The Journey to CEO Success: 7 Practices for High Growth Leadership

Pack your bags for the transformational quest of leading a fast-growth organization in The Journey to CEO Success. Distilling more than 20 years of experience coaching visionary leaders, executive mentor Patrick Thean identifies seven essential practices that have enabled Michael Praeger to transform AvidXchange from a startup into the billion-dollar public company it is today. This book blends compelling real-world stories with battle-tested tactics to equip entrepreneurs and CEOs to thrive.

Gain front-row access to the crucible moments that tempered Praeger into an inspirational servant leader—from negotiating existential business situations to achieving spectacular year-over-year growth. Journey alongside Thean, Praeger, and other executives as they achieve alignment across their organizations and turn their cultures into competitive weapons to attract top talent.

Applying humility and insatiable curiosity, learn to spot emerging problems early on and course-correct quickly. Discover the keys to constructing a world-class leadership team hyper-focused on serving core customers. Whether you’re an aspiring founder driving early traction, a seasoned entrepreneur tackling your next endeavor, or an experienced executive steering a maturing organization, Thean and Praeger deliver the roadmap to build an enduring, successful business.

Overflowing with hard-won wisdom and thoughtful exercises to apply these leadership principles immediately, The Journey to CEO Success is your guide to accelerate growth, inspire your team, and equip your company to reach extraordinary new heights. If you only read one leadership book this year, make it this one!

PATRICK THEAN is a renowned speaker, CEO coach, and serial entrepreneur, as well as a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His expertise has graced NBC, CBS, and Fox platforms. In 1996, Patrick was honored as Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in North Carolina and propelled his inaugural venture to #151 on the Inc. 500 (now the Inc. 5000). CEOs using his method have achieved increased company valuation by 10X, and achieved Unicorn status and a successful IPO on Nasdaq. Currently CEO and Co-Founder of Rhythm Systems, he dedicates himself to guiding CEOs toward transformative breakthroughs, against common failures, and achieving their dreams.

MICHAEL PRAEGER is the Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AvidXchange (Nasdaq listed—AVDX), the leading provider of accounts payable and payment automation solutions for middle market companies. An expert on fintech, payments innovation, entrepreneurism and leadership, Michael has been an active participant and speaker at various industry conferences. Michael received a BSBA in Finance from Georgetown University.