Foreword

It’s the perfect storm.

One: Today’s marketplace surrounds us with whirling change—altering what we do, how we do it, where, when and why we do it. The concept of the gold watch for 25 years of service with the same organization is almost dead. We flit, change jobs, or are looking to change them all the time. I read a Mercer statistic recently that indicated 40 percent of employees between the ages of 25 and 34 are seriously considering leaving their jobs. This same sentiment also holds true for 44 percent of employees aged 24 or younger. While executives higher up the pecking order also consider moving on, there is the fear of the unknown that holds them—often longer than they wish—contemplating the “where, when and how” to move.

Two: Our business environment is fraught with opportunity... new businesses, new products, new partners, new technology, new communication, new global reach, and new networking. What is lost in attrition is more than made up in new opportunity—it only needs to be plucked, grabbed, incorporated and maximized.

Three: In2Win! is filled with strategies to remove the fear of the unknown in an executive move and is loaded with suggestions to bring opportunities to fruition. What a wonderful resource to connect you with your future!

This “Perfect Storm” is no accident. Curt Skene has been speaking to, consulting with, training and coaching executives for many years. Within the pages of this book he is sharing his invaluable experience—the best lessons in business are learned through experience, through trial and error, through difficulties. How wonderful that we can learn from Curt’s experience! We get to stand on the shoulders of giants.

Curt simplifies his experience so we become quick learners. We can easily take advantage of the book’s Rapid-Fire Insights to successfully achieve our next executive career opportunity. Curt begins with how to create your winning point of difference and sections on knowing yourself well (so you find the right opportunities for you). He continues with insights on how to conduct basic self-marketing brilliantly, as well as five other invaluable frames of reference to help you create your own attitude for success and take advantage of your own excellent opportunities.

Curt and I are similar in that we both believe in asking questions. To me a good question is more important than the right answer. Questions broaden the thinking... the possibilities. Curt asks more than 50 excellent, thought-provoking questions within the pages of In2Win!, including: “How can you make it easy for others to promote you?”, “Would you hire you?”, “How are you using social media?” and “How are you at taking advice from others?” My favorite question, “Who is your inspiration and what would they do in your situation?” forced me to consider for a while. Use his questions as a springboard to acquiring new perspectives and greater opportunities.

I have always appreciated a number of traits in Curt Skene. Whenever Curt speaks to, consults with or trains executives he generously shares his experiences, encouraging his audiences to benefit from his knowledge and giving them the short-cuts to success. His unbridled passion—he genuinely cares about the people with whom he associates—always comes through in his speaking. That same passion is evident in every page of this book. I could almost hear his voice as he asks questions, offers suggestions and provides Curt’s Keepers.

It has been such a pleasure over the years to see firsthand the humor and fun that Curt incorporates in all his endeavors. That whimsical element is now evident as you turn page after page of In2Win! He has offered the reader the opportunity to smile, to learn and to take action on newfound knowledge. He has truly simplified the decision making for your next career opportunity.

Enjoy the read! Enjoy the ride!

Sam Geist, Best Selling Author, Execute... or Be Executed, Why Should Someone Do Business With You... Rather Than Someone Else? and Would You Work for You?