find myself returning to different essays now and again for inspiration as I continue to learn and grow as a business owner.
Great gift for any recent college graduate or anyone just looking to read some fascinating and motivational stories.
January 2, 2017
The Perfect Book to Welcome the New Year
An inspirational compilation of critically important moments from the lives of a number of well known Americans. All the stories seem to share a common path to success - persistence and strength in overcoming varying degrees of adversity. Well organized and easy to read.
An inspirational compilation of critically important moments from the lives of a number of well known Americans. All the stories seem to share a common path to success - persistence and strength in overcoming varying degrees of adversity. Well organized and easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews