Book excerpt: This short guide to career development for academics provides sensible and practical advice on how to rise to the top in the highly competitive world of higher education. Drawing on the author's wealth of experience in international universities, the book is packed with tactics and strategies for building a successful academic career and growing a strong personal brand as a leading and highly respected academic. Whether your goal is to be a top professor, academic manager, or university leader, you will find valuable tips in this book that are scarcely written down. This book is essential reading for every academic who wants a high-flying career.