Book excerpt: Practical guidance on how to empower people to do their best. Filled with stories by and fascinating interviews with human capital innovators, Making a Difference Through People provides practical guidance on how to empower people to deliver their best performance by employing their guiding principles. Offering relevant strategies and tactics, each interview is preceded by an introduction that provides a biographical recap and a brief discussion of each innovator. Mercer is the global leader for trusted HR and related financial advice, products and services. They work with clients at enhancing the financial and retirement security, health, productivity and employment relationships of the global workforce. M. Michele Burns is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mercer Prior to being named Chairman and CEO of Mercer, Ms. Burns held the position of Chief Financial Officer for MMC.