More Than Money: Questions Every MBA Needs to Answer: Redefining Risk and Reward for a Life of Purpose

This is the best book I have read since I entered business school. 99% of my career research thus far had been focused on typical post MBA careers (e.g. investment banking, consulting, etc.). Mark takes a completely different approach and asks what are you passionate about? What makes you excited to get out of bed each morning and live life to the fullest? I realized very quickly while reading Mark's book that I was researching careers based on other people's expectations of success. There is an expectation at business school to pursue glamorous jobs like banking, etc. In fact, isn't that the reason why most ambitious people get an MBA? More Than Money encouraged me to look deep inside myself. What I found, quite frankly, was that I was not being true to my inner spirit. I recommend this book to any MBA student who trying to determine their course in life or if they are interested in taking a pause to evaluate their career decisions. You will find the material in the book to be enlightening and inspiring. Mark encourages each MBA to find their passions in life. If you work at something you are passionate about...you will never work a day in your life.

Mark's book makes one point very clear to me: that leadership is about service. MBA programs around the world are intent on molding leaders that make a positive impact in the lives of people, indeed the world. More Than Money reminds us that there are many paths an MBA can take to make a difference - from investment banking in London to running a not-for-profit organization in Calcutta. Mark asks us to reflect on four key questions that will help us define our path. This quick and easy read will touch you, and perhaps, bring you closer to a more meaningful life. -- Roberto Jimenez, Class of 2009, Yale University - School of Management

We have all heard stories of business school graduates who took decades to realize the careers they chose right out of school were the wrong ones for them. Benefit from the teachings in this book and start building yourself a sustainable career now, so you don't have to undo your mistakes later. --Erika Haas, Stanford MBA, 1998

For those who don't know his work, Albion is the dean of the school of living a work/life of purpose. His former books, particularly "Making a Life, Making a Living," have focused on those already in the work force and often well along in their careers. Now, Albion turns his spotlight on MBAs (actually on all fresh graduates, not just MBAs) starting down the career path. Until now, "What Color Is My Parachute?" was the only book most grads would read. But I think Albion's book should be placed at or above that Richard Bolles' classic. Albion's premise is simple to say but hard to execute: Defining success must go beyond money and to the things that truly make us happy -- family, a sense of meaning in life, important connections. But so many of us defer that dream right out of the career gate, opting for the bigger bucks and promising ourselves that we'll get to the joy stuff later. Albion, using techniques he perfected as a Harvard Business School prof, simply and clearly shows us how life can be an "AND" instead of an "OR." We can build a career with money and meaning. It's not alchemy. I'm not sure everyone who reads this book will instantly begin employing its methodology but I am sure that Albion makes people ask the right questions. At the least, that's a great place to start.