Transformational leadership is needed today, perhaps, more than ever in history. As organizations, businesses and governments become an interconnected global network, new opportunities and threats constantly emerge. Leadership and resilience is imperative to success.

One of the best ways to continue our individual paths towards this breed of effective leadership is by learning from the experiences and wisdom of leaders who have gone before us. Gordon Bernhardt has compiled a priceless series of valuable lessons by creating volumes of leadership profiles to inspire and inform the innovator and entrepreneur in each one of us.

Gordon is the president and founder of Bernhardt Wealth Management and has dedicated himself and his business to helping others. His devotion to pursuing knowledge and sharing it with students and business professionals through his Profiles in Success series offers individuals one of the best ways to learn and be inspired in their careers.

We, in Washington, D.C., are very fortunate to live in a place with such a strong entrepreneurial history to inspire us. In 1607, the first successful English settlement in North America was founded in Virginia. Did you know that one important purpose of Jamestown was to provide investors with some profits from gold mining? These people were entrepreneurs, braving the unknown in search of something greater.

And although the economy has been very tough in the past few years, history proves that during tough economic times, our nation emerges stronger because of our entrepreneurial spirit. Many great companies were founded during times of recession.

In fact, General Electric was formed during the panic of 1873. The Great Depression saw the beginnings of United Technologies (1929), Hewlett Packard (1939), and Revlon (1932). Apple Computer was founded during the recession of the ’80s and Google during the downturn in the ’90s. P&G, IBM and FedEx were all started during major economic downturns, as well.

We should remember that each failure is a lesson learned. Most entrepreneurs have one or two (or more) failures behind them. Think of Steve Jobs and Apple Computers. We all know how wildly successful Apple now is. But do you remember the Apple “Lisa” machine and the “Newton” handheld device? And how many of you even knew about Steve Job’s venture called “Next”? Even Steve Jobs had many failures on the road to global success.

Now is the time for entrepreneurs to follow their passions and career aspirations.

In his Profiles in Success, Gordon showcases how others have pursued their dreams. He gives us the opportunity to get an insider’s glimpse of successful top executives and to hear their success stories—how they “did it,” what sacrifices were made, their backgrounds, lessons learned, turning points, and challenges and opportunities ahead.

We cannot predict the future, but we can pursue our dreams, and embrace our experiences. I know that students, entrepreneurs, and business professionals will all enjoy reading this excellent collection of success stories. Gaining this unique perspective will provide the motivation to follow their hearts and create their own successes.

Jorge Haddock

Dean, School of Management
George Mason University
som.gmu.edu