Acknowledgments

Since the publication of my first book in 2007, Leading for Growth, the “normal” that we were all used to in the economy, the housing market, and basically all other facets of our daily lives has changed and perhaps left us forever. The uncertainty that has replaced it has proven to be more than difficult; it’s been downright lousy. During this period, we’ve seen leaders rise to the occasion and show their true mettle, and we’ve witnessed some who gave up, gave in, or just couldn’t play the hand they had been dealt. One thing is certain: over the past five to six years, leadership has never been more needed, wanted, or required. I’ve been thinking of writing this book for several years, not from the position of being a leadership expert (which I’m not) but from a commonsense point of view that offers leadership characteristics that leaders are and have been aware of and know they must practice to succeed.

I am reminded of these points on a regular basis by the more than twenty-five hundred Umpqua associates who hold me accountable to live up to our own company standards. I acknowledge these terrific people and thank them for giving me the benefit of the doubt and continuing to blow wind in my sails as we together advance a great company. Others at Umpqua who have played an important role in all our successes include our board of directors—leaders in the truest sense of the word: Allyn Ford, Peggy Fowler, Bill Lansing, Bryan Timm, Hilliard Terry, Susan Stevens, Laureen Seeger, Stephen Gambee, Jim Greene, Luis Machuca, Diane Miller, Dudley Slater, and Frank Whittaker. They have tolerated my inconsistencies with grace, and for that I thank them.

I also thank my leadership team—those who deal with my rants and unbridled passion about Umpqua: Barbara Baker, Brad Copeland, Ron Farnsworth, Lani Hayward, Kelly Johnson, Gary Neal, Cort O’Haver, Steve Philpott, and Mark Wardlow. Special thanks go out to Lorelei Brennan, my executive assistant, for being who you are, and to Eve Callahan for being the catalyst to move me to get this book completed. Thanks, Eve, for your ideas, editing, and encouragement.

It goes without saying that without Peter Economy, this book would still be just a good idea. Peter, your sprint to the finish line was incredible. Thank you for your partnership in this project. As some have said, “We did good.” I also thank all the people at Jossey-Bass who accommodated our untimely requests, including our editor, Karen Murphy, for showing us the path we needed to follow to bring this book in on time.

And to my family—Aimee, Kyle, Brooke, Jackson (my best friend), and Caroline (I’m thinking of you!)—who unknowingly motivate me every single day. Finally, to Bobbi, who makes all my dreams come true. Without you, nothing would have made sense. ILYTMOTU.