Before I Was CEO: Life Stories and Lessons from Leaders Before They Reached the Top

PRAISE FOR BEFORE I WAS CEO

"A much–needed reminder that successful careers are full of twists and turns and that people who lead most effectively aren′t always the ones with the burning desire for power."
Adam Grant, Wharton professor and New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take

"At last, some in–depth reporting that explains how and why people really got ahead, rather than the over–simplified platitudes that make up most business advice books. Peter Vanham has coaxed lively and revealing accounts from some of the world′s prominent chief executives."
James B. Stewart, Columnist, New York Times; Winner, Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting; Author of Heart of a Soldier, Blood Sport, and Den of Thieves

"Peter Vanham really delves deep in his interviews with several of the world′s leading entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. The result is not only a compelling set of expertly weaved narratives but also some genuinely valuable insights, especially into what keeps business leaders going even in their darkest hours."
James Kynge, Emerging Markets Editor, Financial Times; Author of China Shakes the World

"Life stories are always intriguing and fascinating. This marvelous book provides glimpses and at times profound insights into the lives of leaders, and deep reflections on what we can learn from their experiences and choices."
Lynda Gratton, Professor, London Business School; Author of The 100 Year Life

"Before I Was CEO is a lifting of the curtains on the personal itineraries of twenty diverse CEOs a unique set of accounts, deeply personal and compellingly instructive."
Michael Useem, Wharton Professor, From the Foreword

Foreword by Michael Useem

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part I: Adversity

Chapter 1: Finding True North

Chapter 2: The Dot Com Crisis

Part II: Opportunities

Chapter 3: Chasing the American Dream

Chapter 4: Serendipity

Part III: Off the Beaten Path

Chapter 5: A Shining Path

Chapter 6: Brewing in the Brousse

Part IV: Breaking Free, Coming Home

Chapter 7: Breaking Free

Chapter 8: Coming Home

Part V: Role Models

Chapter 9: Father s Footsteps

Chapter 10: Practical Advice

Conclusions

About the Author

Index

PETER VANHAM is a business writer and media strategist. He is the U.S. media lead and a global leadership fellow at the World Economic Forum, as well as a contributor to Financial Times, Business Insider, and Forbes. Prior to working in media, he was a management consultant at Bain & Company in Brussels. He holds an M.A. in Business & Economics from Columbia Journalism School and an M.S. in Commercial Engineering from the University of Leuven.