Comebacks : Powerful Lessons from Leaders Who Endured Setbacks and Recaptured Success on Their Terms

Comebacks Comebacks features an all star cast of ten business leaders who have endured career setbacks—for some a public fall in the midst of extreme media scrutiny—then reassessed and moved ahead with new purpose. Based on revealing interviews, the profiles in the book provide a behind the headlines glimpse into the lives of seasoned leaders, showing how they drew upon resources, both internal and external, to navigate their way forward and to learn leadership and life lessons that allowed them to redefine success. Together, the ten profiles reveal that all leaders face adversity, but true leaders turn adversity into success—and redefine success through their leadership. High profile leaders featured include: Jamie Dimon, renowned chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase who, at the peak of his career with Citigroup, was fired as president. Former HP chair Patricia Dunn who, after a corporate espionage scandal hit the company, resigned as chairman and then faced felony charges while battling cancer. Completely exonerated, she is now active in philanthropic work. Former Baxter International CEO Harry Kraemer who, after twenty two years at the pharmaceutical firm, had to step down after the company scaled back its earnings forecasts. He is now a highly regarded business professor at Northwestern University and an executive partner in a private equity firm. Former Ford Motor Company CEO Jacques Nasser who, forced to resign from the automaker after devoting years to the company, has recently assumed the prestigious position of chairman of BHP Billiton, the world s largest natural resources company. Former founder and CEO of JetBlue David Neeleman who, asked to step down after a series of weather related delays in 2007 caused an uproar among passengers and consumers, has moved on to found a new airline in Brazil. In turbulent economic times, when careers are derailed by layoffs and leaders are forced to rewrite their professional plans, Comebacks offers introspection that enlightens as well as uplifts. Honest and soul searching, the stories in Comebacks will resonate with anyone who is experiencing a reversal, is disillusioned by career choices, or is exploring new paths that are better aligned with their values and priorities.