Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are CEOs of our own companies: Me, Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You.

The selfish leader will attempt to lead others for their own gain and for the detriment of others.

Give a lot, expect a lot, and if you don't get it, prune.

Remember my mantra: distinct... or extinct.

Quality involves living the message of the possibility of perfection and infinite improvement, living it day in and day out, decade by decade.

A good collection is more than just the sum of its parts.

'In Search of Excellence' - even the title - is a reminder that business isn't dry, dreary, boring, or by the numbers. Life at work can be cool - and work that's cool isn't confined to Tiger Woods, Yo-Yo Ma, or Tom Hanks. It's available to all of us and any of us.