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5 Questions about New Book, Flavor of the Month, by Martin C. VanDer Schouw

5 Questions About New Book, Flavor Of The Month, By Martin C. VanDer Schouw

I recently had the opportunity to interview Martin VanDer Schouw who shared some great insights into his most recent book, “Flavor of the Month.” Enjoy!

But first, a review from a recent reader of “Flavor of the Month” on Amazon, Jim Estill “www.jimestill.com”

I normally don’t like “storybook” business books, but fairly early on in this I was gripped by a small graph titled “How acquisitions mislead”. Although almost half of my growth through the years came from acquisitions I have seen many downsides. Although many people are in love with acquisitions, they are not in love with the success of the business. The gist of it is that often sales go up, but expenses also go up at the same rate so extra profit is not generated.

And now, my interview with Martin:

Question 1: Based on the above, what do you have to offer? Give me a brief pitch of your book, below.

Answer: In Flavor of the Month, Jim Calvin is Axom Globals new CEO and he is facing his ultimate leadership challenge, turning around a failing organization. The company has good products and great ideas, but just can t seem to deliver. They consistently are late, over budget, delivering the wrong features, and are struggling with risks. Can Jim turn the organization around? Will he be fired? Can Axom Global succeed? VanDerSchouws tale serves as a timeless reminder to every organizational leader that there is no magic bullet. Tools such as Strategy maps, Balanced Scorecards, Six Sigma, Agile Development, Lean Thinking and project management are just that, tools. Throughout the story, VanDerSchouw reveals the eight key concepts every team needs to succeed, and explains why even the best often struggle. He outlines a powerful model and actionable steps every manager can take to overcome these common hurdles to build a cohesive and successful organization.

Question 2: What is your experience that sets you up as a thought leader?

Answer: Martin VanDerSchouw is considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on program and project management, leadership and IT Governance. With nearly 20 years of experience as an executive and information technology professional Mr. VanDerSchouw also serves as a member of the International Board of Directors for the PMI, as a member of the prestigious U.S. President’s Business Advisory Council, and as a governor’s appointee of Colorado’s Commission on Information Management.

Additionally, Mr. VanDerSchouw was recently named one of the top business executives in Colorado under the age of 40 by the Denver Business Journal. Previously, Mr. VanDerSchouw served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the countries 3rd largest interactive agency where he worked with firms such as Amazon.com, HotMail, Sun Microsystems, and ESPN.com. Prior to his CTO posting he was an information technology executive with Wells Fargo & Company in San Francisco, California.

Question 3: Why did you write your book?

Answer: To help dispel the myths of various project management mantras that were often found to be causing problems at the companies they were being used at. Just using a particular technique doesn’t help if the core management practices are faulty.

Question 4: Are you currently speaking? If so at what level of compensation?

Answer: Yes. Mr. Vanderschouw delivers over 50 presentations a year to various project management associations, business associations, and private companies.

Question 5: Do you hope to use your book for growing your business? If so how?

Answer: Yes. To attract more clients and professional opportunites for the business.

Bonus Question: Are you working on another book or books?

Answer: Yes, I am working on another book on organizational development. Turning strategy into an integral part of the culture of the organization.

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