Hey everyone, my book is finally here. I just got advanced copies of “From the Sandbox to the Corner Office”, (http://www.sandboxbook.com) which includes 55 interviews I did with CEOs and leaders from all walks of life about the screw ups and missteps they’ve made during their careers, and the lessons they learned during childhood from parents who spanked them and the first jobs they held.
It’s weird finally having the book in my hand. It took about two years from the time I came up with the idea to right now – me sitting here, holding this book in my hand. Am I dreaming?
A book, with chapters, and a tiny photo of me. I’m going to be in the library some day. Cool!
My dad’s birthday was this past Monday and this book would have made an awesome gift for him if he was still alive. He was always my biggest advocate, pushing me to try harder, to go after my dreams. I wish he was here to give me one of those I’m-so-proud-of-you hugs, the kind that stops your breathing for a second.
There’s a lot in the book that makes me think about my own childhood and work life.
I have a whole chapter in my book about how the CEOs survived bad bosses during their careers. And yes, I have quite a few of those stories myself. One of the worst bosses I have ever had comes to mind right now as I look at the book sitting atop my desk. He was a mean-spirited unhappy individual who was a tyrant to his workers, but bleated like a sheep whenever the higher ups said Boo.
When I finally decided to leave that job, because I realized I could not outlast the man, he asked me why I was leaving. I said, “Because you’re an idiot.” No, just kidding, I didn’t say that. I decided to take the high road and figured if the higher ups didn’t realize what a jerk he was they deserved him. I said, “I want to pursue a freelance career and also write a book.”
His response, in an ultra snide tone was: “Do you think you have a book in you Eve?”
Well buddy, turns out I did.
Lesson learned – Don’t listen to naysayers. Just follow your dreams and let them eat cake.
Epilogue: Just in case the bad boss didn’t catch my book on Amazon.com, I had my publisher send him a copy.
September 27th, 2006 at 7:35 pm
Congrats, Evie! Do you think I’ll be able to read it aloud to my 4th graders? Your comments from the negative boss remind me of the ones Mariel received in high school when she informed the nuns she wanted to go to medical school someday. They laughed! She loved going to her reunion, seeing some of them, and telling them that she was a head and neck surgeon. Hope they don’t need her services! Hope you autograph the book for him (and then charge him for it).
Can’t wait to read it, kiddo!
September 27th, 2006 at 8:18 pm
Hah. How could you NOT have a book in you? Congrats.
And consider yourself lucky if you only had one bad boss. Getting a good boss is such a crapshoot in the business world. It’s like someone says “Poof! You’re a manager. Oh, and here’s a course that should make you a good one.” THe chances of that happening are not good. TO me, good bosses, like good teachers, have an innate gift. I suppose some can learn, but…actually, I’m going to go try and remember a GOOD boss.
Pat
September 27th, 2006 at 8:45 pm
Yeah! The perfect X-mas gift for all the worker bees in my life. Congrats Eve. I know Yanni would have been SO proud.
As for bad bosses, don’t they just make you appreciate the good ones? I have been fortunate to have the same great boss at two different places (I ended up moving to the city where she had moved and so we are on our second go-around.) I am always stunned at the level of loyalty her staff has for her. They would walk on fire for her. I compare that to the worst boss I ever had and you know what happened to him? His own supervisor ripped him in a written evaluation and then made copies of it and handed it out to his underlings. (Ok, HE wasn’t a great boss either.) Talk about pulling the rug out… He lost any semblance of authority and eventually left. Worst part: I know several of his underlings kept the unflattering evaluation and dislike him so much I bet they wouldn’t hesitate to have it surface if he ever made it big. I personally think that’s taking bitterness to a ridiculous level. (Go write a freakin’ book and send it to him to show him up, right Eve?)
September 28th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
Eve, Dad would have been very proud of you and remember that the love and confidence in our abilities he showed us through our lives (spankings included) is the hug you have and continue to receive from him.
I am so proud of you and remember that shooting for the stars is what our parents gave us. That is why we are able to overcome bad bosses and any adversity that life hands us. Remember Dad always told us to keep striving for our goals and dreams.
Love you
V
September 28th, 2006 at 1:11 pm
ok, i’m crying now.
September 28th, 2006 at 8:25 pm
Revenge is a dish best served cold - and in the form of a book that you can sent to a snotty, jerky old boss.
OK, so my philosophy for life may come “The Godfather,” but it makes a lot of sense.
Eve, I’m so proud of you and love introducing you as my friend, the author. (Soon to be best-selling author.)You’re my hero.
Did you think that that dumb boss is the way that he is because he WASN’T spanked as a child? Food for thought.
September 28th, 2006 at 8:53 pm
you funny.
October 2nd, 2006 at 7:07 pm
Evola,
I am so VERY VERY proud of you…you go, girl!!!!
I am a firm believer that you should always follow your dreams, and don’t surround yourself with negative people. In fact, get them out of your life….I DID.
Again, CONGRATULATIONS Evola on writing a book that will soon be on The New York Time’s Bestsellers.
Luv ya,
Lorna
P.S. I can’t wait to read it!