Special Thanks

This book, like a living river, has many tributaries. Our ThirdRiver team and many great clients allowed us to put these ideas into practice and then write about the results. Renee Aukeman Prymus helped make our first drafts of ideas and stories greater. She is a gifted writer and will have many more book projects in her future. Abby Straus used her artistic skill to bring our stars and little people to life. John Porcari added Greater Goal Coaching and an unwavering belief in the purpose-performance connection. Amy Foster embodies belief in our business and in a life lived for Greater Goals. Melissa Feeney and Christina Ballard keep our back office and hospitality afloat. Sara Jennings, Lexi Joachim, and Matt Jennings were always there for us as Greater Goal advocates—they give us confidence in the future. Lee Scott contributed encouragement and a pair of cleats. Our consulting colleagues have taught us the joys and challenges of collaborating, and we will always be grateful for the lessons learned.

For consultants, nothing great happens without a great client, and our clients are awesome and often courageous. (And none of them would think of themselves that way, which is part of what makes them our favorite serving leaders.) Joe Patrnchak added encouragement and modeled wholehearted alignment to a Greater Goal. Dan Bradbury proves that these ideas can work in a world-class company and that values matter. Newt Crenshaw showed us how to lead and to make a difference in the world, while facing life’s most difficult circumstances, and never waver in his care for his friends and family. These are among the greats.

Being supporters of Berrett-Koehler and the BK Authors Coop and their Greater Goal of creating a world that works for all has been one of life’s most satisfying gifts. We have been supported by our faith community and have amazing friends at Lead Like Jesus, Renovare, Twelve Stones Ministries, and our church, The Open Door. We labor alongside friends. The blessings never stop.