The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points
The World Has Changed Enormously. Has Your Leadership?

No one will dispute these are turbulent and troubled times, times when “business as usual” no longer seems like a viable attitude. So, just how do you cope with a world that often seems to be spinning out of control — especially when your business is caught up in all the chaos?

Now, Ken Schmitt, Founder and CEO of TurningPoint Executive Search, one of America’s leading boutique recruiting firms, pulls back the curtain on the many life-changing challenges he’s faced as a business leader in The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points to reveal what’s worked for him — and what hasn’t. This frank, funny and revealing book pulls no punches as Ken details the massive challenges he’s faced personally and professionally in his journey to the C-Suite, leading his own company. More importantly, he also breaks down the secrets and strategies he’s discovered to be the most effective in navigating the highs and lows which all businesses experience. And he layers it all with a personal touch that makes his advice relatable and real.

You’ll learn what happened after the Great Recession hit, when Schmitt had to tell his staff he had a whopping $200 left in the business account. How he later successfully rebranded and redirected his business, taking it to new heights. How he and his team weathered the unexpected trauma of the pandemic when all their clients disappeared in a matter of weeks — by taking the time to rebuild, refresh and restructure so the company could come back stronger than ever when all the lockdowns ended. You’ll also find out how Schmitt’s father, a serial entrepreneur, sparked his passion for running his own operation — along with the hilarious hiccups he experienced early on in his professional career, working for a series of belligerent and less-than-reliable bosses who drove him out of several business categories until he stumbled onto his true love, recruiting.

Challenging the status quo. Transparency. Diversity. Perseverance and resilience. Staying Connected. Allowing yourself to be human. Schmitt makes it personal by taking these well-known leadership topics and exploding some of the myths around them — by providing incisive new perspectives that are both illuminating and instructive.

The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points is the book you need to understand what successful business leadership looks like in the 2020’s.

1142870763
The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points
The World Has Changed Enormously. Has Your Leadership?

No one will dispute these are turbulent and troubled times, times when “business as usual” no longer seems like a viable attitude. So, just how do you cope with a world that often seems to be spinning out of control — especially when your business is caught up in all the chaos?

Now, Ken Schmitt, Founder and CEO of TurningPoint Executive Search, one of America’s leading boutique recruiting firms, pulls back the curtain on the many life-changing challenges he’s faced as a business leader in The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points to reveal what’s worked for him — and what hasn’t. This frank, funny and revealing book pulls no punches as Ken details the massive challenges he’s faced personally and professionally in his journey to the C-Suite, leading his own company. More importantly, he also breaks down the secrets and strategies he’s discovered to be the most effective in navigating the highs and lows which all businesses experience. And he layers it all with a personal touch that makes his advice relatable and real.

You’ll learn what happened after the Great Recession hit, when Schmitt had to tell his staff he had a whopping $200 left in the business account. How he later successfully rebranded and redirected his business, taking it to new heights. How he and his team weathered the unexpected trauma of the pandemic when all their clients disappeared in a matter of weeks — by taking the time to rebuild, refresh and restructure so the company could come back stronger than ever when all the lockdowns ended. You’ll also find out how Schmitt’s father, a serial entrepreneur, sparked his passion for running his own operation — along with the hilarious hiccups he experienced early on in his professional career, working for a series of belligerent and less-than-reliable bosses who drove him out of several business categories until he stumbled onto his true love, recruiting.

Challenging the status quo. Transparency. Diversity. Perseverance and resilience. Staying Connected. Allowing yourself to be human. Schmitt makes it personal by taking these well-known leadership topics and exploding some of the myths around them — by providing incisive new perspectives that are both illuminating and instructive.

The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points is the book you need to understand what successful business leadership looks like in the 2020’s.

17.99 In Stock
The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points

The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points

by Ken Schmitt
The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points

The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points

by Ken Schmitt

Paperback

$17.99 
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Overview

The World Has Changed Enormously. Has Your Leadership?

No one will dispute these are turbulent and troubled times, times when “business as usual” no longer seems like a viable attitude. So, just how do you cope with a world that often seems to be spinning out of control — especially when your business is caught up in all the chaos?

Now, Ken Schmitt, Founder and CEO of TurningPoint Executive Search, one of America’s leading boutique recruiting firms, pulls back the curtain on the many life-changing challenges he’s faced as a business leader in The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points to reveal what’s worked for him — and what hasn’t. This frank, funny and revealing book pulls no punches as Ken details the massive challenges he’s faced personally and professionally in his journey to the C-Suite, leading his own company. More importantly, he also breaks down the secrets and strategies he’s discovered to be the most effective in navigating the highs and lows which all businesses experience. And he layers it all with a personal touch that makes his advice relatable and real.

You’ll learn what happened after the Great Recession hit, when Schmitt had to tell his staff he had a whopping $200 left in the business account. How he later successfully rebranded and redirected his business, taking it to new heights. How he and his team weathered the unexpected trauma of the pandemic when all their clients disappeared in a matter of weeks — by taking the time to rebuild, refresh and restructure so the company could come back stronger than ever when all the lockdowns ended. You’ll also find out how Schmitt’s father, a serial entrepreneur, sparked his passion for running his own operation — along with the hilarious hiccups he experienced early on in his professional career, working for a series of belligerent and less-than-reliable bosses who drove him out of several business categories until he stumbled onto his true love, recruiting.

Challenging the status quo. Transparency. Diversity. Perseverance and resilience. Staying Connected. Allowing yourself to be human. Schmitt makes it personal by taking these well-known leadership topics and exploding some of the myths around them — by providing incisive new perspectives that are both illuminating and instructive.

The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life's Turning Points is the book you need to understand what successful business leadership looks like in the 2020’s.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781642255829
Publisher: Advantage Media Group, Inc.
Publication date: 01/24/2023
Pages: 198
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.45(d)

About the Author

KEN SCHMITT is Founder & CEO of TurningPoint Executive Search, one of the premier boutique recruiting companies in the country. Ken is also the Founder & CEO of the Sales & Marketing Leadership Alliance (SMLA), which he launched in 2011. He resides in Carlsbad, CA, with his wife Juliet, a marriage and family therapist, and their two children.

Table of Contents

Introduction: My Personal Turning Points Chapter 1: The Practical Optimist Chapter 2: It’s Okay to Be Human Chapter 3: Know Your Values Chapter 4: The Courage to Challenge the Status Quo Chapter 5: Transparency Brings Teams Together Chapter 6: Why Leaders Need to Stay Connected Chapter 7: Winning with Perseverance and Resilience Chapter 8: Diversity Does You Good Chapter 9: The New Abnormal—or Don’t Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste Conclusion: It’s a Wonderful Life
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“I have had the pleasure of partnering with Ken for several years in my former Human Resources executive role for a large global automotive organization. His approach to building a strong relationship and connection right from the start is refreshing and meaningful. As he describes throughout The Practical Optimist, Ken and his team are focused on building long term relationships through transparency and an incredible work ethic, making their clients feel like they are the only thing that matters, and I would choose that any day of the week!”

Jennifer Pikoos
Global Human Resources Leader, Level One Consulting Group


“Ken has created a guide for entrepreneurs that is fresh, current, funny, honest, straightforward, and helpful. His work ethic, sense of humor, and professionalism make him an ideal partner for achieving success while having fun, and these values shine through in The Practical Optimist.”

Ron Gerevas
Professor, CSUSM, former Partner, Heidrick & Struggles


"Ken’s ability to yield the best from his team stems from being inquisitive and introspective, with impeccable EQ. As he describes in The Practical Optimist, being a true leader is all about bringing out the best in your team, and Ken's natural aptitude for teaching and coaching allows his team to be challenged while expanding their skills. I have never been more impressed by a leader."

Danielle Mathis
Head of Talent Acquisition, Clari

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