To Michael Viollt for your brilliance, trust, and character, and the boundless personal and professional opportunities you've offered. You've been my George Bailey. Your humility and goodness are a constant inspiration. The success of Robert Morris College is an artful orchestration of genius, and you are the captain of that ship. Be proud of the mark you've made in the lives of many, and thank you for your love and friendship.

To Bruce Wexler for introducing me to John Wiley & Sons—without you, these words would not be written, this book not published.

To the Wiley team of Shannon Vargo, Laurie Harting, Jessica Langan-Peck, Christine Kim, and Kate Lindsay—you are all true professionals who are guiding, supportive, and more importantly, polite, throughout this exciting journey.

To my colleagues at Victory Consulting, including the resident intellect, Calvin Iwema; the savant-minded Matt Baron; the plow horse, Joe Tabers; the fiery, creative, and razor sharp Nicole Nashar Andrews; and the scary-intuitive Tim Hoyle, a "selfless" inspiration to my career and a truly good soul.

To amazing clients like Turner Construction, Lillibridge, Budget Blinds, and J.H. Findorff for the partnership you've provided me and our Victory Consulting team—you are winning organizations with quality people, reflective of your well-deserved success. There are too many names to mention, but please know I am forever grateful to your fine companies.

To all the high school and college students and teachers who provided me the chance to work with them in the advent of my speaking career—you served as the breeding ground for my professional development and constant reminder that nothing is more important than connecting with people on an honest, vulnerable level.

To General Motors, American Express, and Prudential—thank you for the early exposure to speak and consult in the corporate big leagues.

To Alan Weiss, an incredible business mentor who quickly edified me on the "business side" of the speaking business, and allows me to quote him weekly to even the very top of the business food chain. In his words, "The hardest sale you will ever have to make is to yourself," and "I'm constantly amazed at how stupid I was two weeks ago." You are a difference maker on many levels.

To the 26 groomsmen who honored me by standing up in my wedding (without compensation!)—I love you all from near and far. Joey C., you may be in a better place, but I'll always miss getting the wind knocked out of me from your bone-crushing, bear hugs.

Finally, I want to acknowledge all the people out there who have a passion for lifelong learning as well as those of you who remind yourselves to appreciate what you do have in life. I hope the concepts and tools in this book fuel your engine to continually elevate to that next level of personal and professional success.

—Joe Takash

May 16, 2007