Curiosity Made the Cat - Breaking the Rules and Becoming Extraordinary

In a highly competitive business environment where meets expectations has become the new definition of Average. Curiosity Made the Cat asks a bold question. If everyone around you is smart, well-educated and has the same Intel chip in their computer, how will you differentiate yourself and become extraordinary? How can you climb off the plateau of mediocrity and stand out as if you are wearing red in a sea of tan suits? Larry Stevens takes you on a journey that challenges the old myths, like Curiosity Killed the Cat and You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks and charts a new course that blatantly breaks the rules and boldly leads to a destination of Extraordinary. From assessing your current creativity, curiosity and work ethic to developing techniques for becoming more innovative, confident and impactful. Stevens combines theoretical concepts with practical hands-on tips that will set you apart from the meets expectations crowd and accelerate your journey from Average to Extraordinary. But Stevens warns that the journey is not easy; it is long and winding with great expanses of straight roads and beguiling sunshine, interrupted by treacherous turns, threatening storms and pounding headwinds. The trip is not for the faint of heart, and many never leave their comfortable surroundings to begin the adventure. Others are thwarted by washed-out roads and broken bridges; others make wrong turns and are never able to find their true north; and still others give up in the face of ceaseless winds of discouragement and criticism. But those who stay the course, navigate the obstacles and never give up are rewarded with an extraordinary adventure. Curiosity Made the Cat will change your life. So get prepared; you are in the driver's seat. Follow the map and watch for signs. Extraordinary is just ahead!

J. Larry Stevens, a partner in the international accounting firm, PwC (retired), is Executive-in-Residence and Visiting Professor at Kennesaw State University's Coles College of Business where, as a member of the School of Accountancy faculty, he teaches courses in mergers and acquisitions and accounting. He is also founder and Co-Director of the Coles College M&A Academy, which provides executive education in mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Stevens lives in Marietta, Georgia, with his wife Lynn Stevens, a practicing attorney. His first book, Riding Elevators Backwards, was a success among business leaders and entrepreneurs. One reviewer writes, I have held professional leadership positions for nearly three decades and have read my share of books in this field. Most are a dime a dozen, filled with pithy formulas based on the experiences of others. Stevens writes with a view from the trenches as well as the hard-worn perspective of a tenured leader. He pairs anecdotal stories and examples with practical methods in forming, nurturing, and, when necessary, repairing relationships. Stevens is currently working on his next book, The Bubba Effect: Making the Most of Second Chances in Golf and Life.