Howard's Gift

Uncommon Wisdom to Inspire Your Life's Work

De: Eric Sinoway, Merrill Meadow

Narrado por: William Dufris

"This work offers wonderful wisdom for navigating the inflection points in our lives." - Mehmet Oz, MD

An iconic teacher. A warm friend. A generous mentor.

For more than 40 years, Howard Stevenson has been a towering figure at Harvard Business School: the man who literally defined entrepreneurship and taught thousands of the world's most successful professionals.

Now - spurred by Stevenson's heart-stopping brush with death - his student, colleague, and dear friend Eric Sinoway shares the man's wisdom and inspiration. Through warm and engaging conversations, we hear Howard's timeless and practical lessons on pursuing success and fulfillment, beginning with:

- Create a vision of your own legacy through a process called "business planning for life."

- Be entrepreneurial in driving your career ahead (even if you're not an entrepreneur).

- Exploit the inflection points in your life - whether "friend," "foe," or "silent."

- Cut risk in tough career and life decisions by shining the "light of predictability" on them.

- Plan for the ripples, not just the splash from your actions and choices.

Listening to Howard's Gift is like having a wise, caring friend sit down and say, "Let's figure all this out together."
"This book is truly a gift for all those seeking fulfilling careers." - Wendy Kopp, Founder & CEO, Teach For America

Reseñas de la Crítica

<p>“Just as thousands of Harvard Business School students and countless others from around the world have benefitted from Howard Stevenson's wisdom, insight, and example, so will the readers of this very remarkable book.” —<i>John McArthur, Dean Emeritus & George F. Baker Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School</i><br><br>“This work offers wonderful wisdom for navigating the inflection points in our lives.” —<i>Mehmet Oz, MD Professor and Vice Chair, Surgery, New York Presbyterian/ Columbia University</i><br><br>“This is a book of head and heart, of wisdom and emotion. It is <i>Tuesdays with Morrie</i> meets <i>What Color is Your Parachute</i>? Howard's Gift is a timeless classic.” —<i>Mindy Grossman, CEO of HSNi</i><br><br>“<i>Howard's Gift</i> offers such an empowering way of thinking about life and work. It is for people of all paths and professions who are interested not merely in being "successful" but in achieving deep personal satisfaction. This book is truly a gift for all those who are seeking fulfilling careers.” —<i>Wendy Kopp, CEO and Founder, Teach for America</i><br><br>“From a student interested in philosophy to the one pursuing pre-med, from the future attorney to the aspiring executive, Howard's Gift is a priceless guide for the incoming freshman charting his or her coursework--or the graduating student contemplating professional options.<br><br>Howard's Gift educates and inspires, reminding us that success without happiness and purpose is a bad bargain.” —Don Bishop, Chief Administrator for Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid Scholarships, University of Notre Dame<br><br>“<i>Howard's Gift</i> educates and inspires, reminding us that success without happiness and purpose is a bad bargain.” —<i>Don Bishop, Chief Administrator for Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid Scholarships, University of Notre Dame</i><br><br>“Howard will go down in business history as the primary promoter of entrepreneurship. Howard not only teaches business but a way of life. He is both wise and smart. I remember watching him teach students and watching their eyes open to a new way of thinking--about their careers, their future, and their lives.” —<i>Arthur Rock, Venture Capitalist, Arthur Rock & Company</i></p>

Worth a listen

I mostly enjoyed the book but it did get slow at times. I occasionally found my mind wandering and had to force my attention.

Good reference

Halfway through, I sent it to my brother.

What was said in the book in many was a refresher on some topics. But since they were said in different ways than what I had heard in other books, I felt I was gaining a new perspective. Well worth the listen.

I definitely recommend following the author's advice to listen to a chapter and let it sit with you. Before moving on to the next.

Extraordinary life value

The reading voice chosen for this book borders on painful. But the content is extraordinary in its value to any of us trying to live a life of meaning and balance while always trying to get better at enjoying the world and changing the world.

Never Look a Gift ...

What would have made Howard's Gift better?

I'm certain that Howard's wisdom was passed along to many of his students. However, this biographical story lacks any real depth or significant ideas. I just kept waiting, expecting a gem or two of real wisdom. Just not there. Very disappointed in the purchase.

Has Howard's Gift turned you off from other books in this genre?

Somewhat.

What aspect of William Dufris’s performance would you have changed?

Less affectation with his voice.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It just passed some time while I was on the road, but I was very disappointed that it lacked any depth or interesting concepts and ideas.

Any additional comments?

As for Howard's Wisdom, I guess you had to be there in person to see the magnificence.

Had to stop listening

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

narration was too distracting. instead of allowing the writing to express ideas, the narrator's over the top attempt at impersonating made the listening experience awful.

What was most disappointing about Eric Sinoway’s story?

the tips or lessons were generic and too forever to get more specific.

Any additional comments?

keep narration of non fiction books simple so that content can be optimally expressed.