Book description
From the Introduction by Alex Gill
Before embarking on the A. I.M. program, I was just an ordinary guy
with a problem that many, many others have had at some point in their
careers. I was unhappy. I was becoming bitter. I complained about
my job a lot. I knew I was in a rut and couldn't figure out what to do
about it. I felt powerless, unfocused and alone. And I didn't see a
way I could make things improve. That was my starting point before I
began the A. I.M. process.
Today, I run my own firm that helps dozens of nonprofits improve
their community impact each year. I work on very interesting and
socially relevant projects for an ever-growing roster of clients. I
have flown around the world to talk about community building,
environmentalism and social marketing. I also teach at an innovative
downtown university where the students are a joy to teach and my
fellow professors often remark on my enthusiasm for my work and life
in general. My friends and family constantly note that I seem happier
and more motivated as the years go by.
This did not happen because of some exceptional piece of luck - nor
because of some superhuman ability or intelligence on my part ... I
was someone who happened upon a method - the A. I.M. method - that
helped me determine who I was and what inspired me, and then put me on
the path to achieving it. It happened because I put those principles
into action with the help and guidance of a coach like Jim Carlisle.
I hope as you read this book that you will appreciate how A. I.M.
changed my life - and how it could help you change yours. Jim and I
have taken the better part of a year to write this book because we
believe in strongly in helping those who need a way out. Every day we
see people who would benefit from taking charge of their lives and
moving forward to achieve, inspire and make a difference.
If you see a bit of yourself in my story - or in the dozens of
stories we will share in this book - read on. I hope your journey is
even more productive and rewarding than my own.
Jim Carlisle is Director of Western Management
Consultants, where he practices in the areas of executive coaching,
executive search, and facilitation. His coaching practice has
attracted a wide range of clients, including CEOs of major firms,
graduate business students, high potential managers, not-for-profit
leaders and professional athletes. Jim is in his second term as
Chairman of The World Search Alliance, a network of executive search
firms in over 30 countries around the world. He is also a Fellow of
The Institute of Certified Management Consultants.
Alex Gill is principal of Mendicant Group, a consulting firm
that improves the impact of Canada's charities, non-profit
organizations, and socially conscious corporations. Prior to founding
Mendicant, Alex spent more than ten years as a nonprofit executive.
Alex teaches at Ryerson University in the areas of corporate
citizenship, advocacy, and nonprofit management.
