Success Project

Written for people in their twenties, thirties, and forties who are climbing the ladder, this book examines what success means and how it feels to pursue it, setbacks and stumbles included. Readers are guided by three prompts: what success means to them, which words of wisdom they live by or pass on to others, and which part of their own story reveals something about success.

The contributors respond with reflections on competition, money, careers, balancing work and life, women in the workplace, diversity, being an introvert, bluffing, and failure. Gathered over the years, 171 pieces of advice accompany these reflections.

The voices belong to well-known CEOs, C-suite executives, senior leaders, and consultants, who share personal stories and practical career guidance. Two dozen people took part, including eleven women, six members of minority groups, two openly LGBTQ contributors, four current or former CEOs, thirteen C-suite executives, six partners at global consulting firms, eight holders of MBAs, three CPAs, two PhDs, and two lawyers. All have worked for or alongside Fortune 500 companies, and some have worked with firms in the Fortune 100.

Readers can go through the book from start to finish, follow the topics that interest them most, or focus on the contributors whose experiences resonate with them. Some may prefer to read with friends and mark passages with a highlighter, while the 171 pieces of advice are meant for browsing.