Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO

Book summary

Beverly E. Jones has followed a winding career path of her own from writer to leader of university programs for women, to becoming a barrier-breaking female attorney in Washington. She has worked as an executive coach and leadership consultant since 2002.

The writer’s journey of reducing sugar in her tea inspired the Sugar Grain Principle, a method of gradual change that evolved into the Sugar Grain Process, a five-step framework for career transitions. This involves envisioning your ideal career, setting broad goals, taking small incremental actions, maintaining a consistent pace, and tracking progress to build momentum. Adapting to professional change is also crucial, as demonstrated by Andrea, who thrives during uncertainty by adopting a CEO mindset, staying informed, and balancing personal stability. Similarly, cultivating an entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial mindset can energize your career by aligning with organizational goals, prioritizing customer needs, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity. Accepting compliments gracefully, as the writer learned, reinforces confidence and fosters connections, while leaving a positive impression during career transitions, as exemplified by Bill, can open future opportunities. Facing rejection, as Paul experienced, can be reframed through reflection, gratitude, and resilience, turning setbacks into growth. Finally, starting fresh, as Beverly E. Jones discovered, requires initiative, strategic planning, and self-care to build a strong foundation for success.

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