I have firsthand experience in some of the harshest environments on the planet. I’ve survived sub-zero temperatures, hurricane force winds, sudden avalanches…and a career on Wall Street. I served as team captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, climbed the highest peak on every continent (the “7 Summits”), and skied to both the North and South Poles. I spent four years as an adjunct professor at the US Military Academy at West Point. Awarded the 2019 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. I have a beer named after me. I love dogs. Three heart surgeries could not slow me down. NY Times bestselling author of On the Edge. I’ve had some high profile failures and have been the butt of late night talk show opening monologue jokes. Come at me!
I wrote...
On the Edge: Leadership Lessons from Mount Everest and Other Extreme Environments
By
Alison Levine
What is my book about?
In On the Edge, Levine makes a compelling case that the leadership principles that apply in the world of extreme adventure also apply to today’s rigorously competitive business environments. Both settings require you to make critical decisions when the conditions around you are far from perfect. Your survival—and the survival of your team—totally depend on it. The advice in the book comes not only from Levine’s own experiences in life or death situations, but also from lessons she has learned from decorated military officers, successful business leaders, and legendary sports heroes. Much of it is flat-out contrarian and flies in the face of what you’ve been told by well-known management gurus and highly-paid executive coaches: encourage big egos, go backward—away from your goal, ignore the rules, ditch the plan, deprive yourself of sleep, and reward failure. But it works for her. And it can work for you too.
On the Edge provides a roadmap to help you scale whatever big peaks you aspire to climb—be they literal or figurative—by offering practical, humorous, and often unorthodox advice about how to reach your potential as a leader.
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The Books I Picked & Why
Span of Control: What to Do When You're Under Pressure, Overwhelmed, and Ready to Get What You Really Want
By
Carey D. Lohrenz
Why this book?
We all feel overwhelmed and stressed out at times. And that stress can take a mental toll, a physical toll, and can prevent us from achieving our true potential. As one of the Navy’s first female F-14 pilots, Lohrenz is an expert on finding clarity of focus and blocking out the distractions that can throw our lives off-course. Her book explains how to thrive in today’s world of fast-paced change and task-overload. I would recommend the audiobook as this is a voice you want in your ear for sure!
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Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
By
Adam Grant
Why this book?
Grant explains why, in holding fast to our convictions, we may be doing ourselves a disservice. We change out other things in our life that we know are “outdated” – our technology, our wardrobes, etc…but often we hold on to beliefs that may not be serving us well. Think Again lays out the case for re-examining long-held beliefs and opening our minds to other viewpoints. Grant encourages us to look at disagreement as an opportunity to learn and grow and expand our minds. The book will also teach you how to argue more constructively and compassionately – and who wouldn’t benefit from that?
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Big Little Breakthroughs: How Small, Everyday Innovations Drive Oversized Results
By
Josh Linkner
Why this book?
So often we get “stuck” because we think we have to come up with a really big idea in order to have an impact and to achieve substantial results. Nope! Linkner explains why it is a mistake to put pressure on ourselves to “Go Big.” It’s often the little ideas that lead to the best, most significant results. This book chronicles all kinds of amazingly accomplished people – Lin Manuel Miranda, Lady Gaga, Steven Spielberg, etc. Linkner’s story-telling will convince you to focus on small things and will help you unlock your creativity.
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10,000 Nos: How to Overcome Rejection on the Way to Your Yes
By
Matthew Del Negro
Why this book?
Matt is an actor, which means he is constantly jockeying for jobs in what might be the most competitive industry on the planet. He explains that dealing with rejection and coming back after failure is part of the process of getting to the “YES” that you want in life. He shares advice from his interviews with bestselling authors, world-class athletes, successful entrepreneurs, and other actors—all of whom share their stories of rejection and defeat and make us realize that hearing “NO” does not mean you will not achieve your dreams – it just means that you need to try again, from a different angle.
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Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters
By
Kara Goldin
Why this book?
Kara is the founder/CEO of Hint Water, and this book chronicles her rather unconventional career on her way to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She was told time and time again that what she wanted to do could not be done, yet she remained, UNDAUNTED in her pursuits. The book has all kinds of advice for overcoming both career and personal obstacles. Her attitude has always been, “No means maybe and maybe means YES.” This book will change your outlook when it comes to facing challenges.
