John Hope Bryant - Up from Nothing: The Untold Story of How We (All) Succeed

Praise for Up from Nothing

John takes us back to an idea of America where all can win. Instead of getting mired down by envy, greed, hate, and despair, John challenges us to rise up with positive thinking, self-confidence, aspiration, and hopeand to do it together.

Brad Hanson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Meta Financial Group and Metabank

John Hope Bryants personal journey and professional accomplishments are an inspiration for me and many others. And the lessons that can be drawn from his experience have significant implications for all of us as leaders. In particular, his focus on the importance of mindsetthe power of believing in oneself and having faith in those around youis a critical insight for all of us. He helps us remember to see the best in ourselves and others and to convey that confidence to them. When we do this, we can unlock an enormous amount of potential in people and collectively achieve goals that no one ever thought possible.

Timothy Welsh, Vice Chair, Consumer and Business Banking, U.S. Bancorp

In Up from Nothing, John Hope Bryant has captured the essence of Americas next societal challengeto shed our fascination with division and instead focus on actions that will cement our standing as the greatest nation in the world. This book celebrates and elevates the ideas at the core of the American Dreamthat success means choosing your own terms, that the future is more important than the past, and that self-worth is the most valuable asset of all.

Dallas Tanne, cofounder, President, and CEO, Invitation Homes

Reading this book was both informative and transformative. Whether we come from the hollers of Appalachia or the inner cities of LA, all of us battle the same obstacles and search for the same answers. The five foundational pillars Bryant identifies to ensure a level playing field of opportunity for all are brought to life through his biographical journey, which teaches us through applied experience while inspiring us with possibility and the desire to implement change immediately. Simply amazing!

Brad D. Smith, Executive Chairman, Intuit

Sometimes it can be hard to really understand the plight of others when your personal experiences have been vastly different. It is difficult to know what is unseen. John Hope Bryant has lived many different lives and is successful in a diverse number of social and economic circles, which he shares in Up from Nothing. This book will help widen perspectives and narrow the differences between us. John is amazing and so inspiring, and the book is both well-timed and relevant.

Susie Buffett, Chair, The Sherwood Foundation

Full economic inclusion is an essential concept for an America that is currently fearful and fractured but never feckless. John Hope Bryants prescription forecasts bringing this concept to life will yield a prognosis of enduring stability and sustainable prosperity. Read on and lets get to it.

Lisa M. Borders, former Chair, The Coca-Cola Foundation

This book arrived at the right moment in time, with the right stories for the right reason. Its beautifully written with a compelling perspective that establishes the case for optimism. We can all find our own reflection within these pages and be inspired to strive and thrive for ourselves and the greater good.

Eduardo Martinez, President, The UPS Foundation, and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, UPS

This is a time when the world is uncertain and looks for pragmatic suggestions in order to chart viable livelihoods as we rebuild. Following the devastation caused by a global pandemic, it is reasonable that the right chosen voices rise to inspire us out of gloom.

It is correct that a black man, whose entire heritage is underscored by immense physical hardship and emotional pain, should be the one we trust on our way to triumph. John Hope Bryant has proven again and again with his compassionate understanding of humanity and his sharp acumen that he is more than credible. This book is precisely the guide we need as a manual to help us navigate a way to greatness.

He has illustrated the importance of proximity to greatness by quoting familiar figures who have been actively positive in our own businesss growth. This evidences the power of owning our narrative and determines how the future frames us. He correctly calibrates our historic victories as a reference while challenging us to innovate and engineer new paths!

Lindo and Zondwa Mandela, Mandela Legacy Foundation

John Bryant is both a force of nature and a force of good for this country. John has committed himself to helping those communities that have had less access to the American Dream. He works tirelessly to improve financial literacy, and his consistent efforts on economic empowerment, improved education for minority children, and access to attractively priced capital are admirable. Unfortunately, the world will not get better or more fair overnight, but it will get better over time if all of us take a moment to listen more carefully to many of Johns recurring observations. John Bryants goal is to push our country to acknowledge obvious inequalities and take the required steps to address them. It may not be easy, but it will be worthwhileso I share Johns goal and respect his passion for making the world a better place.

Tony Ressler, cofounder and Executive Chairman, Ares Management Corp.

John Bryant continues to challenge us all to be (and to do) better. His focus on personal accountability, a concept too often cast aside these days, provides an important reminder that all of us can and should take control of our own destiny. John is a living example that the American Dream lives on and can be achieved by all.

Frank D. Martell, President and CEO, CoreLogic

I want to offer up an amen to the powerful testimony that is my dear friends new book, Up from Nothing. John shares masterfully and vulnerably the truth of his rise in business, philanthropy, stewardship, and education. Having lived what he teachessome may even say preachesevery chapter of his life is a solid lesson in what it takes within ourselves and, importantly, as a nation to climb the ladder of success, to rise up together. John and I have never needed to research if we are blood related (though my mom suggests we most likely are), because we have always known we are of kindred minds and soul. We share the precious goal of giving forward without languishing in accusations about our pasts. Right now, for the first time in history, we are sharing the global goal of survival against a vicious pandemic, which makes Johns book even more academically, spiritually, and universally relevantand necessary. This book is a blessing to everyone no matter his or her station in life. It bears reading over and over... as I certainly shall.

Janice Bryant Howroyd, founder and CEO, ActOne Group

UP FROM
NOTHING

Up from Nothing

Copyright 2020 by John Hope Bryant

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