Albert M. Erisman - The Accidental Executive: Lessons on Business, Faith, and Calling from the Life of Joseph

This wonderful engagement with the life of Joseph is the epitome of what it means in practice to apply thyself wholly to the text and to apply the text wholly to thyself. Al Erisman illuminates the story in such a way that I felt I was traveling through life with Josephand what a life he lived! In the midst of each engagement with the text came a thought-provoking reflection on what this could mean for one who wants to live with vocational integrity today, both conceptually and specifically. Every chapter is an extraordinary combination of imagination, analysis, application, and profound wisdom. Regardless of ones age or circumstance in life, this book is worth reading and then reading again.

Don Flow, Owner and CEO, Flow Automotive Companies, Winston-Salem, NC

What a refreshing and inspiring book! Al Erisman does something that I would have thought impossible. He makes the ancient story of Joseph come alive with many wise insights for the kind of leadership much needed at Costco, Boeing, Microsoft, McDonaldsand the professional golf circuit! This book should be at the top of the reading lists for folks who care deeply about how faith in Christ can inform best practices of business leadership.

Richard J. Mouw, PhD, President Emeritus and Professor of Faith and Public Life, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA

Al has done an incredible job of presenting a very familiar story in a unique and inspiring way. Being the person others choose to follow. Providing inspiration. Behaving ethically. These are a few of the leadership characteristics you will learn about in The Accidental Executive . A must-read for leaders and potential leaders everywhere.

Gloria S. Nelund, Chair and CEO, TriLinc Global
Former CEO of Deutsche Bank North America Private Wealth Management, Manhattan Beach, CA

The Accidental Executive made me see the Joseph story in a new light. The chapter When Bad Things Happen to Good People is a good example. I found it helpful to be reminded that doing the right thing is not just a clever business strategy. It is a life choice that is often rewarded, but not always right away, and there are no guarantees.

Jack vanHartesvelt, President, Hartland Hotel Company, Seattle, WA

Al Erisman frames the life of Joseph like a polished MBA case study. With great care and intentionality, Erisman connects the dots and reveals the secret to what might seem to be an unlikely rise to power and fame. The Accidental Executive is wildly relevant and highly applicable to men and women of faith called to steward leadership roles in todays marketplace.

Tami Heim, President and CEO of Christian Leadership
Alliance, Nashville, TN; former Chief Publishing Officer, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc.

I had the pleasure of working alongside Dr. Al Erisman at the Boeing Company. I was particularly moved by the preface as I had watched, from a distance, the incident with Als fifth new boss in five years. His ultimate response to the incidentintegrating his faith with his worktold me he was someone worth knowing. The Accidental Executive is worth getting to know as well.

Scott Griffin, Boeing Vice President and Chief Information Officer (retired), Renton, WA

A biblical story, which can be so easily dismissed as myth, in the hands of Al Erisman is transformed into a powerful guide for ethical business and life.

Collin Timms, Chair, Guardian Bank, Bangalore, India

Of the many books written in the life of Joseph, this one is distinguished by its practical perspective with real life examples used richly throughout. Al Erisman weaves his experience in the business world, and his keen understanding of Josephs life, with the personal journeys of many to provide a tapestry of thought and instruction for the Christian executive. An easy but highly profitable read to see how God works in the business world for His glory and our edification.

Bob Doll, Chief Equity Strategist, Nuveen Asset Management, New York City

I have known Al Erisman for over ten years, and we have spoken on numerous occasions about our mutual admiration for Joseph. Im so happy to see the book in its final copy. It is everything I had hoped it would be. This book will both admonish and encourage you in your faith walk and calling.

Steven J. Bell, President and CEO,
Bellmont Cabinet Co., Sumner, WA

The Accidental Executive is a great addition to todays work and business literature. Al Erismans study is truly a refreshing and unique contribution in following the gripping contours of the story of biblical patriarch Joseph throughout his stormy, accidental career in Genesis. Al gives great personal examples from his own career at Boeing and from business leaders he has knownbut he serves us most impressively by the way he allows Josephs own experiences to challenge, inspire, and teach us.

David W. Gill, PhD, Mockler-Phillips Professor of
Workplace Theology & Business Ethics;
Director, Mockler Center for Faith & Ethics in the Workplace,
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA

In this delightful and informative book, we see Joseph in a new light, a light that also illuminates our own practices of work and leadership. Al Erismans insightful examination of the biblical text comes alive through fascinating stories from his own business experience and from dozens of interviews he conducted with executives. The Accidental Executive is a great read for any leader or aspiring leader who is looking for biblically based, practically shaped wisdom.

Mark D. Roberts, PhD, Executive Director,
Max De Pree Center for Leadership, Pasadena, CA

This is the book to read if you want to see how a flesh-and-bone character from the Bible can generate practical insight for todays global businesses. Erisman knows the Bible, and his career as a Boeing technology executive, combined with his hundreds of interviews with leaders give him a brilliant perspective on business. The Accidental Executive is packed with high-impact examples of how spiritual growth, ethical integrity, and dynamic leadership like Josephs can lead to business excellence today. It expanded my horizons about how much practical guidance the Bible has to give about my work.

William Messenger, Executive Editor,
Theology of Work Project, Boston, MA

The story of Joseph was drawn to my attention as I was stepping into my appointment as CEO of the Singapore Exchange. It has inspired me through the years. Al has masterfully woven this ancient story into contemporary perspectives of business leadership.

Hsieh Fu Hua, Cofounder and Adviser, PrimePartners Group, Singapore

As a Christian in public service during a consequential time in Americas history, Josephs story really resonates with me. Finally, a fresh look at Josephs life from the perspective of the business, work, and individual calling in addition to the traditional perspective of a person of faith. A must-read for anyone interested in finding greater meaning in their job.

The Honorable Edmund C. Moy, 38th Director of the United States Mint, 20062011, Washington, DC

Al Erisman is uniquely able to dig deep into the biblical story of Joseph and connect it to the lives and stories of business leaders in our day. Why? Because hes been a business leader himself and hes interviewed hundreds more. The Accidental Executive is personal, lively and enjoyable reading, and points us to the God of the Bible who cares about the work we do every day in service of the world he loves.

Katherine Leary Alsdorf, Senior Fellow, Redeemer City to City
Faith, Work & Leadership Initiative, New York City Board Member, Theology of Work Project