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Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business

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AN INSTANT WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER

A guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life―from one of the most celebrated and successful women in America. For the first time ever, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Forbes' Richest Self-Made Woman Liz Elting shares her story on how she co-founded and grew TransPerfect, the billion-dollar translation and language solutions company that began as a dream in an NYU dorm room. In Dream Big and Win , Elting divulges practical and inspiring tips you can implement immediately, teaching why success is not solely about attaining and wielding power. Elting shows you that fulfilling your highest potential will require you to look beyond yourself. In her honest and often humorous narrative, Elting illustrates why actions are more important than mantras and why doing will always eclipse dreaming . This book is for anyone who has ever dreamed of translating their passion into purpose and creating something bigger than themselves.

272 pages, Hardcover

Published September 26, 2023

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5982 people want to read

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Liz Elting

1 book16 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Joe Krakovsky.
Author 6 books277 followers
August 30, 2025
I didn't read the praise on the jacket cover. For one thing, I rather get my own impression of a book, and I could care less what those folks say who are merely trying to piggyback on an author's success. Looking at the cover of DREAM BIG AND WIN, I thought it would be one of those motivational books, the kind the flim flam man sells to the room full of hopefuls in which he touts as the secrets of being successful. Instead, it was simply the story of how a young woman built a financial empire through hard work. You know, the American dream.

As I read this story I not only had admiration for her, but actually cheered for her as struggled. It was a long, hard battle up her Mount Suribachi. Once she had reached the pinnacle of her career and planted her flag I lost some of my earlier enthusiasm, only because I couldn't relate, though I still admired her. After she sold her company, she set up foundations to share her wealth and to help others, which was very noble of her. After all, you can't take it with you, even if you were an Egyptian pharaoh.

This woman admitted that it was her parents who molded her into the type of person she became. Life's lessons taught her what she needed to succeed. The self-discipline she developed read like a motivational manual for me, and I took the advice to heart. Goal setting and self-discipline went hand in hand, hard as it was at times. But that was her secret.

As a child of ten she had learned to earn money. Life wasn't easy for her, but it was a learning process that built character. For that reason she always put her studies first, especially before partying in college. Later on she rewarded herself for reaching short term goals, even if it was only a refreshing walk or cup of coffee. Not everyone can do that, and that is partly why we aren't billionaires. It is easier to work for somebody else, even if you hate your job, than to follow in her footsteps. She didn't live beyond her means either. She would spend the weekend sitting in front of a box fan in a dorm room reading books on arbitrage trading while "guys in the office came back with sunbunt foreheads and noses from spending the weekend on the links or on some friend's boat."

Frustrated by observing all the wrong things they were doing at her places of employment, she started her own translation company. Avoiding their mistakes, which she capitalized on, and implementing her own ideas paid off, but it took hard work, which was mentioned time after time.

I got a kick out of reading the advice she mentioned in her book. She said she had been told to "Dress for the job you want, not the job you had." She was bilingual. She had passion. Wasting money on foosball tables, fancy chairs, massages, and chef's meals for employees was silly in her opinion. Integrity was a must! Have a cake when a person is hired, not leaving! Showed them on day one they were welcome. When interviewing potential candidates, she preferred students who had loans to small colleges rather than those who didn't from Ivy League universities. The poor were hungrier than those who were spoon fed.

I will add my own comments here. When I first transferred into the lab at a major pharmaceutical company it was common practice to move someone who was a good worker from production into the lab. For one thing, working conditions were so much better in the lab. Being as most of these lab techs only had a high school education, somebody decided that in the future they would only hire college kids instead, I guess because they were smarter? What happened was I would train them and then after one year they were trying to transfer out because they felt they were management material, whereas those with the high school education would stay on the job till retirement. And who do you think did a better job in the lab for the company? The author seemed to agree with my logic as she felt the Ivy League felt they had already paid their dues.

They say you have to spend money to make money, but throughout her career she was not one to go into debt. Expansion only came when justified, and even then she didn't go overboard. In my town there was this Pizza Hut that was located on the corner of a busy intersection. They offered a pizza buffet. Every time we went in there they were packed! But then they decided to upscale and moved to the end of a dead end street, built a new building with the usual sports bar decor, sports memorabilia, flat screens, and all. They also did away with the pizza buffet. Now the place looks dead. By comparison, the local Tasty Freeze is still in the same little building they have been in for some 25+ years, but they had to buy the huge lot next to them so cars could have a place to line up!

I could go on and on pouring out praise for this book, but instead I will say that you won't be disappointed if you read it for yourself.


30 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2025
Thank you, Liz Elting, for an engaging and inspiring book! The blend of memoir and career development advice made for a fun read. I especially appreciated the authenticity, humility, and gratitude that permeated the book. As a millennial woman in business, I am grateful for women like Liz who have helped pave the way for later generations. Thanks for the giveaway!
Profile Image for Jeffrey Bush.
Author 36 books14 followers
January 31, 2024
Excellent book! This book doesn't just speak about having big dreams and ambitions, but helps with the goal setting side as well. Below are some very helpful takeaways I gleaned from the book:



No matter who you are, and where you are on your journey, there is always someone out there that can help you.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. No one gives you something for nothing.

Circumstances are temporary, but your attitude is permanent.

No one will value you if you don’t first value yourself.

Having a passion for what you do is very important.

Passion releases creativity.

A business or product name should be sticky (memorable), short, functional, and have a story behind it.

You control your outcome by the amount of hours you put into work.

Treating every client like your only client is the way to loyalty.

Without risk, there’s no reward. You cannot win if you do not play.

When in doubt, list it out. Write down the pros and cons to help you make life choices.

Startups are worth the risks, but they are not worth your life.

82% of businesses fail because of cash flow problems.

There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction. – John F Kennedy

If you want to dream big and win, you must grow and continue growing. Maintaining the status quo is never sufficient.

You can’t reach a goal if you never set one.

A Stanford study showed that those who wrote down their goals succeeded ten times over those who just had goals.

Most people get stuck on goal-setting. Goals do not work unless you have a plan of action and deadline. You must keep yourself accountable to achieve the goals.

If you are going to win big, you must put in big effort. There’s nothing pretty about it.

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment – Jim Rohn

Goals and accountability are half sides of the same coin.

When it comes to goal: say it, set it, do it, and then do it again.

The moment you stop improving is the moment you stagnate.

Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion. — Muhammad Ali

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. – Henry Ford

If you stop taking risks, you abandon your potential growth.

Dress like the job that you want, not the job that you have.

Attitude is just as important as aptitude; maybe even more important.

Everyone encounters obstacles, but the most successful see them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Taking ownership is one of the most sure ways to succeed.

You may have the greatest product on the market, but if you cannot sell it, it does no good.

A goal is a dream with a deadline.

As you grow, you must remember to work on your business and not just in your business. Learn to delegate to focus on the big picture.

In leadership, you must learn
Passion.
Prioritize.
Pivot.
Proactive.
People. (Leadership can be boiled down to getting people on board)

Attitude is as much, if not more, important than experience.

Hiring someone with integrity is not optional, it’s a must.
Profile Image for Unleash The Knowledge.
143 reviews19 followers
September 26, 2023
The perfect book for visionary, hustling entrepreneurs!

It is not every day you get a chance to learn from someone who built a billion-dollar business.

Nevertheless, a brave, ambitious entrepreneur who did it as a truly self-made professional.

She started her business in her dorm room at NYU in 1992.

Since then, she grew it to become a global business powerhouse helping companies around the world communicate, no matter the language they speak, before leaving the business in 2018.

Liz Elting founded TransPerfect, the largest language solutions company in the world and is sharing her journey and wisdom through her new book: Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business.

Liz never claimed to be the smartest person in the room but instead her superpower was her will, grit, and determination. Along with having a thirst to learn especially through different languages, Liz saw how the leading language solutions company, Euramerica, could perform better and she set out on her own to start a company.

Take the ride through her story as she ditches the all-male crew of Wall Street early on in her career and sets out to build an impactful business that bridges the gap between companies and countries through language solutions.

As you read her book, you will capture ‘Liz Life Lessons,’ ‘Just the Facts,’ and ‘Words of Wisdom’ which will provide you with helpful advice and real data to support Liz’s points.

This book also includes tons of encouragement and research data for women with children who have the desire to perform well in their careers, too.

Liz speaks from experience raising two kids while running a major business and highlights what she would have done differently to help the next woman entrepreneur who might be in her same shoes today.

Today, as one of Forbes richest self-made women in America, she is creating waves with The Elizabeth Elting Foundation and setting a great example of giving back and funding women-led startups, among other organizations.

This book is perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed of translating their passion into purpose and has the drive to create something bigger than themselves!

I highly recommend - I loved it!
1 review
July 22, 2023
From the very beginning, "Dream Big and Win" captured my attention with its engaging storytelling and powerful anecdotes. The author's ability to weave personal experiences and motivational lessons together made me feel like I was on an intimate journey with them, discovering the secrets to success. Each chapter presented a new perspective, which ignited a fire within me to strive for greatness in all aspects of my life.

One aspect that truly stood out was the author's emphasis on embracing failure as an inevitable stepping stone toward achievement. "Dream Big and Win" shattered the misconception that success is a smooth, linear path. Instead, it showed me that challenges and setbacks are necessary components of growth and progress. The book beautifully illustrates how the author's own failures were pivotal in shaping their triumphant victories.

I highly recommend this book to anyone in search of inspiration, motivation, and a guide to unlocking their full potential. Whether you're a young professional striving for a successful career or someone looking to make positive changes in their personal life, this book has something invaluable to offer.

In conclusion, I feel that Liz has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on me. It's a book I will revisit whenever I need a dose of encouragement or a reminder that greatness is attainable with perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering belief in oneself. Thank you, dear author, for sharing your wisdom and passion through this incredible work. You've ignited a spark in my heart, and for that, I am very grateful.
Profile Image for Ana Popielnicki.
74 reviews
November 11, 2023
I wish this book existed 20 years ago! So much useful information, I am definitely gifting a copy to a couple of young women in my life that would benefit greatly from reading it. Ms. Elting's candid disclosure of all her "mistakes" (some were really "it would have been nice to do this differently", while others had catastrophic consequences for her) is eye-opening and should be religiously taken into account, as she rightly says "learn from my mistakes".

I had the pleasure of working for Liz at TransPerfect for nearly 6 years, and had the privilege to get to know her and spend one-on-one time with her a couple of occasions when I visited the HQ in New York. She personifies efficiency and enthusiasm for doing things right, without losing the personal side with her inclusive demeanor and genuine interest in each individual that crosses her path.

Every entrepreneur (though particularly women) should read this book immediately if not before! Ms. Elting's lessons will serve you not only for your business/dream, but for your life.
1 review
August 3, 2023
I so enjoyed reading this book. As I former business reporter, Liz has an inspiring story. Her journey building a global translation company that she started from an NYU dorm room, makes you wan to keep reading.

But even better, is the solid, practical, real advice she gives, which is a refreshing change from so many books on building a business and career. It's smart and funny, and dispenses with the idea that if you believe enough, are passionate enough, you'll reach your goals. It's about taking action, learning to take risks, how to evaluate when to do both, and know that you won't make the best decision every time. You can't win, without failing and knowing that no one will value you, until you value yourself.

Loved the idea for soon-to-be business stars: you don't need to re-invent the wheel, you need only solve a problem!! Not surprised Mike Bloomberg, Sheryl Sandberg and Ariana Huffington endorsed this book.
Profile Image for Aliza Licht.
Author 5 books102 followers
June 21, 2023
Liz Elting is one of the richest self-made women in America for a reason. She's both charming and no-nonsense at the same, incredibly authentic, and gives readers a crash course in entrepreneurship with lessons anyone can employ. Fun fact: even if you're not an entrepreneur, you will learn a ton from this book. Just reading her blurbs from Michael Bloomberg, Arianna Huffington, Gloria Steinem, Scott Galloway, and more notables tells you so much about Liz's impact on the business world. I also highly respect The Elizabeth Elting Foundation, where she supports future female leaders and efforts to eradicate systemic barriers, promote public health and education, achieve workplace equality, rise beyond the glass ceiling, and open the doors to economic independence. I was lucky to get an advance copy of this book and learned so much from her! Highly recommend.
1 review
June 26, 2023
This is a must-read not only for entrepreneurs, but for anyone who wants to apply an entrepreneurial mindset to what they do. Liz is so accomplished and aspirational, yet incredibly real and relatable in the insights and stories she shares throughout Dream Big and Win. She is also the rare real deal when it comes to being a self-made billion-dollar founder, having built her business out of a dorm room without any outside funding, gifts, loans, or investors. What’s so special about this book is how Liz pulls back the curtain on the myth of the prototypical billion-dollar door-room startup, decoding what it really takes to succeed as an entrepreneur in a way that anyone can replicate. Liz lays out how she built her business from scratch and accomplished so much in truly pragmatic, actionable, and universally applicable terms. I feel so lucky to have had a chance to read an advance copy of this book. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who wants to succeed in whatever it is they’re most passionate about.
Profile Image for Kristine Reynal.
1 review
June 26, 2023
Highly recommend Liz Elting’s first book that reads like fiction, but is a fascinating memoir and how-to guide for those who might be inclined to blaze a new trail. While her story and later her mission as a leader and philanthropist is a female POV, I think this book has a broader appeal for both men and women at different stages in one’s career who have a dream and the grit to pivot and be un-daunted by failure. Would recommend for young college grads, both new and seasoned entrepreneurs, as well as someone like me in the corporate world who can still benefit and be inspired by the practical advice the author gives and by her vision as a disruptor, and as a champion for women in the workplace.
1 review
September 27, 2023
Liz Elting' is one of America's most accomplished self-made women. Through her experience of translating passion into purpose, she tells it like it is, offering life lessons such as: "When in doubt, list it out. Write down the pros and cons so you can see them side by side. Sometime a visual cue can help your decision-making process," and "attitude is just as important as aptitude possibly even more so." Elting shattered the glass ceiling, and created a billion-dollar business; and with this book, she has built an inspiring step by step, actionable staircase to success. Even if you aren't an entrepreneur, this book is a treasure trove of insights that can help you flourish at every level of your career path.
Profile Image for Ella Droste.
Author 1 book42 followers
June 18, 2024
Liz Elting's book is like a treasure map to success! From starting TransPerfect in her NYU dorm to building it into a billion-dollar juggernaut, Liz spills all her secrets. It's not just about dreaming big; she breaks down how to hustle smart with practical tips that hit home. Liz's journey from Wall Street dropout to global mogul is straight-up inspiring, especially for anyone aiming to carve their path in business and beyond. This book is a must-read for anyone ready to turn their passion into a powerhouse career!

I'm beyond grateful to have snagged a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Mandi.
1 review4 followers
August 15, 2024
This is a great book for any ambitious person who wants to make a mark in their career or business and “win big” as Liz says. She shares accessible stories that illustrate and teach the lessons she learned creating a billion dollar company— without becoming someone she is not or devaluing her morals to get there.

There is so much to learn from both the advanced and the emerging leader and business owner. It’s absolutely nothing like the energy you get from books written by men who’ve accomplished similar. Fresh perspective from a woman who put her clients, her team and her family a priority in all of the success she created.

— Mandi Ellefson, author of The Hands-Off CEO
1 review
July 14, 2023
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of Dream Big & Win. As a female founder and business owner - there are so many tangible and relatable bites in this book. Part memoir, part business tips - it gives a glimpse into the world of a powerhouse entrepreneur who co-built the world's largest translation company. From her NYU dorm room to a billion dollars!

I think this book is relatable to anyone who believes in themselves, is ready to put in the work, and build a world (or business) they know can exist in the world. Definetly recommend!
1 review
June 21, 2023
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion Dollar Business is an inspiring and helpful book, particularly for someone striving to grow and find a path in their career. I loved everything about how this book was written from the stories and examples used to the pop culture references. It felt accessible and yet aspirational.

I will definitely be sharing with my friends and family who could benefit at any level from Elting’s lessons!
1 review
July 14, 2023
I absolutely loved Dream Big and Win. The stories from the author's life weaved into the actionable tips make it feel like a smart friend or mentor is guiding you towards success and always has your best interest at heart. Each chapter begins with a verb as we are encouraged to embrace action to translate our dreams into reality. It's a masterclass in up-leveling your business and life in book form! Perfection!
44 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2023
This book is a great read on the richest self made woman's process to becoming a billionaire. She goes through her journey and gives tips and how to implement the best practices to ensure a maximum success outcome. If your an entrepreneur ready to reach your full potential get this book and be inspired, learn, then take action. The sky is the limit!
11 reviews
November 11, 2023
Such a great read. As a fellow translation agency owner her inspiring accounts and practical advice is great. Being in a field where there’s so little books from people from our field, it’s great to learn about Liz story. I am totally inspired by her story and it motivated me to work harder and keep pushing forward in my business.
Profile Image for Jack Waite.
40 reviews
August 28, 2025
From the viewpoint of a retired manager, Liz Etling is a breath of fresh air as she combines old school values , real work experience and a commitment to better the world through her foundation .

A great read, well organized. A handbook for success for a young person ready and willing to put in the time.
1 review
July 5, 2023
"Dream Big and Win" is hard to put down -- a modern day account of the American Dream which both inspires and entertains. Everyone can learn from Liz Elting's story of succeeding as an entrepreneur and leader.
1 review1 follower
July 6, 2023
This book is a must read for any one looking for inspiration and concrete ways to build a successful career. Liz Elting demonstrates what it means to build a business from the ground up and everyone can take something away from her story.
1 review
July 7, 2023
This is an empowering read that offers valuable insights into translating passion into purpose and what it takes to create a billion-dollar business. With engaging storytelling and practical advice, Liz Elting inspires entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and provides the tools for success.
Profile Image for Jenny Hill.
113 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2023
I love this book so much, and especially loved that the author narrated it herself! I took so many notes while I was listening to it and feel it gave me so much practical advice to apply to my own company and life outlook. Thank you Liz Elting! Your story and life is such an inspiration!!
Profile Image for Ili.
3 reviews8 followers
February 5, 2024
Elting presents the story of why and how she started her business, TransPerfect. What I found most useful about the book was her focus on how action and determination build momentum that creates our dreams. For her, that was growing a global company. For us, maybe something else. :-)
Profile Image for Rose Smith.
45 reviews
May 28, 2025
Parts were awesome, toward the end the author seems to get defensive over the loss of her business and it takes away the rest of the message. Also rambles and repeats frequently, editing isn't great.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Robbins Sabourin.
4 reviews
June 5, 2025
Fantastic read! I met Liz at an event at BasBlue in Detroit and was inspired! As an entrepreneur myself she gave real advice from a woman’s perspective which is hard to find in the business section. I will now recommend this to any woman who has a business dream!
1 review
July 6, 2023
A must read for every budding entrepreneur and business owner. Liz is an inspiration! She shares actionable steps in enjoyable detail on how to take your vision to the next level.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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