An Unconventional Journey An Unlikely Choice

This is a story of perseverance and awakening. As a child, Angela Walker Franklin faced clear expectations for success from very supportive and engaged parents, yet self-doubt and trepidation continued to raise its ugly head along the way. She was steadfast and determined in her journey, which took several twists and turns until she let go and let God order her steps. This journey evolved into a purpose-driven life that led her to a college presidency in a most unlikely place. The lessons learned along the way have defined her current approach to leadership and should be inspirational to others who are trying to chart their own path.

This is a story of perseverance and awakening. As a child, Angela Walker Franklin faced clear expectations for success from very supportive and engaged parents, yet self-doubt and trepidation continued to raise its ugly head along the way. She was steadfast and determined in her journey, which took several twists and turns until she ?let go and let God? order her steps. This journey evolved into a purpose-driven life that led her to a college presidency in a most unlikely place. The lessons learned along the way have defined her current approach to leadership and should be inspirational to others who are trying to chart their own path.

Ellen Semple's 'Influences of Geographic Environment' (1911) - a treatise on what would later be called environmental determinism - coincided with the emergence of geography as an independent academic discipline in North America and Britain. Highly controversial and written by one of America's first female professional geographers, it was considered by some a monument to Semple's scholarship and erudition, whilst for others it was conceptually flawed. And yet its influence on the development and direction of the new discipline of geography was profound. Innes Keighren explains why 'Influences' was encountered differently by different people, at different times and in different places, and reveals why the book aroused the passions it did. The result is a pioneering work that provides a wholesale re-visioning of the way in which geographical knowledge is disseminated.

Using a conversational style - and a blend of research, theory and practical applications - this text explores the ways in which adults change or develop in both shared and individual ways over the full range of adult years - from 18 to 100 or more. Comprehensive in scope, it explores aspects of the process of development - physical, cognitive, social, personality, and spiritual development - and the biological, psychological, or social forces or laws that may govern the changes we see among adults.

From a double-wide trailer on a farm in Georgia to the 2016 Miss America pageant, Betty Cantrell was not a likely contender for the crown. She won by being herself—mistakes and all. Miss Unlikely takes you through Betty’s unconventional childhood, the surprising pageant journey, an incredible year as Miss America, a fairytale wedding, and everything in between. She offers wisdom on school, boys, self-esteem, choices, disappointments, insecurities, mentors, cyberbullies, and more. Behind-the-scenes moments and previously untold stories show how her faith and family ultimately carried her through difficult times. Betty’s personal and sincere account will remind you the only way to get where you want to go is through God’s unique plan. Find confidence in being you, and turn your dreams into reality.

DIV“An entertaining education on leadership, creativity, business and getting ahead of your competition . . . your career will never be the same.” —The Edge, PRSA blog This year alone, 3.2 million U.S. students will graduate from college. Unprecedented percentages of them will move back home, and many will be unable to obtain a job in their fields of study. Improvise is an inspiring story of how Fred Cook followed an unusual yet fascinating path from young adulthood to the corner office as CEO of the award-winning PR firm GolinHarris. Melding learnings from a lifetime of uncommon experiences with insights from a surprisingly successful corporate career, this book will inspire workers mired in indecision and dimly lit prospects. Following college, Cook was initiated into the business world through a dozen odd jobs, each of which provided valuable insights into the business world and the understanding of how to make the most of even the smallest opportunity. Each chapter delivers a bold truth, supported by relevant episodes from Cook’s personal life and reinforced by his encounters with corporate America. Filled with colorful anecdotes about being punched by a guru, stalked by an intern, and lectured by Steve Jobs, Improvise is full of hilarious yet poignant moments. “Fred is a legend in the PR business . . . [Improvise] is immensely fun and engaging.” —Forbes “An offbeat career guide for new college graduates.” —Parade “Fred shares the street smarts he gained from a lifetime of uncommon experiences to educate and inspire others who are trying to find their own way in the business world.” —Execunet.com“/DIV>

In this inspiring coming-of-age memoir, a world-renowned astrophysicist emerges from an impoverished childhood and crime-filled adolescence to ascend through the top ranks of research physics. Navigating poverty, violence, and instability, a young James Plummer had two guiding stars-a genius IQ and a love of science. But a bookish nerd was a soft target in his community, where James faced years of bullying and abuse. As he struggled to survive his childhood in some of the country's toughest urban neighborhoods in New Orleans, Houston, and LA, and later in the equally poor backwoods of Mississippi, he adopted the persona of "gangsta nerd"-dealing weed in juke joints while winning state science fairs with computer programs that model Einstein's theory of relativity. Once admitted to the elite physics PhD program at Stanford University, James found himself pulled between the promise of a bright future and a dangerous crack cocaine habit he developed in college. With the encouragement of his mentor and the sole Black professor in the physics department, James confronted his personal demons as well as the entrenched racism and classism of the scientific establishment. When he finally seized his dream of a life in astrophysics, he adopted a new name, Hakeem Muata Oluseyi, to honor his African ancestors. Alternately heartbreaking and hopeful, A QUANTUM LIFE narrates one man's remarkable quest across an ever-expanding universe filled with entanglement and choice.

Lexi Angelo has grown up helping her dad with his events business. She likes to stay behind the scenes, planning and organizing...until author Aidan Green - messy haired and annoyingly arrogant - arrives unannounced at the first event of the year. Then Lexi's life is thrown into disarray. In a flurry of late-night conversations, mixed messages and butterflies, Lexi discovers that some things can't be planned. Things like falling in love... Six conventions, a girl with a clipboard, a boy with two names - and one night that changes everything. 'A gorgeous, one of a kind novel, perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell' Maximum Pop!

We all have the ability to push aside accepted conventions to revolutionize the way we view modern leadership and become exceptional leaders. Neill Wallace looks back at his own personal and workplace experiences. Inspired by other leaders - from polar explorers to contemporary businesspeople - Neill gives a straightforward view on how you can truly get to know, understand, and inspire your team members. By taking an unconventional approach to leadership, youll be able to: Determine the type of leader you are and learn how you can effectively use your natural style to put people first. Empower yourself to make positive changes. Hire and promote people best suited for the job. Increase employee engagement by allowing them to contribute more to the organization. If youve never quite fit the mold, prefer the freedom of being outside the box, believe that everyone can contribute to an organizations success, then this guidebook is for you. While you may have to disturb the status quo, you will find engaging your team and achieving goals easier when you apply the lessons of An Unconventional Leader.