Aspirations of Greatness: Mapping the Midlife Leader's Reconnection to Self and Soul

The expression "no punches pulled" comes to mind here. Warner's personal life experience and what he has learned from working intensively with hundreds of other executives lives on every page. Another reviewer said something like you could read a page or two .... or immerse yourself in it .... and get value either way. That is also my experience. This is a profound look at mid life issues for "successful" people -- how we got what we got, the very real deeper issues we face and the way out. Very impressive.

As a work/family expert and author of several books on the topic, I've read many books on the pyschological issues facing entrepreneurs today. Frankly, many of them seem to regurgitate the obvious and what has already been said. "Balance work and family", or "when you die, you won't wish you'd spent more time at the office." I was impressed with the breadth and debth of this book, exploring concepts not previously written about, and for the CEO or psychologist who wishes to understand this issue in greater debth, the author does not disappoint. You can skim this book for a new take on the issue, or devote an entire Sunday to it and sink yourself into the book , probably feeling like the author spent hours interviewing you before he wrote it. By the end you'll be convinced that the author knows you, at a level deeper than even your spouse or closest friend. This book is not for someone who wants a quick fix and a few easy ideas that will make all of the deeper issues go away. Rather, this book is for those courageous ones who are ready to examine this issue on a whole new level. Bravo to the author for leading the expedition. I hope this book opens up new conversations on the topic all over America!

Jim Warner and the heros in his book speak from experience as leaders and executives. I have been a CEO for over 12 years and felt Warner had a direct vision into my life. Aspirations of Greatness is not just a summary of mid-life challenges of executives, it provides principles and models on how to find meaning and happiness. This is not just theoretical, new age cure-alls but concrete, pragmatic ways that result in nothing short of a transformation of your life - this book changed the lens I use to see the world and moved me from a money-centered, insecure place to a self-accepting and service place from which I am a more effective leader, friend, father and husband. Leaders will relate to the stories and issues presented by not be shamed or frustrated by them. There is much more to life then making money and Warner walks you through the transformational steps to get there. You're life will never be the same.

Jim Warner's approach to this important, yet seldom discussed phase, in a leader's journey is both unique and extremely beneficial to those who have experienced the feeling of "hollowness" that often accompanies success and the attendant trappings of wealth, expectations and a separation from self. His message of moving "inward" prior to moving "onward" will be highly valuable to anyone experienceing or contemplating a difficult life transition.

This is a must read for the late thirty to mid fifty year old individual who seemingly has it all, and yet is experiencing a sense of emptiness. Based on the author's work with accomplished executives, Aspirations of Greatness has a message which is a bit contrarian in the self improvement area. Instead of a "rah-rah" here is what you have to do to have joy and happiness, the author talks about going downward and inward in order to experience the type of growth that can lead to meaningful, permanent life changes.I highly recommend this book for the mid-life person who is asking: "Is this all there is?" There is so much more than what you may be experinecing and Aspirations of Greatness provides a great roadmap to achieving a sense of purpose and fulfillment.