
For anyone striving to reach the highest levels of business, no single test guarantees success. Unlike athletes who can prove their worth on the field or attorneys who can pass the bar, business leaders rise through a complex mix of technical skills, emotional intelligence, and perseverance. Bill Ferguson provides an essential guide for navigating this journey in his new book, Living Beyond Your Dreams: 11 Principles for Triumphing in Life and Leadership.
Set to release on February 4, 2025, this book distills insights from interviews with 24 of America’s top executives, uncovering the critical qualities that propelled them to success. From real estate leaders like Leslie Hale of RLJ Lodging Trust to hospitality visionaries like David Kong of BWH Hotel Group, these stories offer invaluable lessons for CRE professionals at any stage of their careers.
Lessons from top CEOs: The blueprint for success
Throughout Living Beyond Your Dreams, Ferguson explores the intangible but crucial factors that differentiate exceptional leaders. Key themes include:
- Perspective shapes success – Stories like Mit Shah’s journey from helping run his family’s small motel to leading Noble Investment Group demonstrate how embracing challenges with the right mindset fuels achievement.
- The power of networks – Leaders like Jodie McLean of EDENS emphasize how intentionally surrounding oneself with ambitious, like-minded individuals opens doors.
- The courage to speak up – Denny Marie Post’s pivotal moment—telling a CEO she wanted his job—led to a mentorship that transformed her career.
- Resilience against adversity – Daryl Carter’s story of overcoming bias and proving his worth in the finance industry underscores the value of persistence.
- Generosity fuels leadership – Many of the featured CEOs are deeply committed to mentorship and philanthropy, highlighting the importance of paying success forward.
A personal mission to shape the next generation
As a long-time executive recruiter and leadership advisor, Bill has spent decades helping companies find the right leaders. His work with Ferguson Partners and the Ferguson Centers for Leadership Excellence (CLE) has focused on expanding career opportunities for underrepresented groups in commercial real estate and beyond. His book serves as both an inspirational guide and a call to action for organizations to do more in cultivating diverse talent.
In a recent conversation with Walker & Dunlop CEO Willy Walker on the Walker Webcast, Ferguson discussed his motivation for writing the book. “Too many young professionals don’t realize the career paths available to them. And even when they get in the door, they don’t always have the mentorship to rise. This book is about changing that.”
Why Living Beyond Your Dreams matters now
The past few years have reshaped the corporate landscape with increased emphasis on diversity, leadership accountability, and mentorship. Bill’s book arrives at a critical time when aspiring executives and seasoned leaders seek guidance on navigating today’s evolving business world.
By drawing on the experiences of highly accomplished leaders, Living Beyond Your Dreams provides a roadmap for success that is both practical and inspiring. Whether you're a young professional seeking direction, a mid-career executive aiming for the next level, or a leader looking to leave a lasting impact, this book offers a blueprint for leadership excellence.
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Don’t miss out on the leadership insights that can shape your career. Order Living Beyond Your Dreams today.
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