Sheer Will (Learning to Lead When There Is No Path)

The unconventional and inspiring story of a trailblazer’s rise to international prominence.

Carlos Gutierrez has been an influential figure in business and politics for over 35 years, but his route to global leadership was far from the well-worn path of the Ivy League M.B.A. In fact, he never graduated from college and began his life in America without knowing a word of English. When he was only six years old, his family fled the Cuban revolution with almost nothing, travelling to Miami and ultimately emigrating to Mexico. He began working for Kellogg’s selling cereal out of a van, and climbed the ranks until he became the youngest CEO in the company’s hundred-year history. He went on to serve as U.S. Secretary of Commerce for the Bush administration, and later held executive roles in nearly a dozen major companies. Despite his humble beginnings and a lifelong struggle with untreated ADHD—he was not diagnosed with the disorder until age 65—he was able to overcome any challenge and reach incredible levels of success.

Gutierrez credits his considerable accomplishments to his relentless positivity and drive to be the best at anything he does. Above all, he holds a steadfast belief that any obstacle should be seen as an opportunity. His working-class background gave him more empathy and appreciation for sacrifice than most business leaders possess. ADHD, while significantly debilitating—particularly in a career track that rewards consistency and organizational skills—granted him a formidable talent for problem solving and creative thinking, as well as the ability to take bold action with little regard for the risk involved.

Sheer Will is the inspiring story of ambition and courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Packed with entertaining stories and practical advice, Gutierrez relates his complete journey from his ambitious youth to becoming the most unlikely leader in the history of the U.S. Cabinet. This book is a roadmap for anyone who refuses to be inconsequential, and finds themselves travelling an uncommon path in life.