The Adversity Paradox An Unconventional Guide to Achieving Uncommon Business Success

Oprah Winfrey, Harvey Mackay, Doris Christopher, and Rick Hendrick have firsthand knowledge of 'œthe adversity paradox'�: working to overcome humble beginnings, lack of knowledge, unexpected setbacks, or any manner of misfortune that may come your way and turning it into the greatest tool to building savvy. They all relate how the knowledge they gained from overcoming adversity played such a crucial role in their success trajectories that they now considered adversity their friend. But The Adversity Paradox isn't merely a collection of motivational anecdotes; it's also a distillation of knowledge gained over many years in business. While many motivational business books promise easy access to prosperity and power by way of secret insight, quick and easy steps, or 'œinsider tips'� that are dubious at best, The Adversity Paradox tells it straight. It offers no secret formula or silver bullet. Instead it offers candid accounts from those whose skills, resourcefulness, and confidence have been tested by adversity and who have put their misfortunes to good use by gaining business savvy from them. The paths to success are diverse, but The Adversity Paradox identifies definitive patterns that anyone can study and learn from.

J. Barry Griswell is former chairman and chief executive officer of the Principal Financial Group. He is a 2003 recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, given to individuals who have achieved great success while overcoming difficult backgrounds. He is president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.
Bob Jennings is president of Lean Management Group, a consulting company focused on senior management methods and execution.