acknowledgments

Among the many things I have learned on this journey is that it takes a multitude of talented, kind, and generous individuals to make the idea of a book a reality. I am deeply indebted to my clients and advisors for their encouragement and for the experiences they shared. Some are directly quoted in these pages, others served as inspirations for stories shared and advice offered. My sincere thanks to Amanda Addeo, Wendy-Lee Austin, Barbara Brooks, Anne Calhoun, Andrea Carlson, Lawrence Carlson, Penni Connors, Robert Cuomo, Ph.D., Diane Danielson, Kurt DelBene, Gisele Garceau, Richard Garcia, Tully Hannan, John Heroux, Mike Hines, Kevin Holian, Carmella Kletjian, Sue Kline, Gabriella LaMonica, Katherine McEleney, Patrick Malone, Dan McCarthy, Rosemary Murphy, Alison Quandt, Gary Roderick, Jean Ruggeri, Kristen Scott, Esta Singer, Mark Steinberg, Lynda Stevens, Barbara Thomas, Jon Thomas, Mike Trombetta, Deanna White, and Jackie Wilbur. I also thank Lewis Lapham, Lisa Pierpont, and Michael Salmon for their support and the key introductions they made on my behalf.

I am most grateful to Ellen Kadin, executive editor of AMACOM books, for taking a chance on this fledgling author and to my skilled literary agent, Michael Snell, for his expert guidance and continuous encouragement. My sincere thanks go to my talented editor, Patricia Snell, for her painstaking efforts and keen direction and to Libby Koponen and Nichole Bernier for their vital editorial contributions.

I am also very grateful to friends who, with unwavering support, have seen me through this process. Special thanks go to Claudia Clark, Ron Clarke, Kathy Gallinaro, Colleen Jerwann, Debbie Monosson, Francis O’Keefe, Ted Patrikas, Vince Spiziri, Janie Walsh, Sara Wilhelm, and Beth Witte.

To all of my Thomas, Hannan, and McCarthy family members for enthusiastically taking this journey with me: a huge thank you. Special thanks to Barbara, Nina, and Robert for their wonderful help and countless pep talks. And profound thanks to Jean, my mother, for too many things to mention. Finally, to Donald, my champion from day one: I could not have done it without you. Thank you.