My heartfelt gratitude first and foremost goes to those people who have participated in, and continue to join, The Making Magnificence Project®. I am deeply, deeply grateful to them for sharing their stories. Without their generosity and courage, the Project would only have been an idea and this book would never have existed.
The enormous blessing of my grandmother’s love continues to ripple out over my life. She was a model of magnificence, and I once told her that I would write about her life. Perhaps, in some way, this is that book. Thank you, Gertie.
There have been so very many friends and colleagues who have been on my path these last years, who influenced my journey, and who, more recently, provided moral support as I wrote and from whom I’ve benefitted by knowing. People who assured me that I could do it, who encouraged, inquired, and cheered me on. There are far too many to name here, but I am so grateful to them all.
My thanks also goes to Gretchen Pisano, an early mentor, who saw me launch The Making Magnificence Project® and suggested the thoughtful question “The best advice you never got?” It has been, and remains, the last question I ask of everyone I interview.
I have been fortunate to have had many great teachers; among them, Martha Beck, Rob Ferguson, Terry Real, and Alan Weiss. They have made me better, professionally and personally.
I will always be grateful to Mr. George Miller, Jr., whose quiet support and unfailing belief in me has been of great comfort.
I owe a gigantic debt of gratitude to Scott Isenberg of Business Expert Press whose patience and understanding were exceedingly generous. It is not an exaggeration to say that this book made it into the world because of him.
To my extraordinary clients, leaders all: I am so very glad that we get the opportunity to work together. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of your path. I learn from you, too.
And to Laureen Golden, best friend, vision holder, and without whom I would likely not be in the same place. Your steadfast love, support, and presence are once-in-a-lifetime gifts, and I am so profoundly grateful that serendipity smiled on us 25 years ago when our dogs met and said hello. Your life has made all the difference in mine.
Finally, to Moose, Pascha, Bear, and Sagie. What gifts you’ve given me. Thank you.