What do you think?
Rate this book
Cross Winds: Adventure and Entrepreneurship in the Russian Far East
Success is not for the faint of heart!
After a mountain-climbing incident that nearly took his life, Steven Myers realized that the cornerstone of courage is optimism. This epiphany empowered him to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time and led him on a high-flying adventure that would change his life forever.
In 1992, at the end of the Cold War, Myers was invited by Russian leaders to fly into one of the most remote and dangerous areas of the former Soviet Union. There, he was to look for potential ways to bring business into an area after system collapse.
What followed is the clash of two vastly different cultures: Americans, with go-for-broke, entrepreneurial “can do” attitudes, and Russians with a long, painful history of constraining rules, risk aversion, and fear. Steve’s story recounts the friendships forged while up against almost unsurmountable odds, the gritty details of running a business abroad, and of course, the tonic of plenty of vodka.
And then, after years of hard work, two US government agents alert Myers that his life is in danger if he continues with his business activities in Russia. The rest reads like an espionage novel!
Read this remarkable true story of one man’s effort to unite two peoples while creating something akin to the Hudson Bay Company in a place few have ever heard of.
After a mountain-climbing incident that nearly took his life, Steven Myers realized that the cornerstone of courage is optimism. This epiphany empowered him to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time and led him on a high-flying adventure that would change his life forever.
In 1992, at the end of the Cold War, Myers was invited by Russian leaders to fly into one of the most remote and dangerous areas of the former Soviet Union. There, he was to look for potential ways to bring business into an area after system collapse.
What followed is the clash of two vastly different cultures: Americans, with go-for-broke, entrepreneurial “can do” attitudes, and Russians with a long, painful history of constraining rules, risk aversion, and fear. Steve’s story recounts the friendships forged while up against almost unsurmountable odds, the gritty details of running a business abroad, and of course, the tonic of plenty of vodka.
And then, after years of hard work, two US government agents alert Myers that his life is in danger if he continues with his business activities in Russia. The rest reads like an espionage novel!
Read this remarkable true story of one man’s effort to unite two peoples while creating something akin to the Hudson Bay Company in a place few have ever heard of.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2020
21 people are currently reading
828 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 10, 2020
What a fascinating read! Steven Myers is not only a successful entrepreneur and businessman but an avid pilot, adventurer, and storyteller as well. His story had me on the edge of my seat! I honestly couldn’t put the book down.
In mid-1992, following the fall of the Soviet Union, Myers and a team of adventurers flew his Aero Commander 690B propjet from California into the isolated Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East. They were the first Americans to do so since Charles Lindbergh in 1931. The peninsula left a deep, lasting impression on Myers, who returned with a business partner less than a year later to set up what they hoped would be a successful refueling station for cargo jets moving between Europe, Asia, and North America. What they didn’t anticipate was the clash of culture in a country still reeling from seventy years of Soviet rule.
Told with humor and tenacity, Cross Winds is an incredible tale of adventure, business, friendship, and culture. It takes a lot of courage to explore a country that was so recently at war with your own, and especially to risk so much capital on a venture riddled with so much uncertainty. Myers delves into the logistics needed to piece together such a dangerous aircraft trip, the politics involved, and the gritty uncertainty of what they endeavored. He describes with stunning prose the beauty of the Russian countryside and the people he encounters—people with hopes, joys, and fears like his own. He delves into the relationships he builds with his Russian counterparts as they strive to make a better, more stable economic environment for the people of Kamchatka—and the cultural divisions that stand in their way.
As a bit of a Cold War enthusiast, I cannot recommend Cross Winds highly enough. Myers has lived a life most people only dream of. He certainly has a unique way of seeing the world, finding opportunity and light in the most desolate places.
In mid-1992, following the fall of the Soviet Union, Myers and a team of adventurers flew his Aero Commander 690B propjet from California into the isolated Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East. They were the first Americans to do so since Charles Lindbergh in 1931. The peninsula left a deep, lasting impression on Myers, who returned with a business partner less than a year later to set up what they hoped would be a successful refueling station for cargo jets moving between Europe, Asia, and North America. What they didn’t anticipate was the clash of culture in a country still reeling from seventy years of Soviet rule.
Told with humor and tenacity, Cross Winds is an incredible tale of adventure, business, friendship, and culture. It takes a lot of courage to explore a country that was so recently at war with your own, and especially to risk so much capital on a venture riddled with so much uncertainty. Myers delves into the logistics needed to piece together such a dangerous aircraft trip, the politics involved, and the gritty uncertainty of what they endeavored. He describes with stunning prose the beauty of the Russian countryside and the people he encounters—people with hopes, joys, and fears like his own. He delves into the relationships he builds with his Russian counterparts as they strive to make a better, more stable economic environment for the people of Kamchatka—and the cultural divisions that stand in their way.
As a bit of a Cold War enthusiast, I cannot recommend Cross Winds highly enough. Myers has lived a life most people only dream of. He certainly has a unique way of seeing the world, finding opportunity and light in the most desolate places.
December 24, 2020
Myers paints a fascinating picture of doing business in Russia immediately after the fall of the Soviet Union. From the differences in culture and how people work and operate to the shenanigans to the yearning of both people—American and Russian—for a better life to the American-Russian friendships that were created, the author details how he and his team created a remarkable business joint venture between the West and Far East Russia in the Kamchatka peninsula, how they had to deal with both the US and Russian governments, and what worked and what did not and why.
The author also describes with amazing details his flight from California to the Kamchatka peninsula, from the landscapes to the weather and airport conditions and much more. The flight preceded the business adventure and was especially interesting as it was the first time an American piloted an aircraft to the peninsula since Lindbergh.
Having had the opportunity to observe how business was done in Russia right after the fall of the Soviet Union, this book brought and confirmed many memories. It is also illuminating for anyone interested in how it worked out at that time.
The author also describes with amazing details his flight from California to the Kamchatka peninsula, from the landscapes to the weather and airport conditions and much more. The flight preceded the business adventure and was especially interesting as it was the first time an American piloted an aircraft to the peninsula since Lindbergh.
Having had the opportunity to observe how business was done in Russia right after the fall of the Soviet Union, this book brought and confirmed many memories. It is also illuminating for anyone interested in how it worked out at that time.
August 20, 2020
Planes, Russians, Vodka… What Could Go Wrong!
Steve Myers’ account of his entrepreneurial and aviation jaunt in Kamchatka underscore the saying, “There’s no easy way to make a buck in Russia.”
The first half of the book reads like a pure adventure novel. It starts with a visit from two large men with guns purporting to be American government agents. They advise the author that if he makes a planned trip to Moscow he is most likely going to be kidnapped.
Then we flash back a few years to 1992, not long after the final collapse of the Soviet Union. Myers plans and executes a harrowing aerial trek with a small group of colleagues in a propeller-driven plane from California to an almost unreachable area in Siberia. I’m an aviation junkie, so I found Myers’ detailed accounts of every leg of this journey fascinating. I also thoroughly enjoyed the author’s insights into the personalities of the people on the trip, and those they met along the way. At each stop, we see a wonderfully vibrant and engrossing picture of a world most of us will never experience.
The rest of the book is a surprisingly intriguing combination of business memoir and political thriller. Myers and his partners decide that building a functional airport on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East could provide an entrepreneurial opportunity as great as controlling shipping and logistics for the 1849 Gold Rush.
The partnership encounters some gritty business problems, like how to get all the equipment you need to build a port shipped to the place where there is not yet a functional shipping port. They struggle to deal with a Russian bureaucracy consisting of people whose only motivation in business is to accumulate enough bribe money to get the heck out of Russia. They deal with very real and deadly international threats over the seriously large sums of money involved in their venture.
I loved “Cross Winds” on every level. It is well-written, well-paced, fun reading that is also extraordinarily informative. You need to read this book!
Steve Myers’ account of his entrepreneurial and aviation jaunt in Kamchatka underscore the saying, “There’s no easy way to make a buck in Russia.”
The first half of the book reads like a pure adventure novel. It starts with a visit from two large men with guns purporting to be American government agents. They advise the author that if he makes a planned trip to Moscow he is most likely going to be kidnapped.
Then we flash back a few years to 1992, not long after the final collapse of the Soviet Union. Myers plans and executes a harrowing aerial trek with a small group of colleagues in a propeller-driven plane from California to an almost unreachable area in Siberia. I’m an aviation junkie, so I found Myers’ detailed accounts of every leg of this journey fascinating. I also thoroughly enjoyed the author’s insights into the personalities of the people on the trip, and those they met along the way. At each stop, we see a wonderfully vibrant and engrossing picture of a world most of us will never experience.
The rest of the book is a surprisingly intriguing combination of business memoir and political thriller. Myers and his partners decide that building a functional airport on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East could provide an entrepreneurial opportunity as great as controlling shipping and logistics for the 1849 Gold Rush.
The partnership encounters some gritty business problems, like how to get all the equipment you need to build a port shipped to the place where there is not yet a functional shipping port. They struggle to deal with a Russian bureaucracy consisting of people whose only motivation in business is to accumulate enough bribe money to get the heck out of Russia. They deal with very real and deadly international threats over the seriously large sums of money involved in their venture.
I loved “Cross Winds” on every level. It is well-written, well-paced, fun reading that is also extraordinarily informative. You need to read this book!
October 3, 2020
Wow, I Thought I Had "Been There, Done That"... But I Guess Not.
I enjoy nonfiction. I like flying and entrepreneurship. Mr. Myers had my attention from the "get go." He manages to explain in terms that even I can understand very complex issues regarding his adventures in flying, dealing with Russia and starting a very big business deal.
I learned a lot from this book and have no doubt you will as well.
Mr. Myers did a great service by taking the time to put his incredible business adventure in print.
Thanks for that.
I enjoy nonfiction. I like flying and entrepreneurship. Mr. Myers had my attention from the "get go." He manages to explain in terms that even I can understand very complex issues regarding his adventures in flying, dealing with Russia and starting a very big business deal.
I learned a lot from this book and have no doubt you will as well.
Mr. Myers did a great service by taking the time to put his incredible business adventure in print.
Thanks for that.
October 15, 2020
The adventure of a lifetime, well told.
I could not put this book aside. In the busyness leading up to the 2020 elections, I didn’t open this book because I knew I’d be unable to tend to my work. I finally relented and have enjoyed the telling of this intriguing entrepreneurial journey and adventure immensely. The excitement and drama of the California to Kamchatka journey and the development and backstory of the ensuing Joint Venture held my attention nonstop, full throttle. Well told. Well done. Fascinating telling of international history and intrigue.
I could not put this book aside. In the busyness leading up to the 2020 elections, I didn’t open this book because I knew I’d be unable to tend to my work. I finally relented and have enjoyed the telling of this intriguing entrepreneurial journey and adventure immensely. The excitement and drama of the California to Kamchatka journey and the development and backstory of the ensuing Joint Venture held my attention nonstop, full throttle. Well told. Well done. Fascinating telling of international history and intrigue.
August 12, 2020
Steven Myers, the award-winning author of this awe-inspiring book has had an unparalleled career. He graduated from Stanford University with a BS in Mathematics, is a serial entrepreneur, director of public and private company boards, CEO, coach, author, public speaker, and aviator. He has achieved astonishing success with his company SM&A, which is an international management consulting firm serving aerospace and defense, aviation, telecommunications and other high-tech industry clients, he is a two-time US Air Force veteran, and a loving husband and father.
In this incredible story which is accompanied by amazing photographs, the author pays homage to the famous Charles Lindbergh, the American aviator who made the first non-stop transatlantic aircraft flight in 1927. He does this by sharing with his readers his own incredible adventure when in 1992 he became the first American aviator to pilot an aircraft into the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula, since Charles and Anne Lindberg’s flight in 1931.
Steven Myers amazing adventure was an incredible aviation feat, and one which had to be completed adhering to the three basic rules of aviation: Don’t crash, don’t run out of gas, and don’t get lost. The latter was a challenge as in 1992 the Air Force had a few satellites in orbit, but although GPS was being created and was starting to appear for land and boat use, there was nothing available for the aviation market.
With fortitude and attention to detail, this serial entrepreneur, called upon his knowledge, meticulous planning, and determination and then on the 4th July 1992 he began this epic journey, flying out of US airspace, across the Bering Strait, into former Soviet Union airspace, through Siberia, and into the Kamchatka peninsula. He was accompanied by Tom Heinsheimer, space scientist and Vice President of SM&A, Tom’s wife, Julie, an expert in Russian cultural affairs, Ed Beall, a Torrance architect and urban planner, Mike Stoner, 31, of Palos Verdes, a photographer and documentary film producer. When they eventually touched down at Russia’s Provideniya airport, they were joined by Viktor Shlyaev who had been assigned to fly with them whilst they were in Russia. This likable man was their interpreter, navigator, companion, and, of course, the eyes of the State.
The journey for all concerned was amazing and the book has wonderful photographs. Through the author’s incredibly descriptive writing the diverse landscapes they viewed comes alive. From Icebergs in Alaska to the scenery of the Kamchatka River Valley, which runs south between the two ranges and contains twenty-nine active volcanos. He also treats us to fly-on-the-wall glimpses into the everyday lives of the people he visited, from remote villagers to mighty Heads of State.
For those interested in aviation and technology the details throughout the book will provide an in-depth insight into aviation and space technology.
With this flight Steven Myers also helped create a union between the United States and the governor of Kamchatka being pivotal in establishing one of the first successful Russian-American ventures. He helped create a refueling base for carriers with international cargo near the city of Petropavlovsk and introduced entrepreneurship into post-Soviet Russia. In doing so he pioneered expansive business enterprises with the potential to transform the lives of the people of the Russian Far East.
I have never read a book which can come anywhere near this one as a real-life adventure, an expedition into unknown territory, facing dangerous situations, and throughout told by the man himself, ‘the real deal.’ In this book the author reflects on what makes people like Lindberg go on to live exceptional lives, and where do they get the courage from? For me, he answers this question by telling his readers his own near-death experience at the bottom of a crevasse on Mt. Rainier. He reveals that during the experience he never considered he would not survive, perhaps it was his ability to face adversity with courage, and discovering his inner strength which led him to go on to live his own remarkable life and has made him the man he is today. Highly recommended!
In this incredible story which is accompanied by amazing photographs, the author pays homage to the famous Charles Lindbergh, the American aviator who made the first non-stop transatlantic aircraft flight in 1927. He does this by sharing with his readers his own incredible adventure when in 1992 he became the first American aviator to pilot an aircraft into the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula, since Charles and Anne Lindberg’s flight in 1931.
Steven Myers amazing adventure was an incredible aviation feat, and one which had to be completed adhering to the three basic rules of aviation: Don’t crash, don’t run out of gas, and don’t get lost. The latter was a challenge as in 1992 the Air Force had a few satellites in orbit, but although GPS was being created and was starting to appear for land and boat use, there was nothing available for the aviation market.
With fortitude and attention to detail, this serial entrepreneur, called upon his knowledge, meticulous planning, and determination and then on the 4th July 1992 he began this epic journey, flying out of US airspace, across the Bering Strait, into former Soviet Union airspace, through Siberia, and into the Kamchatka peninsula. He was accompanied by Tom Heinsheimer, space scientist and Vice President of SM&A, Tom’s wife, Julie, an expert in Russian cultural affairs, Ed Beall, a Torrance architect and urban planner, Mike Stoner, 31, of Palos Verdes, a photographer and documentary film producer. When they eventually touched down at Russia’s Provideniya airport, they were joined by Viktor Shlyaev who had been assigned to fly with them whilst they were in Russia. This likable man was their interpreter, navigator, companion, and, of course, the eyes of the State.
The journey for all concerned was amazing and the book has wonderful photographs. Through the author’s incredibly descriptive writing the diverse landscapes they viewed comes alive. From Icebergs in Alaska to the scenery of the Kamchatka River Valley, which runs south between the two ranges and contains twenty-nine active volcanos. He also treats us to fly-on-the-wall glimpses into the everyday lives of the people he visited, from remote villagers to mighty Heads of State.
For those interested in aviation and technology the details throughout the book will provide an in-depth insight into aviation and space technology.
With this flight Steven Myers also helped create a union between the United States and the governor of Kamchatka being pivotal in establishing one of the first successful Russian-American ventures. He helped create a refueling base for carriers with international cargo near the city of Petropavlovsk and introduced entrepreneurship into post-Soviet Russia. In doing so he pioneered expansive business enterprises with the potential to transform the lives of the people of the Russian Far East.
I have never read a book which can come anywhere near this one as a real-life adventure, an expedition into unknown territory, facing dangerous situations, and throughout told by the man himself, ‘the real deal.’ In this book the author reflects on what makes people like Lindberg go on to live exceptional lives, and where do they get the courage from? For me, he answers this question by telling his readers his own near-death experience at the bottom of a crevasse on Mt. Rainier. He reveals that during the experience he never considered he would not survive, perhaps it was his ability to face adversity with courage, and discovering his inner strength which led him to go on to live his own remarkable life and has made him the man he is today. Highly recommended!
August 10, 2020
‘Kamchatka was California before the Gold Rush’ – An entrepreneurial epic!
California author Steven Myers enters the literary domain with extraordinary credentials. Having earned his degree in Mathematics from Stanford University, he has become a highly respected entrepreneur, serving as a CEO coach, as founder of his private investment company Dolphin Capital Holdings, Inc., and SM&A, Inc, an international management consulting firm serving aerospace and defense, aviation, telecommunications and other high-tech industry clients, while also becoming a nationally recognized thought leader on business competitiveness. In addition to his lecturing at the university level, Steve has served on important national committees and councils. He is a two-time US Air Force veteran and is an accomplished aviator, holding an Airline Transport Pilot license and being awarded The Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award. Combining all of these attributes, Steve now offers his debut literary publication with CROSS WINDS: ADVENTURE & INTRIGUE IN THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST – a true adventure that becomes a sizzling thriller.
Introducing this fascinating saga, Steven explains, ‘This is the true story of my extraordinary experiences in the Russian Far East and Moscow shortly after the end of the Cold War. In July 1992, just seven months after the fall of the Soviet Union. I flew an airplane and six-person crew into the Russian Far East and down the length of the Kamchatka peninsula to Petropavlovsk. Our feat was made possible only because of the remarkable cooperation of the new, post-Soviet Russian Government. At the time, I believed we were the first Americans to ever fly into this little-known and virtually inaccessible region of the globe. Some twenty-seven years later, in the summer of 2019, I was astonished to learn that Charles Lindbergh and his wife, Ann Morrow, had flown to Kamchatka in 1931; an incredible achievement history had largely forgotten.’
In a finely tuned book that is enhanced by colorful maps and many photographs, Steven invites the reader to soar with him as he relives his experiences in both aviation and entrepreneurial venues. ‘Partnering with the governor of Kamchatka and several leaders of the region, I led the formation of one of the first Russian-American joint ventures in Moscow…My entrepreneurial concept was audacious in the extreme; to create something akin to the Hudson Bay Company in the Russian Far East.’ Making the impact of his venture even more impressive, the book details the atmosphere of the Cold War, with a sidebar on an airline tragedy in the region of Kamchatka in 1983, that brings focus to the unusual chain of events that followed in 1992.
The strong writing skills of the author brings a sense of credible immediacy to this true saga, ‘the clash of two vastly different cultures – Americans, with go-for-broke, entrepreneurial ‘can do’ attitudes – and Russians with a long, painful history of constraining rules, risk aversion, and fear.’ The excitement of the process does not end with the ‘business at hand:’ the added espionage-quality ending caps a story that, while true, becomes so involving it becomes cinematic! This book becomes an immediate fixture in the genre of Russo-American relations. Very highly recommended!
California author Steven Myers enters the literary domain with extraordinary credentials. Having earned his degree in Mathematics from Stanford University, he has become a highly respected entrepreneur, serving as a CEO coach, as founder of his private investment company Dolphin Capital Holdings, Inc., and SM&A, Inc, an international management consulting firm serving aerospace and defense, aviation, telecommunications and other high-tech industry clients, while also becoming a nationally recognized thought leader on business competitiveness. In addition to his lecturing at the university level, Steve has served on important national committees and councils. He is a two-time US Air Force veteran and is an accomplished aviator, holding an Airline Transport Pilot license and being awarded The Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award. Combining all of these attributes, Steve now offers his debut literary publication with CROSS WINDS: ADVENTURE & INTRIGUE IN THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST – a true adventure that becomes a sizzling thriller.
Introducing this fascinating saga, Steven explains, ‘This is the true story of my extraordinary experiences in the Russian Far East and Moscow shortly after the end of the Cold War. In July 1992, just seven months after the fall of the Soviet Union. I flew an airplane and six-person crew into the Russian Far East and down the length of the Kamchatka peninsula to Petropavlovsk. Our feat was made possible only because of the remarkable cooperation of the new, post-Soviet Russian Government. At the time, I believed we were the first Americans to ever fly into this little-known and virtually inaccessible region of the globe. Some twenty-seven years later, in the summer of 2019, I was astonished to learn that Charles Lindbergh and his wife, Ann Morrow, had flown to Kamchatka in 1931; an incredible achievement history had largely forgotten.’
In a finely tuned book that is enhanced by colorful maps and many photographs, Steven invites the reader to soar with him as he relives his experiences in both aviation and entrepreneurial venues. ‘Partnering with the governor of Kamchatka and several leaders of the region, I led the formation of one of the first Russian-American joint ventures in Moscow…My entrepreneurial concept was audacious in the extreme; to create something akin to the Hudson Bay Company in the Russian Far East.’ Making the impact of his venture even more impressive, the book details the atmosphere of the Cold War, with a sidebar on an airline tragedy in the region of Kamchatka in 1983, that brings focus to the unusual chain of events that followed in 1992.
The strong writing skills of the author brings a sense of credible immediacy to this true saga, ‘the clash of two vastly different cultures – Americans, with go-for-broke, entrepreneurial ‘can do’ attitudes – and Russians with a long, painful history of constraining rules, risk aversion, and fear.’ The excitement of the process does not end with the ‘business at hand:’ the added espionage-quality ending caps a story that, while true, becomes so involving it becomes cinematic! This book becomes an immediate fixture in the genre of Russo-American relations. Very highly recommended!
August 12, 2020
“The cornerstone of courage is optimism.”
CROSS WINDS is one of the best books—if not THE best book— that I’ve read this year! Steve Myers’ true story is a breath-taking ride of intrigue, danger, and the will to persevere in the most difficult of circumstances, and was a book that I just couldn’t put down.
His story begins in 1992, after the fall of the Soviet Union, when Myers became only the second American after Charles Lindbergh to pilot a plane into the remote peninsula of Kamchatka, in Russia’s far east. There he found a people who were desperate to survive their country’s economic crisis, and had very little resources. The entrepreneur in him took hold, and he began what seemed like an insurmountable mission of bringing one of the first joint USA-Russian business ventures into the region. Working through the difficulties of cultural differences, with people inherently untrustworthy of others, proved to be a big challenge. His team, which included a probable undercover KGB agent, was constantly up against difficulties, but the way they handled these, and the courage and tenacity with which they did, makes for a motivational and inspirational tale of both business and adventure.
I loved this book in part because I am an entrepreneur and small business owner. But I also love to read great stories. This book read like an adventure novel, while acting as a real-life blueprint towards achieving success in life and in business. It is a very motivational read.
What make Myers tick? In the book, he relates a story about his fall into a 30-foot crevasse when he was younger, and the life-altering lesson he learned. His motto, “Courage is the cornerstone of optimism,” is what keeps this self-made successful man going.
Myers himself is impressive. Coming from humble beginnings, his mother was a teenager who didn’t finish high school and lived with her Russian immigrant father. Myers eventually entered the Air Force, where he was re-parented and learned about his love of flying. He then went on to become the CEO of several companies, including the multi-million dollar SM&A, Inc. with clients such as NASA and the Department of Defense. Steve has been involved on such fun endeavors as the startup of the GPS system and the Mars Space Program. He is also an experienced pilot with 11 jet-type ratings, and an he’s accomplished ballroom dancer.
This is his first book and I hope he writes more. A riveting tale of grit and courage, Cross Winds will inspire adventure-seekers and entrepreneurs alike with what it takes to survive in business and in life. I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommended!
CROSS WINDS is one of the best books—if not THE best book— that I’ve read this year! Steve Myers’ true story is a breath-taking ride of intrigue, danger, and the will to persevere in the most difficult of circumstances, and was a book that I just couldn’t put down.
His story begins in 1992, after the fall of the Soviet Union, when Myers became only the second American after Charles Lindbergh to pilot a plane into the remote peninsula of Kamchatka, in Russia’s far east. There he found a people who were desperate to survive their country’s economic crisis, and had very little resources. The entrepreneur in him took hold, and he began what seemed like an insurmountable mission of bringing one of the first joint USA-Russian business ventures into the region. Working through the difficulties of cultural differences, with people inherently untrustworthy of others, proved to be a big challenge. His team, which included a probable undercover KGB agent, was constantly up against difficulties, but the way they handled these, and the courage and tenacity with which they did, makes for a motivational and inspirational tale of both business and adventure.
I loved this book in part because I am an entrepreneur and small business owner. But I also love to read great stories. This book read like an adventure novel, while acting as a real-life blueprint towards achieving success in life and in business. It is a very motivational read.
What make Myers tick? In the book, he relates a story about his fall into a 30-foot crevasse when he was younger, and the life-altering lesson he learned. His motto, “Courage is the cornerstone of optimism,” is what keeps this self-made successful man going.
Myers himself is impressive. Coming from humble beginnings, his mother was a teenager who didn’t finish high school and lived with her Russian immigrant father. Myers eventually entered the Air Force, where he was re-parented and learned about his love of flying. He then went on to become the CEO of several companies, including the multi-million dollar SM&A, Inc. with clients such as NASA and the Department of Defense. Steve has been involved on such fun endeavors as the startup of the GPS system and the Mars Space Program. He is also an experienced pilot with 11 jet-type ratings, and an he’s accomplished ballroom dancer.
This is his first book and I hope he writes more. A riveting tale of grit and courage, Cross Winds will inspire adventure-seekers and entrepreneurs alike with what it takes to survive in business and in life. I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommended!
August 13, 2020
Filled to the brim with history, suspense and international intrigue, this true-life story of a bold and brilliant journey to the far reaches of eastern Russia. author Steve Myers’ adventure story, “Crosswinds” is an epic, high-flying story of discovery and individual achievement. Told with the precision and expertise of a master storyteller, this book is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, laissez-faire government and the spirit of the human heart. “Crosswinds” takes you along on a journey of a lifetime and then some. I couldn’t put it down.
In 1992, as the Cold War came to a chaotic but decisive close, longtime CEO and entrepreneur Steve Myers became the first American since Charles Lindbergh to fly a plane into the mysteriously remote Kamchatka Peninsula in far eastern Russia. The success of this mission landed squarely on the shoulders of Myers, along with his fellow travelers, American and Russian. The author exquisitely recounts his journey step-by-step with vivid detail and the threat of danger always present. Flying north through Alaska and then south into far eastern Russia, this is one of the greatest aviation tales of the 20th Century. It’s literally jaw-dropping at times.
The second part of the book tells an equally compelling story of one of the first post-Soviet era U.S./Russian joint ventures, “a pioneering, expansive business enterprise with the potential to transform the lives of the people of the Russian Far East.” This experience both is affected by and highlights the many stark differences between the U.S. and the Russians at extreme opposite ends of the political and philosophical spectrum. America’s aggressive, bold and open-minded attitudes contrasts against the long history of constrainment, risk aversion and fear in Soviet Russia. It all adds up to a stunning tale of great intrigue and suspense over the success or failure of the mission. In the end, free market capitalism is the ultimate victor.
Steve Myers has written a tremendously engrossing true story of air flight and opportunity despite the odds. His book is a testament to the spirit of adventure and risk taking that makes America great. This is an amazing story that deserves to be honored and remembered and retold again and again.
In 1992, as the Cold War came to a chaotic but decisive close, longtime CEO and entrepreneur Steve Myers became the first American since Charles Lindbergh to fly a plane into the mysteriously remote Kamchatka Peninsula in far eastern Russia. The success of this mission landed squarely on the shoulders of Myers, along with his fellow travelers, American and Russian. The author exquisitely recounts his journey step-by-step with vivid detail and the threat of danger always present. Flying north through Alaska and then south into far eastern Russia, this is one of the greatest aviation tales of the 20th Century. It’s literally jaw-dropping at times.
The second part of the book tells an equally compelling story of one of the first post-Soviet era U.S./Russian joint ventures, “a pioneering, expansive business enterprise with the potential to transform the lives of the people of the Russian Far East.” This experience both is affected by and highlights the many stark differences between the U.S. and the Russians at extreme opposite ends of the political and philosophical spectrum. America’s aggressive, bold and open-minded attitudes contrasts against the long history of constrainment, risk aversion and fear in Soviet Russia. It all adds up to a stunning tale of great intrigue and suspense over the success or failure of the mission. In the end, free market capitalism is the ultimate victor.
Steve Myers has written a tremendously engrossing true story of air flight and opportunity despite the odds. His book is a testament to the spirit of adventure and risk taking that makes America great. This is an amazing story that deserves to be honored and remembered and retold again and again.
April 19, 2022
The audio production of Cross Winds: Adventure and Entrepreneurship in the Russian Far East brings this highly acclaimed and thrilling Amazon International Bestseller based on a true story to audiobook listeners everywhere. Written by Steven Myers, a pilot with 12 jet-type ratings, this epic aviation adventure is inspiring and entertaining.
Aside from being a talented pilot, a hugely successful entrepreneur and CEO, Mr. Myers proves to be a top-notch writer as he expertly shares with us a story that encapsulates and perfectly captures the spirit of flying adventure in a time when all the technology available in modern cockpits today was the stuff of science fiction.
The Publisher’s Summary will help you make an impression of what this audiobook is about but trust me when I tell you that you’ll be completely immersed and involved in this adventure, even if you don’t read anything about it before you start.
Russian speaking jet pilot, active-duty U.S. service member, entertainer and audiobook narrator Ryan Clark was the perfect choice as the voice for the audiobook version of Cross Winds: Adventure and Entrepreneurship in the Russian Far East.
Ryan reads beautifully in a clear and very pleasant voice, performs all the appropriate conversations with skill and manages to elevate the listeners’ level of immersion thanks to his ability to pronounce Russian words in a way that feels natural.
The audio production is good and the quality is more than satisfying. I also appreciate the involvement of the author with the recorded introduction, because, as an audiobook enthusiast, it’s nice to hear the actual people behind the written text talking about their work and connecting with us as listeners.
Steve is a remarkable individual and this is a thought-provoking true story that recounts a dramatic and courageous adventure from his fascinating life. I realize that right now Russia is definitely not a favorite topic for a lot of us, but I highly recommend this audiobook because it shows how unpredictable and oppressive the state acted even 30 years ago.
This is a well-written non-fiction account that reads like a thriller, so enthusiasts of aviation and wannabe entrepreneurs could learn some interesting lessons from it.
Aside from being a talented pilot, a hugely successful entrepreneur and CEO, Mr. Myers proves to be a top-notch writer as he expertly shares with us a story that encapsulates and perfectly captures the spirit of flying adventure in a time when all the technology available in modern cockpits today was the stuff of science fiction.
The Publisher’s Summary will help you make an impression of what this audiobook is about but trust me when I tell you that you’ll be completely immersed and involved in this adventure, even if you don’t read anything about it before you start.
Russian speaking jet pilot, active-duty U.S. service member, entertainer and audiobook narrator Ryan Clark was the perfect choice as the voice for the audiobook version of Cross Winds: Adventure and Entrepreneurship in the Russian Far East.
Ryan reads beautifully in a clear and very pleasant voice, performs all the appropriate conversations with skill and manages to elevate the listeners’ level of immersion thanks to his ability to pronounce Russian words in a way that feels natural.
The audio production is good and the quality is more than satisfying. I also appreciate the involvement of the author with the recorded introduction, because, as an audiobook enthusiast, it’s nice to hear the actual people behind the written text talking about their work and connecting with us as listeners.
Steve is a remarkable individual and this is a thought-provoking true story that recounts a dramatic and courageous adventure from his fascinating life. I realize that right now Russia is definitely not a favorite topic for a lot of us, but I highly recommend this audiobook because it shows how unpredictable and oppressive the state acted even 30 years ago.
This is a well-written non-fiction account that reads like a thriller, so enthusiasts of aviation and wannabe entrepreneurs could learn some interesting lessons from it.
October 6, 2020
A Flight into the Unknown!
Steven Myers, four-time CEO, serial entrepreneur, public speaker, and accomplished aviator, tells the true story of his unprecedented flight into isolated Eastern Russia just after the fall of the Soviet Union and the subsequent business opportunities which ensued. Utilizing the same level of detail and planning that went into planning the flight with his six person crew into the Kamchatka peninsula, Myers and his business partners later painstakingly examined every element necessary to build California Kamchatka Companies (CKC) from the ground up. They established a large-scale multifaceted partnership with Russia, created a new alternative location for airlines and freight companies to refuel, and also obtained permissions from both the US and Russia to get a new air route opened.
A host of potential issues faced Steven and his crew as they carried out their planned flight expedition, including complication of their last landing and takeoff in Russia by extremely strong crosswinds. Steven writes, “Taking off into a severe crosswind is very difficult, but not as difficult as landing under the same conditions.” As it turned out, this would also apply to his business dealings in Russia, with initial startup and negotiations for the joint ventureship plagued by cultural crosswinds, the effects of which were difficult to overcome. Eventually an agreement was made, aging infrastructure was repaired and replaced, contracts were won, and they began to service cargo airplanes and business jets. However, as the venture progressed it became obvious that the same cultural issues were still at play, threatening the viability of the endeavor as a whole and even the safety of the CKC staff that were on the ground in Petropavlovsk.
Filled with insights into entrepreneurship, international business, leadership, and problem solving, Crosswinds is high flying, fast paced, and will keep you reading to see how it resolves. This is a must read for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, as well as anyone who loves stories filled with adventure, exploration, and cross-cultural dynamics. Highly recommend!
Steven Myers, four-time CEO, serial entrepreneur, public speaker, and accomplished aviator, tells the true story of his unprecedented flight into isolated Eastern Russia just after the fall of the Soviet Union and the subsequent business opportunities which ensued. Utilizing the same level of detail and planning that went into planning the flight with his six person crew into the Kamchatka peninsula, Myers and his business partners later painstakingly examined every element necessary to build California Kamchatka Companies (CKC) from the ground up. They established a large-scale multifaceted partnership with Russia, created a new alternative location for airlines and freight companies to refuel, and also obtained permissions from both the US and Russia to get a new air route opened.
A host of potential issues faced Steven and his crew as they carried out their planned flight expedition, including complication of their last landing and takeoff in Russia by extremely strong crosswinds. Steven writes, “Taking off into a severe crosswind is very difficult, but not as difficult as landing under the same conditions.” As it turned out, this would also apply to his business dealings in Russia, with initial startup and negotiations for the joint ventureship plagued by cultural crosswinds, the effects of which were difficult to overcome. Eventually an agreement was made, aging infrastructure was repaired and replaced, contracts were won, and they began to service cargo airplanes and business jets. However, as the venture progressed it became obvious that the same cultural issues were still at play, threatening the viability of the endeavor as a whole and even the safety of the CKC staff that were on the ground in Petropavlovsk.
Filled with insights into entrepreneurship, international business, leadership, and problem solving, Crosswinds is high flying, fast paced, and will keep you reading to see how it resolves. This is a must read for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, as well as anyone who loves stories filled with adventure, exploration, and cross-cultural dynamics. Highly recommend!
August 27, 2020
I adored this story mainly because it was such an exceptional experience from a man that took a dream and did everything in his power to make it come true. There aren’t too many people in the world that are willing to go to great lengths to make their dreams come true but Steven Myers had no problem flying an into Russia after the Cold War. He was only the second person to do so which made his tale all the more intriguing.
The story has everything that a history buff could want, international intrigue, suspense and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Crosswinds is about individual achievement in a world where we don’t see many high-flying stories any longer. It’s something that belongs in a movie and you almost believe that it could be. The book is hard to put down and it’s because as you turn page after page, it will take you on a journey of a lifetime.
If you love stories about flying, you are sure to get engrossed in this tale. It’s a story about adventure that reminds you exactly why you love America. I recommend it for anyone that enjoys history, flight or just a really good true story.
The story has everything that a history buff could want, international intrigue, suspense and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Crosswinds is about individual achievement in a world where we don’t see many high-flying stories any longer. It’s something that belongs in a movie and you almost believe that it could be. The book is hard to put down and it’s because as you turn page after page, it will take you on a journey of a lifetime.
If you love stories about flying, you are sure to get engrossed in this tale. It’s a story about adventure that reminds you exactly why you love America. I recommend it for anyone that enjoys history, flight or just a really good true story.
September 9, 2020
Steven Myers is a jack of all trades: an entrepreneur, pilot, storyteller, and adventurer who wrote Cross Winds, a book that I couldn't get enough of! It's a wonderful story of Myers' firsthand adventures in the Russian Far East and Moscow at the end of the Cold War.
This book has no shortage of history, suspense, and lifelong lessons. Once you start reading it, you won't be able to put it down.A remarkable tale of a man who did whatever it took to make his dreams come true. I highly recommend this one!
This book has no shortage of history, suspense, and lifelong lessons. Once you start reading it, you won't be able to put it down.A remarkable tale of a man who did whatever it took to make his dreams come true. I highly recommend this one!
June 1, 2022
This was a lovely recapping of a great
adventure. I loved seeing so many photographs of beautiful landscapes, as well as photographs of the people talked about in the book as it helped me to imagine them better. Myers is an engaging storyteller and I enjoyed every minute of this book!
adventure. I loved seeing so many photographs of beautiful landscapes, as well as photographs of the people talked about in the book as it helped me to imagine them better. Myers is an engaging storyteller and I enjoyed every minute of this book!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews