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Table of Contents
About The Book
Empowerment can come from many outside influences — your friends, family, and business associates who believe in you and support your goals. But it can also come from within, when you dare to take risks, learn how to leverage your own personal creativity, continue persevering in the face of adversity, remain open to new and energizing challenges, and allow inspiration and motivation to recharge your spirit and make progress toward your goals.
Veteran business leader J. Derrill Rice understands empowerment through and through — because he’s benefited from it his entire life. And he’s always made sure it benefited those around him as well.
Now, in his new book, The Magic of Empowerment: My Journey in Servant Leadership, Rice explores how empowerment fueled his many achievements from growing up the child of a single mom to becoming the CEO of a number of successful manufacturing companies. More than a memoir, Rice uses compelling storytelling to not only shine a spotlight on how empowerment through servant leadership has brought him a multitude of rewards but also how it can hone your leadership skills and spur your personal growth.
From his transformation from high school nerd to captain of the football team, to rising from the ranks to be recognized as an outstanding business leader, Rice explores the many ways any of us can be empowered to reach our objectives, through personal and revealing anecdotes filled with humor, wisdom, and surprises. To Rice, empowerment truly is magical — and he should know since he began studying magic as a teenager. It’s a skill that has actually added to his professional empowerment, as he once dazzled Edsel Ford, the then-head of the Ford Motor Company, by making a car disappear right before his eyes.
You’ll hear about that and more (like the time he turned a corporate presentation into his own version of The Tonight Show ) in The Magic of Empowerment. More importantly, you’ll discover how to unlock the secrets of empowerment in your own life to create meaningful progress in your personal and professional life.
Product Details
- Publisher: Advantage Books (April 25, 2023)
- Length: 162 pages
- ISBN13: 9781642257489
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Raves and Reviews
“Having known Derrill since his days with Milliken & Company in the late 1980s and following his career and accomplishments, it’s with great enthusiasm I encourage any leader to take the time to learn as Derrill shares his life’s experiences and wisdom in this wonderful and entertaining book.”
— C. Mitchell Oakley Jr. Chairman, Charles Aris Inc., Fifty Years in Executive Search
“Derrill is smarter than he credits himself. His intelligence/collected experience is overridden by his tendency with humility and servant leadership approach to leadership. This skill was born with taking advantage of what seem to be slight opportunities that lead to major personal and financial gains. I gained significant insights from his business inputs while seated on the MAPP board of directors. He never shared the life journeys that I read in this book. But it made no difference. When he spoke, there was reason to listen. I assure you, this read will be worth your valuable time.”
— James Alvin Bott
CEO, INCOE Corporation
“I had the pleasure to serve on a board with Derrill in a trade organization. This allowed me to see, in action, how he applies servant leadership with peers as well as his direct team members. It was an honor, and I am grateful to continue to learn from him through this book!”
— Glen Fish
CEO, Revere Plastics Systems
“This book will make you think about your own trials, tribulations, and accomplishments while also impacting the way you lead a business!”
— Durwood Williams
Managing Director, Rosti North Carolina
“I had the honor of serving Derrill and his company on numerous strategic initiatives. During those interactions, I saw Derrill do exactly what he does, how he does it, and why. I learned from him every time because he’s a true servant leader. He builds organizations, has fun during the process, and empowers his people. You will learn from this book and, more importantly, you will enjoy it. I know I did.”
— H. Alan Rothenbuecher
Partner, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
“I’ve watched Derrill apply his servant leadership skills to a broad range of challenges across four continents and teams from dozens of different countries and cultures. While the individuals on the teams, their cultures, and the problems being solved were all very different, the outcome was always the same. This book will give you insights on how to become a servant leader that creates teams that are empowered, energized, and able to accomplish more than they ever thought was possible.”
— Steven Merkt
President, Transportation Solutions, TE Connectivity
“The first time I saw Derrill in action as CEO, he was working the grill at our company cookout—in humid ninety-degree heat—all while engaging with our team members and maintaining a great attitude. This story book explains why and how he does what he does!”
— Matt Yohe
Partner, Morgenthaler Private Equity
“I have known Derrill for almost forty years. He is the consummate business leader—poised, polished, and absolutely brilliant. We began our careers together in 1983. For over twenty years, I competed against him, worked alongside him, and reported directly to him.
“His business skills are unlimited, transcending industry and technology. I have witnessed his performance as shift manager, plant manager, sales manager, president, and CEO. Further, his scope ranges from start-up to established business, from undercapitalized businesses to those with unlimited resources. Most importantly, I am honored to call Derrill my friend.”
— Mike Hargett
Partner, Barnett Bolt Kirkwood Long Koche & Foster, PA
Resources and Downloads
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Magic of Empowerment
Trade Paperback 9781642257489
