"Pat's advice reflects the wisdom that comes only from a life lived in the cauldron of experience. I urge leaders who seek meaningful achievement by their organizations to read this book."
-Colonel Larry R. Donnithorne, U.S. Army Ret., author of The West Point Way of Leadership - From Learning Principled Leadership to Practicing It

"If you seek an unvarnished assessment of your leadership effectiveness, written by a pure warrior who has been there, read this book. If you understand and adhere to its lessons, you will get the the 'Pearly Gates.'"
-Brooks Mitchell, PhD, Professor, University of Wyoming, founder of Aspen Tree Software and author of Bet on Cowboys, Not Horses

"Directly and confidently, Pat presents his ideas and change execution methods. He effectively demonstrates how honesty, leadership and proactive goal-setting can mitigate the pain of change."
-William C. Stone, President, Founder, Chairman and CEO of SS&C Technologies, Inc.

"A simple, practical, powerful strategy of how to lead organizational change in the face of resistance. This book is filled with pithy principles and clear examples drawn from Pat's own rich experience in the business world. I found it very thought provoking and useful."
-William Ury, Co-author of Getting To Yes-Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In

Pat McDonnell is President and CEO of the McDonnell Company, a firm that helps companies in difficulty make decisive change. His entire career has been dedicated to helping businesses achieve excellence. He serves as an advisor, investor, educator, speaker and consultant for organizations ranging in size from starting up to those with over $400 million in revenues.

The author draws on a wealth of experience leading others - as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corp., search firm COO and, during almost 30 years at Coopers & Lybrand, in client service and office, regional and national management positions. He was Vice Chairman of Business Assurance Services, the firm's largest line of business, with revenues in excess of one billion dollars. Under his leadership, this practice was among the largest and fastest growing of the Big Six. After merging with Price Waterhouse, he served as Global Director of Assurance Services for the combined firm.

His expertise includes organizational transformation, change leadership, strategic planning, problem-solving, operations, finances, and mergers and acquisitions.

McDonnell received a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. He lives with his wife in Lake Forest, Illinois.