The Power of Being Yourself: A Game Plan for Success -- by Putting Passion into Your Life and Work

by Joe Plumeri

Everyone imagines top CEOs as larger-than-life figures who do things no one else could. But deep down, a good business leader is an everyman who combines vision and high energy with the ability to connect with and learn from all types of people. In The Power of Being Yourself, renowned business leader Joe Plumeri offers simple yet profound guidance on how to stay positive, motivate yourself and others, and achieve success in your life and work. Plumeri's Game Plan for Success features eight key principles, from Everyone Has the Same Plumbing, in which his fish-out-of-water experience as CEO and chairman of a London-based company reveals how cultural differences can be overcome as people everywhere respond to authenticity, to You Gotta Have Purpose!, which explores the transformative ingredient that leads to tangible progress. And because this book is meant to be revisited and consulted whenever you need fresh inspiration or practical advice, The Power of Being Yourself also features a final section -- Applying the Principles -- imparting further guidance and checklists. By sharing his own experiences--and candidly exploring high-stakes business decisions along with many personal triumphs and tragedies--Plumeri explains that the secret to success is found not in boardroom strategy or corporate philosophy, but rather in allowing passion, purpose, and true emotions to inform your approach and guide your relationships. His book is a timely wake-up call in a world where heartless electronic communication too often takes precedence over genuine connection. Plumeri reveals that if we can live in the moment and be honest and true in our emotions, the effect carries over into how we live all facets of our lives.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Business, Leadership, Personal Development

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2015

About the author

Joe Plumeri began his business career with Carter Berlind & Weill, the company that would eventually become Citigroup - in 1968, becoming one of the company's senior leaders and serving as CEO of several of its divisions, including Primerica Financial Services and Citigroup North America. In 2000, he was appointed Chairman and CEO of Willis Group, the global insurance broker, leading it through unprecedented growth for over 12 years.

Joe now serves as vice chairman of First Data Corporation and a member of its Board of Directors. He is co-owner of the New York Yankees' Double-A minor league team affiliate, the Trenton Thunder, and the Philadelphia Phillies Single-A affiliate, the Lakewood Blue Claws, in addition to extensive philanthropic activities.

He is the author of the forthcoming book "The Power of Being Yourself", and is considered one of the world's most passionate and effective public speakers, recognized for delivering one of the "Best Commencement Speeches, Ever" by NPR for his 2011 William & Mary address.

Reviews

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is Joe Plumeri and why should I care about him might be your first question. The answer is probably less relevant: it doesn’t matter. The stories and energy behind the stories are the more important things, being yourself in other words and making the most of yourself. I am confident the author would agree here.

As it happens, Plumeri seems to be an open, genuine, down-to-earth person who has had rather a lot of success in the business world. Googling “Joe J. Plumeri” will tell you more. However the stories behind, or what has made Plumeri are the important things. This book will give you that. It is not your typical business success book or miniature hagiography of a business leader. Maybe it is just this reviewer, but one imagines the author laughing as he wrote his manuscript, wondering just how far he could push things.

Like many top leaders, Plumeri is larger-than-life, but there is a more intense homespun authenticity here. Being prepared to take risks – that were never considered risks – based on a gut feeling or instinct, shine through. Some episodes might appear far-fetched or a caricature yet you can recognise exactly what Plumeri writes and it makes sense. One great example is the shocked reaction he received during his first visit to a London insurance office and the story of the chairman’s exclusive lift. You DO need to read the book, if only for this story! There are a lot of other great tales too.

This was a book that is hard to put down, which is great as it is lightly-written so you can have a mammoth reading session without it feeling overbearing. There is more! A lot of actionable, useable advice that you use in your own business and personal life. It just isn’t signposted as killer advice. It is just there, thrown out as part of Plumeri’s story-telling.

This is an ideal book for your daily commute or as a means to wind down at the end of the day. It is such a charming book that it has you wanting more, so hopefully Plumeri is busy writing something else.

The Power of Being Yourself: A Game Plan for Success--by Putting Passion into Your Life and Work, written by Joe Plumeri and published by Da Capo Press. ISBN 9780738218298, 240 pages. YYYYY

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Plumeri has inspired people through the heart. I could not put this book down. Joe Plumeri worked himself out of a small closet which he was given to see what he would do as a newcomer in the brokerage world. He was hired because the brokerage firm owner said he had a lot of moxy. Fresh out of law school, not knowing the firm was not a law firm, he was hired at a leading brokerage firm and then became the Chairman of one of the world's largest insurance companies. He was also the CEO of Shearson Lehman Brothers. His meteoric rise to the top was not without personal tragedy. His own beloved son succumbed to his addictions in 2008, leaving Joe searching for meaning even in the midst of his successes. His personal mission of leading and living from the heart has inspired millions. Through his efforts, he also turned around two at-risk communities by donating funds, inspiring the community, and building two sports stadiums, while encouraging the people to love baseball. You will love this book!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very good book! Not your typical "be yourself and people will love you" trope like I expected. More so stories about his life and the lessons he learned and how to get the most out of life. Very motivational and reminds you to put yourself out there.

[Sweetpea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the GoodReads First Reads Program in exchange for an honest review. A great read, his passion and honesty come through on every page.

[J Robb]

X. - Chris (Joe's son) died from a drug overdose
XV - Jay (son) Leslie (daughter
p. 16 - "We do not get up in the morning to be your third alternative." ... good rhetoric
p. 17 - "None of us is as good as all of us." "You can't high-five yourselves." (Joe-isms)
p. 18 - Try to high-five yourself - he does it as an exercise
p. 18-19 - Wearing pins did not work among the English.
p. 20-21 - A workaholic, works weekends and vacations but trying to work less [acknowledges was not there for son Chris]. He lives a contradictory life. Do as I say, not as I do.
p. 21 - ready for dissenters
p. 23 - Quoting Churchill "It is not enough to do our best, sometimes we must do what is required."
p. 29 - Principal 2: Showing the way to Grandmother's house.
p. 30 - Translation: Kids get bored on trip - so tell them about the end line - cookies and then they can endure the trip by keeping eye on on vision.
p. 36 - "Pennies from Heaven" most optimistic song.
p. 41 - JP breaks the ice by saying "Tell me about your grandma's house." which he means: what is your vision of where we are going; what is your passion; and where are we going. This gets them thinking about the future.
p. 43-44 - Applying the Grandma's principal - good transition. Have to cast a vision for everyone to see so employees come to work to do hard things - endure the difficult times along the way before the sweet things - the payoff - that makes it all worthwhile.
p. 71 - Too busy and we neglect ourselves
Missing Wife Story
p. 72 - Very candid about not being there for his son Chris. JP put himself first.
p. 73 - Only passing, singular mention of Nancy his first wife. [Did she die? They divorce? This part of the story is missing and the whole book suffers as a result. This key relationship is left out of what is supposed to be a candid story.]
p. 91 - Have to put time and emotions into the children.
p. 93 - Being candid about not being there for his kids. The reason you lose kids is neglect.
p. 97 - Sears Tower Story. Stay positive and always believe amazing things can happen.
p. 107 - What happens in the absence of leadership - a scattered company and bad culture.
p. 120 - Vision - but don't see it; Passion - but don't feel it; Courage - but don't fight for it.
*Principal: Play in traffic*
p. 121 - Getting out there and taking risks.
p. 136 - Survey of 80-year old CEOs about what would they do differently: 1. take more risks; 2. have more fun; 3. doing work to a cause they believed in.
p. 138-139 - The power of a handwritten note. No one ever framed an email letter have framed letters
*Key to a great speech*
p. 148 - No one remembers what you send, they will remember how you made them feel.
p. 153 - Need hopeful not fearful leadership
p. 174 - Purpose + emotion = passion and is what leads to transformation
p. 186-187 - Giving speeches through Skype or Facetime. Not really his idea. (Really Brian Gande's idea)

[Robert Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe not the typical motivational or self-help book but it used personal experience to hit home the main ideas. That we must be true to ourselves and be who we are. When we do this the right people and opportunities will come to us in our lives. If there are things in life that we are passionate about and really want. Then we should go for them and not let fear or those who doubt us, keep us from what we really want. Finally, always remember to make time for those that you love and care about.

[Leslie Yong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Praise for the book, ‘The Power of Being Yourself- a game plan for success-by putting passion into your life and work’ by Joe Plumeri

This is indeed and amazing and motivational book that can inspires you to pursue the laid up game plan for success. The author lay down 8 profound principles of life as supported by many of his own personal life experiences and secrets that we can overcome and be successful. These principles are not found in boardroom strategies or even corporate philosophy. It shows who you are and be yourself. It help you to find your purpose of life

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Plummeri shares a wealth of experience in his book. I would say that the title doesn’t do it justice for the vast array of wisdom being shared. What the title now tells me after reading is that it’s about celebrating being you and your uniqueness.
The book is also about making sure that you are clear on your purpose and aligning your values with the way you live your life.
Everybody needs a role model and Joe really does resonate to me as an inspiring individual.

[Rusty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a powerful book that focuses on being yourself, being enthusiastic, holding onto your dreams and forging ahead when you really believe. I chose this book because a family member is involved in developing a comanpany wth a good friend. Plumeri relates the same stories again and again but they bear the same message. Listen to those around you, take time to say thank you and try to understand the point of view of those about you be they employees, friends, relatives, clients or just acquaintances. Keep an enthusiastic we can do it together message first and foremost.

[Alvin Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

8 principles
1. Everyone has the same plumbing
2. Show the way to grandma’s house
3. Cut your own path
4. Let sadness teach you
5. Look up, not down
6. Play in traffic
7. Make your heart your teleprompter
8. You gotta have a purpose

3 types of motivator - Ego, greed, pleasing people. Look for the 3rd to work for you.

[Julio Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Everyone!
My name is Julio Herrera and I am from Italy, I love reading and writing. I love this book The Power of Being Yourself: A Game Plan for Success by Putting Passion into Your Life and Work. If you are someone who wants to read a book which can change your life then this book is perfect for you.

[James Bridgeforth · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s an okay read. It’s starts out very interesting; however, this book is really about how to apply Joe Plumeri’s life principles. I was hoping for more about how someone can better embrace being themselves.

[Tammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good reading of a down to earth executive and how he dealt with the business world. I really enjoyed the book enough to purchase it and I plan on reading it again.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good wisdom in the book. A bit slow in the beginning

[Alexander Debelov · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joe Plumeri and this book is a great gift. Happy that he wrote it.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly needed this. This book was a breath of fresh air as it was inspiring, motivating and soul touching. Whoever needs a little pick-me-up, this book would be the one to go for.

[Morgan Putt · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite inspirational books that taught me several important lessons. The section about leaving the door open/off his office has stuck with me ever since I read it.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal!! It was inspirationally better than I thought!

[Lori Montgomery · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 As an introvert, much of the advice will be difficult to implement .

[Pmuldary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book about being yourself and going after your beliefs

[Paweł Michalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best inspirational books I've ever read. Joe is beaming with passion throughout this book!

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Vision + Belief + Passion = Purpose’

Joe Plumeri began his business career with Carter Berlin & Weill - the company that would eventually become Citigroup and now serves as vice chairman of First Data Corporation and a member of its Board of Directors. He is considered one of the world's most passionate and effective public speakers.

The countless kudos this book is receiving do not begin to explain the impact it has on the individual reader. In a time where personality of individuals is defined by Selfies, or Tweets, or any other social media distancing us from who we are in the dark, alone, with only our souls to answer to, along comes Joe Plumeri with a dose of self confidence to stand tall and be the individual we are – and love that.

To encourage people to buy and read this book, some excerpts are here offered: ‘If we can live in the moment and be honest and true in our emotions, that carries over into how we live all facets of our lives, including how we do our jobs’ ‘If you can reach inside of someone and really connect so that the message resonates with them and becomes their own, then you can rewire them so that they will have energy and passion to work toward a goal.’ ‘There are two kinds of people in the world – incrementalists and transformationalists. The first thing you have to do is to identify for yourself which you are.’ ‘Have the faith and courage to be yourself, to relax and let a little spontaneity and joy into your days.’ ‘People who cut their own path are usually fearless. They go beyond limitations. They think for them selves. People who follow the familiar path are less curious. They let someone else clear the way, to overcome their fear for them.’ ‘What is my purpose? What’s the point of getting up in the morning? What is the point of what I do?’

This book is rich in such comments but even more successful in the way if transfuses our lost character into a being worth being. This is a book to keep close at hand: just when you think you ‘got it’ there are more little miracles ready to jump out – and into – your Self. Highly Recommended.

[Pennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing more invigorating than a self-help book which stands from a personal perspective of the author. This is a hands on approach to 'The Power of Being Yourself'. Its contents provide energy into focusing on success through a different light. With simply changing your way of thinking, Joe Plumeri does a good job with setting goals through easy strategies and techniques in which we can understand.

A nice addition to any library for aspiring business entrepreneur's both on a small and large scale.
Journey's always have stepping stones, they teach us along the way of which direction to move in, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse - But it's how you play the game, and most of all, how long are you will to play. Passion is an important position to play, it leads to developmental forces, it keeps us trucking on so to speak and this book focuses on how passion relates to success.

Focus thinking and positive beginnings will remove that mental clutter and distractions are a thing of the past. Position yourself and others around you and learn together through highs and lows that can kick all obstacles out of the way, and curve a more emotional and guided trip to the top.

Let's face it, there are many self-helps within this genre on the market today and yesteryear, but I have to say that this book has a very different approach to 'The Power of Being Yourself' through passion and understanding and setting that game plan on course for success. A 5 star review and truly a book you can read time and time again if ever you feel the need for that extra emotional lift.

[Luella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this as a part of a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I pretty much march to the beat of my own drum anyway but it was encouraging to read this book telling me to pretty much just keep doing what I am already doing.

I'm glad someone like him wrote a book like this. It's not just do this do that and you'll get rich be famous etc. What he is telling people should be obvious but if it was he wouldn't have had to write the book. Just follow your heart and have a purpose is really the whole message of the book.

I'd recommend it to anyone who feels they have lost their way or someone who just needs a like encouragement to know that they are already on the right track.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Gotta Have a Purpose!

That is the last of the 8 principles that Joe Plumeri provides in this amazing book. His anecdotal accounts of life and business make this a must read. There are so many things to take away from this book, and each person who reads it will undoubtedly get something out of it. I have already started implementing the principles in my work and personal life and am excited how it will help me and those around me. I only needed a cross country flight and a couple hours by the pool to complete this book.

Now it is time to go Play in Traffic. You will know what that means after you read the book.

Enjoy it!

[TBG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a really great book! I'd keep it on my shelf if I didn't have to return it to the library. Definitely a keeper.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated that Plumeri had person stories to go with each of his points and I can tell he marches to the beat of his own drummer and seems like he's been very successful and passionate.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had heart. Period. Author showed us the side of his self. Period.