How the Heck Did They Do That?: The 11 Traits of Epic Achievers (Resilience)

Discover the secrets behind history’s greatest achievers.
What do Ben Franklin, Marie Curie, Shackleton, Susan B. Anthony, the Wright Brothers, and the Apollo astronauts have in common? They dared the impossible—and changed the world.

In How the Heck Did They Do That? The 11 Traits of Epic Achievement, award-winning authors Brad Borkan and David Hirzel (When Your Life Depends on It) uncover the powerful mindset, resilience, and vision that unite history’s boldest innovators and explorers.

Packed with inspiring stories, timeless lessons, and practical insights, this book reveals how you can apply the same traits to achieve extraordinary success.

Praise for other books by Borkan and Hirzel:
"Their books are shot through with what is rapidly becoming the authors’ trademark - high octane excitement in learning lessons from great people.” Stephen Scott-Fawcett, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

"The stories—and the settings—are gripping, exhilarating and inspiring. But this book is also about something much larger—the deep, true, higher nature of all human beings." Lily O'Brien

Brad Borkan has had an interest in how people survive and thrive in almost impossible situations for as long as he can remember. He is an author and lecturer and has presented at business and Antarctic conferences, and has been a guest on numerous business and history podcasts. Prior to becoming a full-time author, Brad was a senior director at leading tech companies like SAP. His talks focus on leadership, teamwork and winning against the odds. Brad has traveled to all seven continents. Brad has a graduate degree in Decision Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania, and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He is also a member of the Society of Authors, the Royal Historical Society, and has served as vice chair of the Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute. He has given guest lectures on two Antarctic cruise ships.

David Hirzel is a maritime historian, author and small business owner. His enduring interest in world history and the evolution of societies focuses on the study of polar exploration, and his vocation in architecture expands those interests. David works out of his design office overlooking the sea in Pacifica, California, with a drafting table, a wide desk and an even wider library of technical and history books to hand. His polar books include a three-part polar biography of the Irish explorer Tom Crean, who was a key player in Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton's expeditions. David is also a popular lecturer on board polar and maritime exploration cruise ships.