Cover Image: The Winding Road to Excellence

The Winding Road to Excellence

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Member Reviews

This is a highly enjoyable read with lots of lessons along the way. I really enjoyed the chapters and the lessons you learned from each. I will definitely take some of these ideas into work and utilize them to better my performance. I was entertained the entire time and really learned a lot.

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Below was my original review on the audiobook. I still stand by this review but now that I have seen kindle book setup, I like the book even more. The narrator added enthusiasm, but in this case I like having the book to reference better.

I enjoyed the consistent structure of each chapter. There was no jumping around so it was easy to follow along with the topics and the book built nicely, a simple read. I felt motivated and entertained by the enthusiastic narrator and the message. It combined advice from leaders, facts, personal accounts and mantras/quotes to see the positive in any situation. Atomic Habits is one of my favorite "self help" books and this ranks right up there with it. When the physical/kindle version is released I plan to purchase as well so that I can use the book as a motivational reference.

This review has already been posted to Goodreads.

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This book is a refreshing collection of advice in the world of business. With his 'Mantras for Excellence,' he delivers practical wisdom in a witty and relatable manner. Stansell's genuine approach to leadership and his knack for turning challenges into opportunities make this a good read for any aspiring leader looking to build a thriving corporate culture.

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Modern Day Cliff Notes for Life and Leadership
Toby Stansell has distilled a lifetime's worth of aphorisms he's collected from his dad, his mentors, the great philosophers, and ordinary people he's come across into a lively and tightly written book. Both light and funny, never heavy nor slow. These lessons breathe perspective into how to do good work, make a difference, and be gentle with one another. For example, "Stop trying to draw attention & instead pay attention" is neither obvious nor cliche, and how much healthier would society be if more people lived by these words? "Don't pass up an opportunity because of fear" has a similar girth: something to noodle on, then practice. Although most of his personal stories cement these "Tobyisms" into our memories in a sincere and lighthearted way, I could have lived without a running list of his accolades mid-chapter, especially after eviscerating arrogance in the workplace. It just felt disingenuous from someone who otherwise came across as likable and worth learning from--no matter how many classes he's taught or offices he's held. His value stands on its own and comes through his character more loudly than from his accomplishments. Overall, I truly appreciated this collection and feel certain I'll remember and repeat the insights I gained from The Winding Road to Excellence. A perfect meandering in a useful direction.

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