Review of The Upside of Turbulence: Seizing Opportunity in an Uncertain World (Hardcover)

How well we deal with changes in our business environment is the most important issue that companies face. The Upside of Turbulence is a very riveting book that captures the many times that innovation and agility have to carry a company through some of the hardest issues that a company can face. I could not put this book down; it was that interesting and that good. While companies struggle to compete, and people struggle to compete for jobs, sometimes it is the inexplicable moments where even though the idea is unpopular that carries the company through rough times.

There are sections of the book I do not agree with, but most of the book has enough examples to show why things worked when they worked. Companies are struggling now to work out how to manage in what promises to be a very long recovery, the Upside of Turbulence demonstrates how this is the one golden opportunity for companies that understand how to take advantage of downturns and changes in business environments to not only survive but take advantage of the moment. That is what makes this a very good book to read, we all know when things are going badly, but often we do not know how to take advantage of things going badly. The Upside of Turbulence shows how others have done this, and some of the ideas can be applied to issues happening today. We live in a boom bust economy, this is one of the few books that goes back far enough to show how to leverage the boom and the bust and turn it towards an advantage for everyone who is running a company.

Rated 5 of 5 stars, because I could not put this book down, ended up reading it all day, much to my chagrin.







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Review of The Five Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me About Life and Wealth (Hardcover)

I have read a lot of money books, and this one has nothing new to say, as the author clearly states in the beginning of the book. HOWEVER, I have never read a book that presents the five lessons in such a simple, easy to understand, way.

The author does not ramble on with story upon story of people who got rich like some of its neighboring books in this genre, instead he uses just enough stories to illustrate the lessons and the key points of the book.

My favorite thing about the book is that it is ethical. In these last few years we have seen some of the richest men in America put into prison because of their greed and waste. Because books like these are finding their ways into the hands of down to earth people, the rich population of America is becoming less greedy and more charitable.

Another wonderful thing about the book is its length. Although I like The Millionare Next Door, and I do recommend it, it is longer and more cumbersom to read if you are not used to this genre. The Five Lessons is very short, I read it all last night in four or five hours.

The author has his prioroties straight, he says, very plainly, that life is not about money, but that it is about God and family. He states that money does not equal joy, but that it can help you to be able to help others and to improve the world around you.

The book does ask you to contemplate your character, how you would handle wealth and the power that comes with it. It is both logical and reflective.

The only thing people might not like about the book is that it is so shockingly simple that they might not apply it.

You might remember the story of Elisha the prophet, from the Bible, who told the sick king to wash in the Jordan River in order to be healed. At first the king was furious that he was given such a simple solution but eventually did wash in the river, as he was instructed, and was completely healed.

This book is just like that, it is a simple answer, but if applied, it will work.

Wash in the river, my friends; buy and apply this book.



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Review of You Can't Predict a Hero: From War to Wall Street, Leading in Times of Crisis (Hardcover)

I have a large palette when it comes to what I read, and on first look, the story of a Wall Street broker is not something I would usually place high on my list as a "must read". At the urging of a family member whose advice when it comes to good books is top rate, I picked up this one.I absolutely loved it.It is one of the most compelling true stories I've read quite some time and it is wonderfully written. Getting to know Mr. Grano and his accomplishments in the face of diverse and sometimes harrowing challenges is one of the most compelling human stories I've read in some time.The book is both inspirational and educational, one I will keep in my library and refer to when needed. Thank you Mr. Grano.



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