This book is a result of a lifetime of learning, thinking, talking, reading, and most of all working with many great leaders on getting better business results. At the core I have been a student of human performance since I graduated from college. And over the past three decades I have been playing in the arena of Wall Street with some wins, some losses, and my share of mistakes. The battle scars to inch out the competition made all of us improve our game. When I look back, I can gain perspective and reflect on the people who had an impact in my life and helped me shape my philosophy on human potential and growing a wealth management business. Writing a book is a massive undertaking and for the most part very enjoyable, but I'm not rushing to write another book anytime soon. One of the challenges of writing a book is the fact that any author wants to produce the very best piece of work; therefore, I tried to pay attention to the smallest details. But I never totally got comfortable letting go and saying to myself I'm done. Just like painting a landscape, even years after it's done, you feel one more brushstroke could make a difference. Therefore I'm sure I edited out 30,000 words before all was said and done. Though writing is a solitary activity and a nice change from speaking in front of a large group, I must confess I'd much rather be with a group of growth‐minded leaders talking about life and business than in my office typing away and doing research. The right people give me energy and ideas and are inspiring. I'll admit that as a professional speaker my mind is always on the lookout for ways to be more effective and persuasive.

One of the best parts of writing this book was the opportunity to meet leaders I haven't met before and reconnecting with old friends. I am grateful to my family and friends for their support and candid feedback and always making sure my feet are firmly planted on the ground. Thanks to my daughters, Bianca and Emilia. They create a deep joy in my life and I'm so grateful that we can share a life together. To my brother, Egidio, and my sister, Giovanna, for always being there for me. To my wife, Barbara, for always supporting my adventures and dreams.

I am grateful to all the advisors I have worked with over the years. This book would not have been possible without their friendship, support, and ideas. I am indebted to my friends who provided feedback and support, including Bob Dunwoody, Joe Grano, Jim Carbonaro, Tim Ursiny, Alex Murray, Jonathan Cressy, Rafer Kingston, John Christiana, Tina Powell, Kevin Sincavage, John H. Decker, Cary Greenspan, Sid Queler, Mark Casady, Dave Kelly, Courtney McQuade, Craig Pfeiffer, Lisa Carnoy, Rich Dragotta, Tony Davidow, John Hyland, Ira Wolfe, Stacey Glemboski and Jennifer Skancke. Thank you as well to the team at Wiley, who provided top‐notch support and guidance, including Julie Kerr, Michael Henton, Gayathri Govindarajan, Judy Howarth, Bill Falloon, and Shelley Flannery.

Finally, I beg forgiveness of all those who have played a role in helping me with this book over the past year but whose names I have failed to mention.