Great Leaders, Thinkers, and Coaches on
Marshall Goldsmith and The Earned Life.

In my fifty-year career as an executive educator and coach, I have been blessed to work with many of the greatest leaders, thinkers, and coaches in the world. In theory, I am supposed to teach them. In practice, I have learned far more from them than they have learned from me. The great people below have been gracious enough to endorse my work and The Earned Life. In some cases, to help readers understand their profound accomplishments, I have added my own comments in italics below each person’s quotation. By sharing what I have learned, I hope this book can help you in the way that these great leaders have helped me.

–Marshall Goldsmith

Marshall Goldsmith_Signature

“ Olympic athletes work with elite trainers, CEOs work with Marshall Goldsmith. There’s nothing quite like receiving a strong dose of truth from Marshall and realizing, a few days later, you have just become a better person. Colleagues, friends, loved ones — and your future self — will celebrate your decision to work with him.”

Safi Bahcall

Safi has a Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford. He has worked with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. His book, Loonshots, combines scientific knowledge, business advice and a great perspective on life. He has now become a gifted teacher, consultant,
and coach. Safi also has a wonderful sense of humor and never takes himself too seriously.

-Marshall Goldsmith

“ Marshall Goldsmith is a humanist in action and a mathematician by training; a most humble Buddhist spirit in the body of the world’s #1 leadership expert; a wonderfully funny person who is dead serious about helping the best leaders become better. In short, he is that rarest of people who brings opposing qualities together to create deep and timeless value for whoever comes in contact with him. He has truly created an original life and has transformed thousands of lives for the better, mine included, in the process. Now, in true Marshall form, he is sharing it all with us in his new book, The Earned Life.”

Ayse Birsel,

World’s #1 Life Coach, author of Design the Life You Love and award-winning industrial designer

Ayse is one of the World’s Top Designers.  Her Design the Life You Love program created the framework for the 100 Coaches community and changed my life.  She is helping thousands of their people in the same way that she helped me.  Her new work is aimed at helping people in their later stages of life.

“ It is rare for a one individual to single-handedly impact an entire profession, but that is what Marshall Goldsmith has done for the business of executive coaching. Marshall’s dedication to the coaching profession is unparalleled. For decades, he has traveled extensively and tirelessly around the globe, teaching, sharing, and role modeling the power and the impact of coaching. All of that has resulted in bringing the profession to its current prominent place in the sun. Marshall has also made a positive impact on me personally, greatly influencing the executive coach I have become. I am grateful to Marshall for his mentorship, his ongoing support, and for leading with such vision and compassion. In short, Marshall Goldsmith has made this world a much better place! “

Brenda Bence

“ Marshall Goldsmith is a sage for the modern world. He brings his honesty, compassion, and wisdom to every book, every speech, every meeting, and every interaction that I have had with him. Marshall knows what I am going to do before I know what I am going to do, which is a testament to how much effort he makes to understand the people around him.”

Asheesh Advani

CEO, Junior Achievement (JA) Worldwide
“ I have known and worked with Marshall Goldsmith ever since he was in his late twenties finishing his PhD at UCLA. I have seen him grow into one of the greatest leadership thinkers in the world. And yet he has continued to be one of the finest, most caring human beings I know. He is a great husband, father, friend and colleague. Marshall lives life to its fullest. In his new book THE EARNED LIFE he shares what he has learned over the years to help everyone live that kind of life. Read this book and it will help you become the best YOU possible Ken Blanchard – Co-Author The One Minute Manager and Simple Truths of Leadership: 52 Ways to Become a Servant Leader and Build Trust “

Ken Blanchard –

Ken is an icon in the world of leadership development. I have known Ken for 45 years. As a young man – and an old man – he has provided kindness, wisdom, and inspiration to me. His work is incredibly practical and useful for leaders at all levels. He has sold over 23 million books.
“ I have had the distinct pleasure to know and work with Marshall Goldsmith for more than 10 years, and during this time, I have yet to find someone who is more focused, practical, or dedicated to their work. Early on in my career, I tried to learn about leadership through books, new experiences, or by seeking advice from former bosses. As I started to rise through the ranks, it became evident that having a professional coach – someone who I can seek guidance from or help me overcome doubts or negative behaviors – would truly help me grow as a leader. Luckily, I was introduced to Marshall and he has been a close confidant ever since. Marshall has the unique ability to speak with me for five minutes and provide thought-provoking insights on how to lead and grow while also keeping me centered on what is important. It is quite amazing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as Pfizer continues to play a critical role in helping protect and save lives, I have leaned on Marshall even more; not only to speak about work-related items, but to just chat about life. He is a wonderful author, educator, coach, and friend. I look forward to reading his new book, The Earned Life.”

Albert Bourla

As the CEO of Pfizer, Albert has led one of the most amazing projects in the history of drug discovery and development. Along with his success in dealing with COVID-19 (first the vaccine then the tablet), he has shown incredible sensitivity to all his key stakeholders. He tireless dedication, under extremely difficult conditions, is an inspiration. His recognition as the 2021 CNN CEO of the Year means little in comparison to the positive difference he and his team have made for our world. He is wise enough to realize that no matter what our achievements may be today, we still need to focus on the challenges of tomorrow

–Marshall Goldsmith

“ About a year ago Marshall said to me “CB what do you want to be known for?” and I responded “the CEO of the “Association of Corporate Executive Coaches” and he said CB that is not a good answer. If ACEC goes away no one will know you. I thought he was crazy as I had poured seven years of my life into establishing the successful ACEC. However, his question caused me to deeply reflect on who I am. One year later I am delighted to be known as “the Courage Consultant” https://courage-consultant.com/ I have found me! Thank you, my dear friend, honorary dad, and trusted advisor Marshall. I highly recommend that you read Marshall’s new book “The Earned Life” to challenge yourself about “Who you are” in terms of aspiration, ambition, and action to constantly reinvent yourself.”

CB Bowman-Ottomanelli

MCEC, CMC, BCC (Keynote, Consultant, Author) The Courage Consultant: 2021-Thinkers50; 2021-Global Gurus; 2019-Marshall Goldsmith Top Global Coaches; MG100 CEO: Association of Corporate Executive Coaches
“If beings from another planet visited Earth and wanted to understand humans, I would send them to Marshall. He invokes our essence and guides us to our passion, purpose and principles. He is a rare person who inspires hope in any of his friends, colleagues, clients, or read his books. And he does it all with a magnetic smile and contagious compassion. He cares and we feel it. Marshall is the best parts of Mr. Rogers, Carl Rogers, Albus Dumbledore, Marcus Welby, and Ernest Hemingway in transposing us to new futures through his conversations, and reading his lyrical and lucid books! ”

Richard Boyatzis

PhD, Distinguished University Professor, Case Western Reserve University, Co-author of the international best seller, Primal Leadership and the new Helping People Change.
“I have had the great fortune and pleasure of being coached by Marshall. I have also coached clients in partnership with him. Marshall is the real deal. His impact is magical while his methods are as practical as any I’ve ever seen. Marshall’s greatest gift: he sees the simplicity amidst the complexity. And his greatest skill: he disarmingly, lovingly even, tells it like it is. He doesn’t let you sneak away from the truth AND (never say but! – it will cost you at least $20) he doesn’t leave you alone with it either. He is there with you every step of the way. Your greatest simplifier, truth-teller and cheerleader. He is the partner that each one of us can benefit from. He has dramatically changed my life for the better and he continues to, with every conversation we have. ”

Peter Bregman

PhD, Distinguished University Professor, Case Western Reserve University, Co-author of the international best seller, Primal Leadership and the new Helping People Change.

Peter, along with being a noted author and coach, is a lifelong learner. I have been coaching in partnership with him and never cease to be amazed by his inquisitive mind. He can teach others, learn from them, and help them learn from themselves at the same time.

–Marshall Goldsmith

“There are times in life when what seems like a potentially interesting relationship or event to pursue, reveals itself later to be a life changing experience that could have been missed. When I accepted a call from Scott Osman in 2019, I had no idea that I would go on to join a powerful and intimate circle of wonderful human beings, curated by Marshall Goldsmith. Marshall has a very open and comfortable way of inviting you to sit with yourself and others, whilst mutually unraveling new perspectives that table and build from the definition of success that you hold; how it is serving you and the people around you. This is just as applicable to your career as it is to your life. The depth of wisdom and authenticity that I have experienced through his mentorship, coaching and knowledge sharing has elevated my whole being to not only strive to be my best version of me but fuelled my desire to continue to share and extend myself to others inline with the very same generosity of knowledge and kindness I have seen him exude and surround himself with. Through the LPR, Marshall skillfully brought me and many others to a state of presence that strips off the veil of even some of the world’s most successful and intelligent people. Guiding them and me, to a place of co-created safety and support. In that space he doesn’t hide the need, when necessary, for a sometimes direct word that lands like a brick shattering glass, plant a thought, provoke an action or influence a revelation that lands like a feather but propels you and others into an opportunity to see and do something – find meaning. He is an amplifier of goodness, pure and simple. An antidote for a fast changing world that keeps disrupting itself. Thank you Marshall. In every interaction I feel like you SEE ME and that’s huge for me. ”

Nankhonde Kasonde-van den Broek

Nankhonde is the 2021 Thinkers50 #1 Coach. Her work in developing high-potential leaders in Africa is a true inspiration to me. I have seen her help many of the world’s top leaders understand the importance of navigating disruption using a metaphor of ‘seeing the tornado’ without being in it.

–Marshall Goldsmith

“I am forever grateful for how Marshall has helped me to become better at helping others. Enabling meetings with wonderful people who have supported me, teaching me to trust the process, pushing me to ask daily questions and many other things that have helped me find meaning in my life and more importantly that have helped me and my teams in Autoliv and Veoneer to save hundreds of thousands of lives in traffic all over the world. Marshall is a unique coach, mentor and friend and author. The Earned Life is a great reading how to live a fulfilled life. ”

Jan Carlson

Jan is Chairman of Autoliv and CEO of Veoneer, both world leaders in auto safety. Although his companies have produced consistently great profits, he has never forgotten their deeper mission. He is always humble and never puts himself above his customers or the people he leads. He consistently keeps employees focused on what they are there for – saving human lives. His dedication to continuous learning is an inspiration.

–Marshall Goldsmith

“If beings from another planet visited Earth and wanted to understand humans, I would send them to Marshall. He invokes our essence and guides us to our passion, purpose and principles. He is a rare person who inspires hope in any of his friends, colleagues, clients, or read his books. And he does it all with a magnetic smile and contagious compassion. He cares and we feel it. Marshall is the best parts of Mr. Rogers, Carl Rogers, Albus Dumbledore, Marcus Welby, and Ernest Hemingway in transposing us to new futures through his conversations, and reading his lyrical and lucid books! ”

David Chang

Dave is one the world’s greatest – and most famous – chefs. While building an expansive dining and media organization, Dave has inspired me with his honesty, his willingness to ‘look in the mirror’, and his work on his own leadership development. Dave’s New York Times bestseller, Eat a Peach, is the incredibly candid and educational story of his life. By sharing his personal challenges, he is helping others in ways that go far beyond great dining

–Marshall Goldsmith

“Marshall Goldsmith is one of the most generous and wise person I have had the pleasure to know and learn from. He is generous both with his warmth, time, and knowledge. I have seen how his wisdom and generosity translates into the ability for enabling people to become the best versions of themselves. His approach to help transform people to live better lives has influenced me and many others to achieve positive, lasting change and behavior at home and at work the world over. Although simple, his message resonates and can be summed up in one phrase “It’s showtime”. And since it’s showtime, time to put your best foot forward to live your best life as Marshall does and also enables the same for others on a global scale. ”

Peter Chee

“Few people have had the positive impact on my life than Dr. Marshall Goldsmith. From Marshall, I have learned how to hone my instincts as an executive coach (from his loving yet piercing insights in our CEO coaching work); how to succeed as a thought leader (through his tireless mentorship and brilliant, intuitive advice); how to be better leader and human (through his joy, imminent generosity, and modeling what it really means to make a positive difference). But perhaps the most extraordinary thing about Marshall: there are thousands of leaders around the world who would say the same thing. I don’t know how Marshall does it, but the world truly a better place because he is in it.” – Dr. Tasha Eurich, Organizational Psychologist and New York Times Bestselling Author (Insight, Bankable Leadership) “

Tasha Eurich

Tasha is a brilliant young thinker who is a world authority in the science of self-awareness (her book on the subject, Insight, is one of my favorites). She is also a great C-suite coach and dedicates a large part of her time to doing good for others. She is now in the process of helping ten leaders – from all around the world – achieve positive change in their lives and communities.


–Marshall Goldsmith

“Working with Marshall has been a blessing. He continues to help me become a better person, a better wife, a better mom, and a better leader. The journey with him has been nothing short of a joy even in the face of having to make fundamental changes at times. The Earned Life perfectly captures Marshall’s spirit and impact on so many of us. “

Aicha Evans -

Aicha, is a former Senior VP at Intel and now the CEO of Zoox – a pioneer in the development of electric, driverless vehicles. She has been listed as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women Leaders in Business. Originally from Senegal, she is a role model for young women – who will become future leaders -from all around the world. She has never ‘rested on her laurels’ and is continually working to improve herself. She is also a joy to be with

–Marshall Goldsmith

“ Marshall Goldsmith’s unique approach to coaching has not only challenged me, it has also inspired me to be a better leader and a better person. With his new book, The Earned Life, Marshall will walk you through the process of developing a purpose driven life. The philosophical and practical approaches in this book will challenge you in the same way that Marshall has challenged me. “

James Downing

CEO of St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a world leader in battling pediatric cancer.

Jim is the CEO of St. Jude Children’s Hospital. St. Jude is inspirational in its history of delivering innovations that have helped countless children who were unfortunate enough to have cancer. He is a gifted medical doctor, researcher, and leader. Along with his leadership of St. Jude and their dedicated employees, he is focused on his own family and his own health. St. Jude is inspirational in its help for children. Jim applies the same caring to his staff and everyone he meets.



–Marshall Goldsmith

“ Marshall listens. Sometimes he hears what you’ve said and sometimes he listens to what you’ve left unsaid. Either way, he pierces right to the center of things. He gives you a new perspective not only on the puzzle you’re trying to solve but on the way you solve puzzles in the first place. For anyone who wishes to align their efforts with a life of meaning, Marshall is a fabulous companion, guide and cheerleader. For those who don’t know him personally how lucky you are that you can now grow from reading this book! “

John Dickerson

“ “The most important, the most influential, and the most luminous of all executive coaches.”
“Marshall is the most powerful leadership coach I have ever worked with. He helped me become the best version of myself and truly live an extraordinary life – on my own terms.” “

Ken Blanchard

Ken is an icon in the world of leadership development. I have known Ken for 45 years. As a young man – and an old man – he has provided kindness, wisdom, and inspiration to me. His work is incredibly practical and useful for leaders at all levels. He has sold over 23 million books.
“ I have known and worked with Marshall Goldsmith ever since he was in his late twenties finishing his PhD at UCLA. I have seen him grow into one of the greatest leadership thinkers in the world. And yet he has continued to be one of the finest, most caring human beings I know. He is a great husband, father, friend and colleague. Marshall lives life to its fullest. In his new book THE EARNED LIFE he shares what he has learned over the years to help everyone live that kind of life. Read this book and it will help you become the best YOU possible Ken Blanchard – Co-Author The One Minute Manager and Simple Truths of Leadership: 52 Ways to Become a Servant Leader and Build Trust “

Erica Dhawan

Erica Dhawan, Top 50 Management Thinker and Author of Digital Body Language or Erica Dhawan, Author of Digital Body Language

Erica is the World Expert in Digital Body Language. She combines state of the art thinking, fantastic presentation skills, and advice that leaders can immediately put to work. She is also a role model for having fun while helping others

Marshall Goldsmith

“Marshall Goldsmith is not just the #1 executive coach. He has also mentored and inspired tens of thousands of coaches, and has done more to shape the profession than anyone else – hands down. Marshall is a powerful combination of warm and tough, demanding excellence while acknowledging that we’re all a work in progress. I’m so grateful to have benefited from his wisdom, insight, and generosity.” – Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty, Duke University Fuqua School of Business “

Dorie Clark

Dorie is a great thinker, teacher, and coach. I love how she goes out of her way to help younger coaches and consultants get started in our field. Her latest book, The Long Game, provides sage advice for both business and life.

— Marshall Goldsmith

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Testimonials_ Alan Mulally

We were a very successful team who took our performance to the next level. With Marshall’s help we identified our two areas and went to work. We used everyone’s help and support, exceeded our improvement expectations and had fun! A team’s dedication to continuous improvement combined with Marshall’s proven process ROCKS!

Alan Mulally

Retired, former President and CEO of
Ford Motor Company

Testimonials_Aicha Evans

Marshall’s coaching invites leaders to focus relentlessly on their behavior. The leader’s behavior as well as the team’s behavior become the basis for great results and continuous improvement. This will be key to success for the connected, global, knowledge-driven companies of the future.

Aicha Evans

VP and general manager / Fortune top
ten next generation of female leaders Intel

Testimonials_ Regis Schultz

I had the great privilege of being coached by Marshall. He has been able to trigger change in my life and help me move to the next level in leadership. He has changed my life and career.

Regis Schultz

CEO / one of Europe’s top electrical retailers Darty Group (France)

Testimonials_ John Hammergren

We place a premium on developing strong leaders at McKesson and over the years we have relied greatly on Marshall’s leadership insights to support our executive talent development across the company.

John Hammergren

CEO / Harvard Business Review 100 top
performing CEOs in the world

Testimonials_ Tony Marx

Marshall’s coaching invites leaders to focus relentlessly on their behavior. The leader’s behavior as well as the team’s behavior become the basis for great results and continuous improvement. This will be key to success for the connected, global, knowledge-driven companies of the future.

Tony Marx

CEO
New York Public Library

Testimonials_ Jim Yong Kim

I have had the great fortune of working with Marshall for several years. He has helped me in so many ways. Triggers represents a natural progression in Marshall’s work and many of the ideas in it have already helped me and many of his other clients. As with all of his books, I know that Marshall’s focused, practical and insightful approach will help you in leadership, but even more important, it can help you in life!

Jim Yong Kim

Twelfth president of the World Bank

Testimonials_ David Kornberg

Marshall has taught me the importance of making a positive difference in every aspect of my life. His coaching techniques and valuable lessons empower you to extract greater meaning from interpersonal relationships and provide a superior understanding of the great results that can be achieved through positive leadership.

David Kornberg

CEO
Express

Testimonials_ Fred Hassan

No one can match Marshall’s massive footprint in helping people become who they want to be. He is the top thought leader in executive coaching because he drives new thinking about self-motivation. The importance of self-awareness, self-engagement and positive behavioral change is best captured in Triggers. It will help light up many lives!

Fred Hassan

Managing director, Warburg Pincus, former CEO, Pharmacy and Schering Plough, chairman, Bausch & Lomb

Testimonials_ Deanna Mulligan

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks…without Marshall Goldsmith’s help. With his coaching, you can change your old behavior to create new outcomes.”

Deanna Mulligan

CEO, Fortune 50 most powerful women in business Guardian Life

Testimonials_ G. M. Rao

Marshall Goldsmith is a great author and world-renowned executive coach. His contribution to our group has been immense, and we have greatly benefited from his unparalleled experience and his knowledge.

G. M. Rao

CEO / Indian entrepreneur of the year
GRM Group (India)

Testimonials_ Frances Hesselbein

As the CEO of the Girl Scouts, I was working to help a great organization become ‘the best that we could be’. The first person Marshall volunteered to work with was me – this sent an important message. I was exuberant about the experience, I improved and we moved this process across the organization. Now I am Chairman of the Leader to Leader Institute – and we are still working together to serve leaders.

Frances Hesselbein

Winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest honor for a US civilian) – who Peter Drucker described as ‘the greatest executive that I have ever met’

Testimonials_ JP Garnier

Marshall is a great coach and teacher. He has done a lot to help both me and our high-potential leaders. His approach is practical, useful, helpful and fun!

JP Garnier

CEO,
Glaxo SmithKline – one of the world’s 20 most valuable companies

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