About the Book
A positive attitude, the ability to adapt to change, and the willingness to learn from failure . . . these are all good markers of a successful person. But what does it take to become a successful entrepreneur--someone who can create something out of nothing? Someone who can start from the bottom and work their way to the top? In Dr. William Pickard's new book Surviving the Shift, this is exactly what he provides. As one of the country's most successful Black entrepreneurs, Dr. Pickard knows a thing or two about overcoming failure and mistakes to become an extraordinary entrepreneur. In this book, he details the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial evolution and offers seven proven principles for embracing change and building wealth. Surviving the Shift will teach you how to: - Develop positive vision and attitude. - Prepare for opportunities. - Understand that financing is not that difficult. - Build good relationships. - Choose a team with the right talent and skill set. - Learn from failure. - Cultivate strong faith. Successful entrepreneurship requires a shift in thinking, planning, and doing. It requires avoiding the many pitfalls people often face in business. Whether you are a new college graduate ready to make your mark on the world, someone who is trying to figure out the next step for their career, an aspiring entrepreneur, or you want to explore new ways to grow your business, you have the power to become the person you were meant to be. This book is your road map, and Dr. Pickard has equipped you with everything you need for your journey.
About the Author :
William F. Pickard, Ph.D. is founder and executive chairman of Global Auto Alliance (GAA), GAA New Ventures, co-managing partner at MGM Grand Detroit Casino, CEO of Bearwood Management, and co-owner of five Black-owned newspapers. Pickard's fifty-year entrepreneurial career began as a McDonald's franchisee. Since its founding in 1989, GAA has generated more than five billion dollars in sales with eight plants in the US and Canada, servicing corporations such as Boeing, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, Delphi, Johnson Controls, Starbucks, The Home Depot, and Merck & Co. pharmaceuticals.
He is a philanthropist, supporting education at colleges and universities including Western Michigan University, The Ohio State University, Florida A&M University, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and others.
Among his honors are the Morehouse College 34th Candle in the Dark Award for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy, the Michigan Lifetime Humanitarian Award, and the Michiganian of the Year Award for his business success, civic leadership, and philanthropy.
Dr. Pickard holds a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University, a master's degree from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.
Review :
"As a respected and successful entrepreneur, Dr. Pickard's book, Surviving the Shift: 7 Proven Millionaire Moves for Embracing Change and Building Wealth, will ensure future generations have a guidepost to exceptional business achievement. Dr. Pickard has proven that entrepreneurship and philanthropy can serve as mutual partners for the positive benefit of society. I am pleased that HBCUs will have this publication as a resource for their entrepreneurship programs."--Dr. Everett B. Ward, Former President of St. Augustine's University and National President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
"Dr. Pickard's journey to success as a multimillionaire and generous philanthropist was guided by the principles in Surviving the Shift: 7 Proven Millionaire Moves for Embracing Change and Building Wealth. Pickard survived and grew while others failed because he dreamed big, diversified his business, and formed profitable joint ventures and strategic partnerships. Pickard is truly a model for business aspirants all over the world."--James H. Lowry, Senior Advisor for The Boston Consulting Group, Inaugural Member of the Minority Business Hall of Fame
"Dr. William Pickard has a way of reaching across all age groups as he tells his engaging story of entrepreneurial success. I have watched as the School of Business and Industry (SBI) students delight in his humor and wisdom. They leave with a deeper understanding of what is necessary for long-term success in business and life. But more importantly, they leave with more drive and determination to succeed. Surviving the Shift: 7 Proven Millionaire Moves for Embracing Change and Building Wealth is a must-read for exploring the questions many of us are asking, 'What is this new normal, and how do we survive this shift to create the future of our dreams?'" --Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., Dean, School of Business and Industry, Vice President, University Advancement & Executive Director FAMU Foundation, Florida A&M University
"If insight, wisdom, and transformation from one of Black Enterprise magazine's 100 Top 10 Black businesses is your goal, I highly recommend that you sit at the feet of this master."--George C. Fraser, Ph.D., Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur
