Because its purpose is to create a customer, the business enterprise has two - and only these two — basic functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation produce results; all the rest are 'costs'.

All companies are service companies; some also manufacture products.

Inside an organization there are only cost centers. The only profit center is a customer whose check has not bounced.

Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.

Successful careers are not planned. They develop when people are prepared for opportunities because they know their strengths, their method of work, and their values. Knowing where one belongs can transform an ordinary person - hardworking and competent but otherwise mediocre - into an outstanding performer.

Everything must degenerate into work if anything is to happen.

The talk you hear about adapting to change is not only stupid, it's dangerous. The only way you can manage change is to create it.