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Inspiring but too short 2010-07-01

Reviewer: comprosweden

A current MBA student, I bought this book both for inspiration and some hands-on tips. All in all I got what I bargained for, but I still think that the book was a bit thin. Having the experience and specialization of the author, I think he could have come up with more content. Perhaps in the form of more interviews and other complementary material.

Don't want to complain though - I noticed before buying that the book had about 150 pages so I knew more or less what to expect. And it was certainly worth the read, if not entirely worth the buy (this was the kind of book you could see yourself donwloading as a pdf and devouring in a couple of hours on the couch).

This book inspired me most of all to further explore my set of core values, and the importance of framing your work and life not only in terms of financial success, but also in terms of contribution, well-being and people relations.

Out of touch with most MBAs 2009-05-09

Reviewer: Jaewoo Kim

The author seems to be out of touch with the realities of today's MBA and everyday Americans. He fails to include that freedom to do what one wants costs a lot of money, which not everyone has.

The author says we should look at our own core values OTHER than money to determine our career choices. We should not just stick to the cookie cutter post MBA jobs such as investment banking and consulting. Rather, we should focus on what is really important to us and try to get into a career that will allow us to serve others. Moreover, making such a choice early in life is important since it becomes more difficult later in one's career.

The author seems to be removed from the financial realities of life in America. A very substantial portion of Americans live from paycheck to paycheck. Even a top notch MBA grad will make an average of low six figures which will not make him or her "wealthy". If you combine the fact a two year MBA can cost well over $250K (tuition+lost wages) in investment, it isn't surprising many MBAs cannot pay off their student loans even after 10-20 years after their MBA. If you add everyday bills such as mortgage, raising children, and retirement, then making lot money is not merely greed, but a neccessity.

Given the author's rather privileged background, it is easy to see why he lacks understanding of many of today's MBAs. The author says his family is full of big time lawyers, doctors, and CEOs. He seems to come from a rather wealthy family. The author has an MBA from Harvard and made a lot of money (probably several millions) from consulting and owning his business. Many of his examples are Harvard MBA grads who sometimes made hundreds of millions of dollars. It seems the author never had to struggle financially and always lived a financially stable life. No wonder he could easily walk away from his privileged life and do something he wants for far less money. He can afford to.

As far as the fisherman in a Mexican small village story, I think the story is cute but not pratical. Did you know that medical problems are number one reason for personal bankruptcy in America? If you have no money, you could be happy, but you certainly may not be able to pay for basic neccessities, such as medical care, when you really need one.

You don't want to end up poor and helpless?

Then you better do something else than heed the author's advice such as do smalltime fishing in Mexico unless you are a multi-millionaire like the author.

Neccessary Read 2009-02-12

Reviewer: Ryan Arnold

My wife and I have both read this book and it has been an invaluable tool for helping shape the direction of the future we would like to undertake. This book is not limited to the MBA, but is a book that can provide insight and benefit to anyone, not only us money hungry MBA's.

Asks the Important Questions 2009-01-15

Reviewer: Jennifer Kahnweiler

Author Mark Albion asks MBA students to ask the tough but important questions at a critical juncture in their lives. He gives more than lip service to the notion that you have options about how you use your experience and education. Mark shares from his own heart and experience. He teaches all of us to continually examine our values as we go forth in this world. As a longtime coach of MBA students and graduates, I believe this highly engaging book will be a welcome edition to any business student's library. Thank you Mark Albion!

A thought provoking book 2009-01-01

Reviewer: Mary Jacobs

I just read Dr Mark's book for the 2nd time.
I'm almost done with my Master's in Organizational Leadership and am strongly considering what I want my next job to be.
While the book appears to be geared towards MBA students and grads, this book is really meaningful for anyone who wants to make a difference.
Dr Mark asks questions in each chapter that makes you step back and consider what you want to get out of your career. I've started my own journal to answer his thought provoking questions.
I highly recommend this book-another winner!