Ray Blasing's Blog
November 17, 2025
Book Award - Advanced Career Intelligence
I'm thrilled to announce that my most recent book, Advanced Career Intelligence, was recently awarded the prestigious Literary Titan Award: Nonfiction.
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
https://literarytitan.com/2025/07/07/...
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
https://literarytitan.com/2025/07/07/...
November 14, 2025
Online Book Club Review - General Career Intelligence
Hey there... I received a recent review for my first book. Have a look!
Are you just starting your career and feeling unsure about where to begin? Or are you stuck in a role that no longer excites you? Maybe you are thinking about a change but don’t know what to do. If you are looking for practical guidance to make confident career moves, approach the job search with clarity, adapt to changing trends, or even shine in your current role, “General Career Intelligence: Ignite your Potential with Essential Insights and Expert Advice” by Ray Blasing is for you.
The book covers a wide range of topics. Beginning with the basics of education, the author takes us through other essential qualities needed to thrive in a career, like character traits, ethics, personal growth, emotional management, skill building, job search strategies, and more. In this book, the author has included insights from his 38 years of experience in the tech industry, along with valuable ideas and knowledge from experts in different fields.
Although the book is a bit lengthy because of its wide topic coverage, the content is presented in small, digestible sections. For example, in the public speaking topic, the author provides clear, point-by-point suggestions for improving speech delivery, making it easy to follow and apply. What I liked most about this book is that the author included the results of some scientific studies related to the topics being discussed, which made it feel more authentic. The author also included quotes from famous personalities and others that were relevant to the topic, and this made the book more enjoyable for me.
There is nothing I disliked about this book. The book is flawlessly edited, as I couldn’t find any errors in it. I got many valuable points on matters like how to make an impactful PowerPoint presentation, how to improve a resume’s effectiveness, tips on effective communication, and more. So, considering all this, I am rating this book 5 out of 5. As the book suggests, age is not a barrier to creativity or innovation; I recommend it to readers of all ages interested in growing personally or professionally.
-by Anu Anand
Are you just starting your career and feeling unsure about where to begin? Or are you stuck in a role that no longer excites you? Maybe you are thinking about a change but don’t know what to do. If you are looking for practical guidance to make confident career moves, approach the job search with clarity, adapt to changing trends, or even shine in your current role, “General Career Intelligence: Ignite your Potential with Essential Insights and Expert Advice” by Ray Blasing is for you.
The book covers a wide range of topics. Beginning with the basics of education, the author takes us through other essential qualities needed to thrive in a career, like character traits, ethics, personal growth, emotional management, skill building, job search strategies, and more. In this book, the author has included insights from his 38 years of experience in the tech industry, along with valuable ideas and knowledge from experts in different fields.
Although the book is a bit lengthy because of its wide topic coverage, the content is presented in small, digestible sections. For example, in the public speaking topic, the author provides clear, point-by-point suggestions for improving speech delivery, making it easy to follow and apply. What I liked most about this book is that the author included the results of some scientific studies related to the topics being discussed, which made it feel more authentic. The author also included quotes from famous personalities and others that were relevant to the topic, and this made the book more enjoyable for me.
There is nothing I disliked about this book. The book is flawlessly edited, as I couldn’t find any errors in it. I got many valuable points on matters like how to make an impactful PowerPoint presentation, how to improve a resume’s effectiveness, tips on effective communication, and more. So, considering all this, I am rating this book 5 out of 5. As the book suggests, age is not a barrier to creativity or innovation; I recommend it to readers of all ages interested in growing personally or professionally.
-by Anu Anand
Booklife Editorial Review - General Career Intelligence
I've received the following review from Booklife, from Publishers Weekly. Have a look!
An essential and comprehensive career guide, General Career Intelligence offers expansive tactical advice on career and leadership, as well as actionable strategies for thriving in a fast-evolving business landscape.
Whether addressing complex workplace dynamics or offering guidance on personal growth, General Career Intelligence equips readers with the tools to thrive in a constantly changing business world while grounding them in the principles that matter most.
______
Review:
Blasing offers readers a “roadmap to mastering the complexities of the modern working world” in this informative debut. Originally intended as informal employment advice geared toward his children, Blasing’s guide transformed into an in-depth study on the components that influence successful careers, covering such valuable topics as integrity in the workplace, mitigating fears of failure, and navigating office politics, among others. Blasing devotes special attention to the character traits that promote personal and professional development—ranging from empathy to curiosity to optimism—and delves into a wealth of hands-on skills training to help readers “understand the broader landscape of your career, make meaningful connections, and find purpose in your work.”
Blasing's writing style is clear, practical, and engaging, blending personal anecdotes and real-world examples with actionable advice to make complex concepts both accessible and motivational. Every conceivable aspect of career success is covered here, including psychological facets—overcoming imposter syndrome can lead to greater resilience and productivity, he argues, just as managing workplace emotions will drive positive on-the-job outcomes—and those always-important interpersonal skills, like “deep listening,” using questions in a way that builds trust and connection, and mastering charisma to “make others feel valued and special.”
Blasing's insights on leadership are particularly valuable, as he distinguishes between managing and leading while offering strategies on adjusting leadership approaches to meet the needs of both individuals and the organization as a whole. An encouraging, optimistic work culture is key, he writes, and he addresses the challenges that can arise when teams are composed of multiple generations, reminding readers that “the significant differences we all have are positives and something worthy of understanding, valuing, and accepting.” Blasing’s upbeat tone and sweeping scope make this a well-rounded, insightful guide that will provide readers with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of long-term career success.
Takeaway: Thoughtful, informative guide that covers an array of career success factors.
Comparable Titles: Ryan Leak’s Leveling Up, Robert Reffkin’s No One Succeeds Alone.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: B+
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
An essential and comprehensive career guide, General Career Intelligence offers expansive tactical advice on career and leadership, as well as actionable strategies for thriving in a fast-evolving business landscape.
Whether addressing complex workplace dynamics or offering guidance on personal growth, General Career Intelligence equips readers with the tools to thrive in a constantly changing business world while grounding them in the principles that matter most.
______
Review:
Blasing offers readers a “roadmap to mastering the complexities of the modern working world” in this informative debut. Originally intended as informal employment advice geared toward his children, Blasing’s guide transformed into an in-depth study on the components that influence successful careers, covering such valuable topics as integrity in the workplace, mitigating fears of failure, and navigating office politics, among others. Blasing devotes special attention to the character traits that promote personal and professional development—ranging from empathy to curiosity to optimism—and delves into a wealth of hands-on skills training to help readers “understand the broader landscape of your career, make meaningful connections, and find purpose in your work.”
Blasing's writing style is clear, practical, and engaging, blending personal anecdotes and real-world examples with actionable advice to make complex concepts both accessible and motivational. Every conceivable aspect of career success is covered here, including psychological facets—overcoming imposter syndrome can lead to greater resilience and productivity, he argues, just as managing workplace emotions will drive positive on-the-job outcomes—and those always-important interpersonal skills, like “deep listening,” using questions in a way that builds trust and connection, and mastering charisma to “make others feel valued and special.”
Blasing's insights on leadership are particularly valuable, as he distinguishes between managing and leading while offering strategies on adjusting leadership approaches to meet the needs of both individuals and the organization as a whole. An encouraging, optimistic work culture is key, he writes, and he addresses the challenges that can arise when teams are composed of multiple generations, reminding readers that “the significant differences we all have are positives and something worthy of understanding, valuing, and accepting.” Blasing’s upbeat tone and sweeping scope make this a well-rounded, insightful guide that will provide readers with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of long-term career success.
Takeaway: Thoughtful, informative guide that covers an array of career success factors.
Comparable Titles: Ryan Leak’s Leveling Up, Robert Reffkin’s No One Succeeds Alone.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: B+
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
Readers' Favorite Editorial Review - General Career Intelligence
I've received the following positive review from Readers' Favorite, for my first book: "General Career Intelligence":
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
General Career Intelligence: Ignite Your Potential with Essential Insights and Expert Advice by Ray Blasing is a valuable guide for navigating the complexities of contemporary career development and leadership. The book offers a detailed roadmap for achieving success in a constantly evolving professional landscape, leveraging the author’s 38 years of tech industry experience and insights from various subject matter experts. Blasing covers a broad spectrum of essential topics for newcomers and seasoned professionals and explores the importance of education, continuous learning, and technical and soft skills development. Chapters addressing decision-making, stress management, and workplace professionalism empower readers to tackle the complexities of workplace dynamics. Additionally, the guidance on job search tactics, networking, and career transitions provides valuable advice for individuals facing change.
Ray Blasing emphasizes the importance of character traits like integrity, kindness, humility, and ethics in a business environment increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and automation. These timeless values serve as the foundation for the book, offering a refreshing perspective on what it means to succeed in today’s competitive workplace. By reinforcing these principles, the author provides readers with tools to cultivate meaningful, sustainable careers. General Career Intelligence offers actionable strategies for effective management and leadership. Each section contains relevant examples, sharp insights, and advice that can readily be applied to personal and professional growth. Blasing avoids overwhelming readers with abstract theories, instead focusing on actionable strategies and relatable examples. General Career Intelligence is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to thrive while staying grounded in values that truly matter. Whether just starting out or reaching for the top, this book provides readers with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to succeed personally or professionally.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
General Career Intelligence: Ignite Your Potential with Essential Insights and Expert Advice by Ray Blasing is a valuable guide for navigating the complexities of contemporary career development and leadership. The book offers a detailed roadmap for achieving success in a constantly evolving professional landscape, leveraging the author’s 38 years of tech industry experience and insights from various subject matter experts. Blasing covers a broad spectrum of essential topics for newcomers and seasoned professionals and explores the importance of education, continuous learning, and technical and soft skills development. Chapters addressing decision-making, stress management, and workplace professionalism empower readers to tackle the complexities of workplace dynamics. Additionally, the guidance on job search tactics, networking, and career transitions provides valuable advice for individuals facing change.
Ray Blasing emphasizes the importance of character traits like integrity, kindness, humility, and ethics in a business environment increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and automation. These timeless values serve as the foundation for the book, offering a refreshing perspective on what it means to succeed in today’s competitive workplace. By reinforcing these principles, the author provides readers with tools to cultivate meaningful, sustainable careers. General Career Intelligence offers actionable strategies for effective management and leadership. Each section contains relevant examples, sharp insights, and advice that can readily be applied to personal and professional growth. Blasing avoids overwhelming readers with abstract theories, instead focusing on actionable strategies and relatable examples. General Career Intelligence is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to thrive while staying grounded in values that truly matter. Whether just starting out or reaching for the top, this book provides readers with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to succeed personally or professionally.
Reedsy Editorial Review - General Career Intelligence
Hi folks,
I'm thrilled to have received the following glowing review for my first book, General Career Intelligence:
From Reedsy:
Loved it! 😍
A reference resource brimming with insight. GCI touches on a wide array of fundamentals that, if grasped, will propel your career and life.
Synopsis
"General Career Intelligence" is an essential resource for anyone seeking to excel in today’s fast-evolving business landscape. Combining the author's 38 years of experience in the tech industry with insights from hundreds of subject matter experts, this book delivers a comprehensive roadmap for personal and professional success.
"General Career Intelligence" emphasizes the essential human qualities in today's business landscape, which are often overshadowed by the growing emphasis on artificial intelligence and automation. The book highlights the power of ethics, integrity, kindness, and humility, reinforcing the value of foundational character traits that are increasingly overlooked in today’s competitive business environment. Focusing on these timeless attributes, the book provides a foundation for cultivating long-term professional success and personal fulfillment in the modern workplace.
Presented clearly and succinctly, this book doesn’t overwhelm readers with theory or abstract ideas. Instead, it delivers sharply focused insights, statistics, and proven strategies that readers can immediately apply to their careers and lives. Whether addressing complex workplace dynamics or offering guidance on personal growth, "General Career Intelligence" equips readers with the tools to thrive in a constantly changing business world while grounding them in the principles that matter most.
General Career Intelligence is a well-organized, well-written collection of distinctions, explanations, and insights that provide helpful guidance, no matter who you are and what you do.
The book is laid out into sections which delve into various topics, providing clarity on issues you may face personally, such as managing your emotions or finding courage and persistence, and issues faced professionally, such as transitioning into a new career. The breadth of topics covered is impressive to say the least. But the topics are not simply included to bulk up the page count of the book; each section has true substance and meaningful insight. You can clearly tell that this book is a product of an author's long career (and life), one that was loaded with a breadth of experiences. The writing process I'm sure involved many hours of reflecting on specific key life moments where the discussed skill or concept either came in handy or would have come in handy if more refined at the time. You don't write a book with this much variety and breadth of wisdom without having been around intelligent and successful people for a long time.
I feel like General Career Intelligence is a Father's collection of wisdom and insight, neatly compiled and curated for his children to refer to for guidance, for whatever stage of life they're at, so that they can soak up all of what made it work for dad, and delivered in a way that is more well-received than a "teachable moment" dinner table story. So, my recommendation would be to read this book just as such; pick it up and find the section that is most relevant to you based on where you are in life, and let the wisdom of an experienced parent-figure find you and guide you at the moment where the advice offered is exactly what you most need to hear.
Reviewed by: Bailey Wasdal
I'm thrilled to have received the following glowing review for my first book, General Career Intelligence:
From Reedsy:
Loved it! 😍
A reference resource brimming with insight. GCI touches on a wide array of fundamentals that, if grasped, will propel your career and life.
Synopsis
"General Career Intelligence" is an essential resource for anyone seeking to excel in today’s fast-evolving business landscape. Combining the author's 38 years of experience in the tech industry with insights from hundreds of subject matter experts, this book delivers a comprehensive roadmap for personal and professional success.
"General Career Intelligence" emphasizes the essential human qualities in today's business landscape, which are often overshadowed by the growing emphasis on artificial intelligence and automation. The book highlights the power of ethics, integrity, kindness, and humility, reinforcing the value of foundational character traits that are increasingly overlooked in today’s competitive business environment. Focusing on these timeless attributes, the book provides a foundation for cultivating long-term professional success and personal fulfillment in the modern workplace.
Presented clearly and succinctly, this book doesn’t overwhelm readers with theory or abstract ideas. Instead, it delivers sharply focused insights, statistics, and proven strategies that readers can immediately apply to their careers and lives. Whether addressing complex workplace dynamics or offering guidance on personal growth, "General Career Intelligence" equips readers with the tools to thrive in a constantly changing business world while grounding them in the principles that matter most.
General Career Intelligence is a well-organized, well-written collection of distinctions, explanations, and insights that provide helpful guidance, no matter who you are and what you do.
The book is laid out into sections which delve into various topics, providing clarity on issues you may face personally, such as managing your emotions or finding courage and persistence, and issues faced professionally, such as transitioning into a new career. The breadth of topics covered is impressive to say the least. But the topics are not simply included to bulk up the page count of the book; each section has true substance and meaningful insight. You can clearly tell that this book is a product of an author's long career (and life), one that was loaded with a breadth of experiences. The writing process I'm sure involved many hours of reflecting on specific key life moments where the discussed skill or concept either came in handy or would have come in handy if more refined at the time. You don't write a book with this much variety and breadth of wisdom without having been around intelligent and successful people for a long time.
I feel like General Career Intelligence is a Father's collection of wisdom and insight, neatly compiled and curated for his children to refer to for guidance, for whatever stage of life they're at, so that they can soak up all of what made it work for dad, and delivered in a way that is more well-received than a "teachable moment" dinner table story. So, my recommendation would be to read this book just as such; pick it up and find the section that is most relevant to you based on where you are in life, and let the wisdom of an experienced parent-figure find you and guide you at the moment where the advice offered is exactly what you most need to hear.
Reviewed by: Bailey Wasdal
