Remember Who You Are: Life Stories That Inspire the Heart and Mind

Wademan, a former investment banker and Harvard Business School alumna, was so affected by her distinguished professors' parting anecdotes and advice to graduating students that she wanted to share their informal speeches with a wider audience. Intimate anecdotes, such as Kent Bowen's recollection of his gifted mother working as a janitor to support her children, and more humorous reminiscences, such as Rosabeth Moss Kanter's claiming a resemblance to Katharine Hepburn during a teleconference, remind aspiring business gurus that character is an asset that can't be taught. The faculty members' anecdotes and wise advice were originally addressed to business students who would likely assume prominent leadership positions in the industry, so most of their 15 speeches advise the ambitious go-getters to remain humble and compassionate. And as Professor Jai Jaikumar urges, would-be leaders must remember that""success is born in good fortune, and obligation is born in success."" As a result, this book would be most useful to those who are in management positions, but the stories will resonate with anyone who seeks the fine balance between professional growth and personal development.