BOOKS

Regardless of the enterprise you want to run, it’s your choice to step up, set goals and manage your career. But a simple desire to lead a team isn’t enough. Future CEOs need to learn true and sustainable principles of what it means to do the work of leading.

John Hilbrich, a nearly 30-year CEO, entrepreneur, investor and leadership coach, provides a transparent and actionable guide toward getting to CEO. Combining his decades of experience and mentorship of leaders, Hilbrich gives the straight answers to tough questions.

Up-and-coming CEOs will learn

• How and why to say yes to difficult challenges that get you noticed.
• Dealing with toxic bosses and difficult employees.
• Running to and putting out fires in the workplace that others run away from.
• Defining, tracking, and reaching success while navigating political landmines.
• Making the difficult decisions to balance care for your family with the excruciating demands of the business.

Get to CEO is a guide for ambitious entrepreneurs and aspiring CEOs looking for a clear path to get to the top, while avoiding the pitfalls along the way. Fans of Good to Great, Leaders Eat Last, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Extreme Ownership: How U. S. Navy SEALS Lead and Win will find additional guidance through John Hilbrich’s insight and experiences.

Early Praise for Get to CEO:

“As a tool for mentoring business professionals at any career stage, Hilbrich's timeless inspirations for self-improvement are a benefit to all. John demonstrates a genuine interest in the growth of others by sharing the keen insights that guided his successful career and can transform yours too.”
— Daniel G. Doster, CEO Paper Water Bottle

“Lots of books talk about being a CEO. Not very many show you the path to get there. The simple advice presented is clear, and easy to grasp. I had the privilege to watch John in action as a CEO. His personal stories punctuate an exciting path for aspiring executives. I wish this book had been available to me during my journey.”
— Kevin Lavallee, President and CEO, ThyssenKrupp Elevator

“John’s practical and insightful advice is backed by years of experience and real-world examples that will help leaders unlock their full potential to make the jump to the C-Suite."
— Kelly Coleman, CEO, Hancock Enterprises Oil and Gas Exploration.

“John has authored an essential guide to the skills required to achieve and flourish as a CEO. I recommend this book for anyone aspiring to a leadership role.”
— Fred Kendall, Amazon.com, Inc., Head of Japan Imaging Services 

“Insightful and practical wisdom on how to become a great CEO, John’s experience and personal stories shine through as a Masterclass in Excellence. Accolades for “Get to CEO” are well deserved. John is a great person, a great family man and CEO."
— Mathew J. Alagna Jr., Founder and CEO, All Truck Transportation Co. Inc.

“Having experienced working with John in the early years, I can honestly say that his wisdom, practical insights, and true passion make this book a must read for anyone striving for a leadership position.”
— Klaus Hahn, CEO Testfakta Group Nordic AB

“John is a passionate, experienced guide, who wants you to win. This book is packed with heart, guidance and hard-won wisdom to help you achieve.”
— Jon Evans, CEO North Fork Builders

“I have known John for more than 40 years and admire his passion for living life to the greatest extent possible. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he wants everyone around him to achieve success in their own way. This book provides motivation and practical skills to help you navigate your way to becoming an extraordinary leader.”
— James G. Hart, President and Chief Investment Officer, Oliver Estate, Inc.

“A great read with valuable guidance and insight as to what to do, and maybe more importantly, what not to do in one’s quest to become CEO. The author’s candor and humility make this a real pleasure to read. I can’t wait to give it to my children, for them to absorb and learn as they progress in their efforts to get to CEO.”
— CEO, The largest privately owned jewelry retail company in the U.S.

“Drawing on his own journey and experience, John offers practical advice and strategies for anyone aspiring to the top job. True to himself, John shares guidance from the heart, some hard-earned wisdom and personal anecdotes that should prove to be valuable insight to others”.
— Joe Chesham, President, Prime Communications Canada

“John’s book „Get to CEO“ is a very well-crafted description of a career path that he followed successfully. He illustrates clear and empathetically what helped him and will help young, dynamic and committed people to become equally successful. Apart from his very good, intuitive understanding of client’s needs, knowing the facts and data, he always showed enormous empathy and support for his co-workers. The team build- ing skills helped him to move forward, to become a trusted department head and finally CEO. I believe young people can learn a lot from his book for their own ambitious career.“
— Achim Schulz, Director, Michael Conrad & Leo Burnett Germany

“This book will encourage your heart and show you the way in your next steps to becoming a CEO. John’s guidance is an invaluable resource in building the skills you will need to succeed in either a large or small company.”
— Mark Springer, CEO, Dayspring Restoration

“John has hit on some of the top points and competencies that make a successful leader. Sharing his experience and his personal stories of success and failure make the reading of his book entertaining as well as insightful. If you’re a leader looking for ideas to elevate your skills and behavior, I highly recommend this read.”
— Scott Robinson, Managing Director, Robinson Resource Group

“I have worked with Hilbrich for decades, and I am not surprised that I continue to learn from the gems in this book. John wants to inspire you to the top job. These pages are packed with the real-world advice you need to help you reach your goals in business.”
— Stephen Simmons, President, CEO, TNG Financial Software Inc.

"CEO’s are always in the news. Much is written about them. But the path to get to the top job is a mystery. John guides you on a simple journey, presented in a clear, coaching style. His personal stories add empathy and authenticity as he helps aspiring executives avoid the pitfalls on the exciting path to CEO."
— Max Scheder-Bieschin, Founder, CEO, Board Member

“In a very practical style, filled with wisdom, deeply personal stories and passion, John provides a wealth of practical insights on what it takes to be a successful leader, and get to CEO.”
— Robert Hashimoto, CEO, Think Logistics

“It’s not easy being CEO. It’s also not an obvious path to navigate your way to the top job. John helps you solve both of those challenges by providing guidance on the journey and a clear picture of the skills necessary to be a success.“
— Joe Brandt, President, Cardinal Distributing Co.

“Contrary to everything we are fed in the media, being the CEO is not a glamorous job. There are real internal conflicts and decisions are not easy. As a society we spend so much time referencing the exceptions (Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, Jobs, Gates) that we neglect the people aspiring to the job and succeeding every day. Aspiring leaders can find mentors and role models in their own communities and in John’s book.”
— Mark Anthony, CEO, Entrepreneur

”Whether the company is large and small, this book will help the next generation of leaders focus on what’s important to thrive. John’s book is a must read on the key tenets of leadership and the skill development required to achieve and flourish in the top job.”
— Blake Underriner, Managing Partner, Underriner Automotive

“I had the great pleasure to watch John in action when we were both relatively early in our executive roles. Even then John stood out in our circle of CEOs with a warm smile and quick mind that lit up every room he graced. “Get to CEO” captures John’s wisdom earned through his CEO journey. If you have the fire to start your own journey, then “Get to CEO” is must-read.”
— Michael Meagher, CEO and serial entrepreneur

“Unprecedented times require a new approach by future lead- ers. John ́s personal and touching stories invite us to look at how we should construct a new way of working and leading. “Get to CEO” is a perfect guide to become a better leader and transform “business as usual” into a path to find win-win- win approaches to benefit organizations, customers, and our larger society.“
— Frank Eigler, CEO Eigler Communications

“John has always had the knowledge of not only what it takes to be a CEO but also the path required to become CEO. He is a true communicator, and this book will be perfect for those interested in the journey to become a CEO. John has always mentored those around him through sharing his experiences. He has the unique ability to put into words what is required to achieve a specific goal. These insights are so important to those seeking a path to success.”
— Peter Garvy, President, Lifespice

“I have known John a long-time and this book is a reflection of his commitment to others in their personal and professional growth, his insightful and practical approach to setting oneself up for success, and John’s acute awareness of the need to have a holistic approach to leadership in order to thrive.”
— Bill Best, Founder & CEO Garrett Lane Advisors

“John is a passionate, experienced guide, who wants you to win. This book is packed with heart, guidance, and hard-won wisdom to help you achieve.”
— Rick Ungersma, President & CEO, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply

“If you or someone you know are serious about getting to the top job, this book is an invaluable read. John provides the path in a very practical approach and fills the pages with stories, anecdotes, and the common struggles of the journey.”
— Ed Benford, CEO Benford Capital Partners