By Ram Charan

As a young person, you are entering a world that will always change. Some young people have courage, stamina, and the temperament to do more than just accept the change. They lead the change. They have an insatiable appetite to learn what is happening, to seek new ideas, to look at the world from a historical perspective, and to talk to people who have learned from history. They distill wisdom and learn what not to do. They recognize what lies ahead and what will demand the best of their mental faculties and behaviors—knowing that their actions will inspire others.

If you are a young person who believes in the future, who believes in personal growth, who has the humility to learn, this book is for you.

I have known Bill White for a long time. Throughout his life, his values have served him very well. At Harvard, he sought out instructors who had wisdom, built character, and shared experiences. Professor Georges Doriot was one of those instructors. He was legendary. He helped build the character of many CEOs. Remember, no young person knows everything: What they do not know, they learn from people with wisdom. At Harvard, Bill was one of those people. In the early days of his career, he went “where the action is,” which was on the ground floor. He built up his life and career from there. What Bill accomplished for himself was not what mattered most to him. Rather, it was helping others accomplish their goals and beyond, and rejoicing in their success, that has always been of utmost importance to Bill. If these qualities resonate with you, then you’ve picked up the right book.

Every single day is the first step of the next portion of your life. Be a marathon player, not a sprinter. Have the temperament, stamina, and patience to know when to make a change and when to remain the same. Bill provides a stellar example for living this life.

This is a small book. Read it carefully. Discuss it with your colleagues. Internalize the gems that it holds. Remember the importance of doing good. How you live will contribute to your generation. True success is achieving both your ambitions and your happiness—find the balance. The world needs you.