Now I know why authors thank so many people in this section.
My parents, Ron and Daphne Tumlin, read every word of numerous drafts and provided tireless editorial support. I’m grateful for their assistance. Jane Ryder introduced me to the brilliant Beth Jusino, who provided indispensable manuscript advice and thorough editing.
Morgan Roth and Ulla Schnell connected me to Jessica Papin, my invaluable, thoughtful, and resourceful agent, who came up with the book’s title and so much more. My instant and authentic connection with Casey Ebro, my editor at McGraw-Hill, translated into a delightful working relationship. Janice Race and Judy Duguid made the production process smooth and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate Janice’s patience and professionalism. Thanks to Jason Santamaria for putting in the good word with Mary Glenn at McGraw-Hill.
Justin Pritchard and Jeremy Stout helped me clarify my initial thoughts about the book. Wanda Granberry graciously shared her time and expertise to help me improve an early version of the manuscript. Karen Tumlin, Betty Chapman, and Karon Bowers also provided early and important input.
Mark Knapp and John Daly indelibly shaped my thinking about communication, and Howard Prince did the same for leadership. I wouldn’t have systematically studied communication without Mark; I wouldn’t have developed as a teacher without John; and I wouldn’t have acquired an integrated understanding of leadership without Howard. I’m grateful that they shared their knowledge with me. At the University of Texas at Austin, the Department of Communication Studies and the LBJ School of Public Affairs were fruitful homes for a decade.
In business, Rebecca Henley is my right-hand woman. I couldn’t do a fraction of the things I do without her. Thanks to our clients who provided many of the experiences that shaped this book. Thanks to Martha Mendoza for contributing the Foreword, and thanks to all the endorsers. My gratitude goes to Peninnah Schram for graciously granting permission to use her story, “The Power of the Tongue.”
Margaret Keys, Steven Tomlinson, and Nancy Graves helped me become a better observer of people. Lally Brennan, Ti Martin, Tory McPhail, Jimmy Boudreaux, Joe Pilie, Jenny Giannobile, and Billy Langston welcomed me like family during writing breaks at Commander’s Palace that were all too infrequent. Icy and Miles Donnelly and Stephen Warner did the same at La Frite. Gregory Thomas-Tench helped me get my ideas online, answered dozens of questions cheerfully, and somehow had the equanimity to laugh when I crashed his servers.
Others who provided assistance in various ways include: Tina Morris, Paul Martorana, Jen and Jim Betancourt, Tom Pace, Bernie Skown, Joe Youngblood, Mike Moonbeam Weathers, Nick Lennon, Rob Morris, Pete Von Alt, Anita Vangelisti, Madeline Maxwell, Roger Tumlin, Calvin Belbin, Amy Schmisseur, Stacey Connaughton, Brian Richardson, Ethan Burris, Hector Diaz, Maru Gonzalez, Iris and Felix Pritchard, Peter Frumkin, Nancy Sims, the Battistoni family, Annella Metoyer, Lynn Luppino, David Moldawer, Daniel Ambrosio, Betty Wilkes, Evelyn Schilling, Scott Kopetz, Eleanor Belbin, Bobbie Smith, Sandy Eckhardt, David Pearson, Quang Ngo, Dawn Haberkorn, and Tim Taliaferro.
Thanks and much more to Cindi Baldi, wife and friend.