{"product_id":"what-made-me-who-i-am","title":"What Made Me Who I Am","description":"Starting a business is a wonderfully naïve venture. Only a fortunate few will survive--and very few of those who thrive will have something special to say about failure, success, and leadership.\n\nBernie Swain is one of those few very fortunate people. He quit his job in 1980 to start a lecture agency with his wife and a friend. By the end of their first rocky year--just as his savings were running out--Swain's first revenues trickled in. He began signing every speaker with a handshake; this proved to be the hallmark of trust that helped accelerate the company's growth. Years later, his roster of speakers would be the greatest in history since America's first agency represented a host of notables such as Mark Twain, Susan B. Anthony, and Frederick Douglass.\nThe best of Swain's fortunes turned out to be the speakers themselves because these remarkable leaders had become his personal friends. What Made Me Who I Am captures the leadership transformations of 34 of those friends--from Doris Kearns Goodwin to Colin Powell, Terry Bradshaw to Tom Brokaw, and Tony Blair to Dave Barry. This assembly of people defines a generation. What were their most powerful influences? Defining moments? Decisions that contributed the most to their character and accomplishments?\nSwain captures answers to these questions and more in an inspiring, practical collection of true-life stories for leaders today. What Made Me Who I Am is also a terrific gift book for graduates and others who are just starting out in life.\n\nABOUT THE AUTHOR\n\nWashington DC-based BERNIE SWAIN is co-founder of Washington Speakers Bureau and today's foremost authority on the lecture industry. Over the past 35 years, Swain has represented former US Presidents, cabinet members, business executives, public figures, media leaders, and sports legends. For more, visit BernieSwain.com.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: 1682610004\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: BVV.1682610004.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Swain, Bernie\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact  including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Blue Vase Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42973073768509,"sku":"BVV.1682610004.G","price":6.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0589\/4225\/9261\/files\/1682610004-0.jpg?v=1770066635","url":"https:\/\/www.bluevasebooks.com\/products\/what-made-me-who-i-am","provider":"Blue Vase Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}