Book excerpt: John McNabb's autobiographical book is filled with meaningful stories that will capture the imagination and interest of anyone interested in leadership qualities that ultimately lead to success. Readers don't have to have a business degree to enjoy the brilliant anecdotes that capture the essence of timeless lessons that he learned in so many different places throughout the globe. McNabb was born in Charleston, West Virginia, to hard-working, patriotic Americans. He earned All-America football honors in both high school and college. He attended Duke University, earning both undergraduate and MBA degrees. He had two combat flying tours in Vietnam, including 137 combat missions, and was awarded the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. McNabb started and sold what became a well-known and profitable merchant bank. He has served as Lead Director of two Fortune 500-size companies and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of a Fortune 1000 international energy firm. With Harold Hamm, he co-founded the Trump Leadership Council. He is married to Darlene McNabb, and they have four children and six grandchildren. The McNabbs live in the mountains of Western North Carolina.