The Adversity Paradox: An Unconventional Guide to Achieving Uncommon Business Success

Most business/career/life books are written by consultants and academics -- long on theory but exceedingly short on practical application. Not this book. It is loaded with real life stories wrapped in a practical framework that can be used by anyone who aspires to enhance the trajectory of their business, career and life. Most importantly, the authors have walked the talk.

In a prescient move, the authors really hit upon a topic that's urgently needed for our time -- who isn't experiencing some sort of adversity these days? The book is written by businesspeople for businesspeople, but lessons in how to "befriend adversity" and use the experiential learning you gain in overcoming difficult circumstances apply universally. The authors do a great job of demonstrating how those lessons apply to the entire process of self-improvement, which they break down into "individual human capital components." The HC components are such things as work character, an ongoing thirst for knowledge, and purpose/passion, and this reader was especially gratified to see business leaders write about moral development. They make the point that success gained by unethical behavior is never more than temporary. Another point I appreciated is that there are no gimmicks here and no shortcuts to success offered -- the authors place a high premium on the value of good old-fashioned hard work. They're quick to point out, though, that they're not talking about a burdensome daily grind; if you've found a purpose you're passionate about, work is no longer work. One of the best things about the book is the firsthand accounts of business leaders who've overcome serious adversity and gone on to great success. The authors interview people like Doris Christopher, Peter Dawkins, and John Pappajohn, and they offer their own stories, too. A great read and an excellent book to give to employees. I'd recommend it to businesspeople and non-businesspeople alike.

Chock full of wisdom and inspiration. Focused, compelling, and fascinating for readers in any field. The lessons to be learned apply to any "trajectory", big or small, and are articulated in deceptively simple style. A splendid professional and personal achievement presented with substance by the authors in, remarkably, their first book.

Great read and very timely given today's demise in integrity and leadership. Very interesting concept on the common thread in sustainable leaders is adversity and the concern for tomorrow generation given their lack of adversity. Again, great read!

An extremely well researched and well written book. While presented from a business perspective it shares a great message for everyone. It helps the reader understand how much they can be in control of their life by following the key points shared by the authors. Adversity really can become one's friend.