Like any knowledge product, this book is the result of a lifetime of learning. Along the way I have been blessed by generous and talented teachers. I can only name a small fraction of those to whom I am indebted.
The need to make ideas actionable to improve the world has been a constant refrain among my mentors. First and foremost, Pete Wilson, who has a keen understanding of the potential and limits of use of government power to achieve positive change. Next, George Shultz, who began professional life as an accomplished labor economist but made history as Ronald Reagan’s partner in defeating communism and confirming the superiority of capitalism.
I have been fortunate to work in several organizations that define “world class,” and each has left its mark on me. Most recently, the Wilson administration, arguably the last successful governorship of what was once our most successful state. In my early career, George David and Karl Krapek of United Technologies patiently endured my transition from Cold Warrior to aspiring corporate strategist. Earlier still, Jim Thomson, Paul Davis, Richard Darilek, and the late Bruce Goeller taught me how to think rigorously about a wide range of public policy issues.
A number of people have generously reviewed and commented on this book. What you are reading is much kinder to the reader due entirely to their advice. I am grateful to the faculty, staff, and students of California State University’s College of Business and Economics, where I had the honor of serving as its dean from 2008 to 2010, during which time I drafted this manuscript. Special thanks go to Susan Bergstrom, Hsing Fang, John Isaacson, Dong-Woo Lee, and Andrew Winnick. My arguments have been sharpened by reviews of a number of finance and economics students at CSULA and the University of Oregon, with particular thanks to Miriam Bolton for proofreading the manuscript.
Finally, the greatest investment of time came from two people who helped me strip out the economics jargon and make this book of value to a wide range of readers. This book would not exist without the contributions of Paul Romero and Lita Flores. I hope this book helps you protect your assets from the storms ahead.