Equal to the Task - by Kenneth Chenault (Hardcover)

About the Book

For the first time ever, one of the world's most iconic business leaders shares the story of his remarkable life and career.

Book Synopsis

For the first time ever, one of the world's most iconic business leaders shares the story of his remarkable life and career.

Ken Chenault has lived his life at the confluence of the historical forces that have shaped modern America, keenly aware of both the burdens of its past and the dynamic potential of its future. Born in 1951, when segregation was still inscribed in the laws of the land, he ascended to the peak of corporate America over the course of the next fifty years. In his thoughtful and wide-ranging memoir, Chenault reflects on his personal journey, the mentors who shaped him, and his lifelong quest to realize his own potential and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Equal to the Task is a classic American story for our times.

After joining American Express, Chenault steadily worked his way up to the very top. He led the company for almost two decades, driving market-leading innovations, before stepping down and making another surprising life choice. Eschewing the more traditional roles for former CEOs, he joined a dynamic venture capital firm, seeking to help build enduring companies that leverage technology for both profit and purpose. Over the past years, he has continued to be a steady voice of moral clarity in the public and private sectors.

"In these pages, I share how I managed the opportunities and challenges encountered over the course of my life and career. In doing so, I hope to convey the values I hold most dear. Values passed down to me by my ancestors, my parents, my teachers, my heroes, and my mentors. These values have guided me throughout my journey, and I consider them pivotal to meeting these extraordinary times as my country wrestles with its own identity, its future, and its role in the 21st century."

Review Quotes

'A powerful memoir on leadership, from one of the most influential leaders of our time. Ken Chenault reveals what it takes to overcome obstacles, solve complex problems, and create opportunities for others. His lessons about changing practices while upholding principles will stick with you.'--Adam Grant #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again; host of the podcast Re: Thinking

'During Airbnb's most existential crisis, Ken's wisdom helped shape many of my important decisions as a CEO. Few leaders combine integrity, humility, and an extraordinary ability to stay calm under pressure the way Ken does. If you want to understand what great leadership looks like, read this book.'--Brian Chesky Airbnb cofounder and CEO

'I've always deeply admired Ken Chenault--his character, integrity and extraordinary leadership. But what has impressed me even more is his humility and his ability to lift others up as he climbed the ladder of personal success. This is a primer on how to lead a life of purpose with your values as your guide.'--Katie Couric, award-winning journalist and cofounder of Katie Couric Media

'In basketball, the greatest players aren't the ones who score the most points--they're the ones who make everybody around them better. That was my game, and that's Ken's, too. This book is about leading with your values when it's hard, staying steady through the toughest challenges, and never forgetting who you're playing for.'--Earvin "Magic" Johnson Chairman and CEO, Magic Johnson Enterprises

'Ken is the gold standard for corporate leadership and the benchmark that I measure others against.'--Warren E. Buffett American businessman and philanthropist; chairman and former CEO, Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

'Ken Chenault chronicles a remarkable life unfolding in an era that enabled him to seize opportunities his parents and grandparents could not have imagined. The story of finding his North Star to moral leadership and his path to the pinnacles of American business and society are at once absorbing and inspirational.'--Drew Gilpin Faust American historian and president emerita, Harvard University