When Not If: A Ceo's Guide to Overcoming Adversity - Hardcover

by Jeff Martinovich (Author), John Kador (Author)

Jeff Martinovich had a front row seat to adversity. Twenty years after he founded MICG Investment Management, a billion-dollar firm, adversity came knocking at his door in the form of a federal indictment. He rejected three separate plea offers, standing up for what he believed to be the truth, took his chances at trial, and was convicted and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. He lost everything: his career, reputation, family, homes, assets, and liberty. All vanished.

While serving seven years of incarceration, Jeff taught himself federal criminal law and twice reversed the trial court's decisions, two U.S. District Court Judges were removed from his case, and in May 2020 he was released home to begin his journey of rebuilding, turning disadvantages into advantages. When Not If distills the leadership wisdom that grew out of his corporate and legal struggles. True, not every reader will face the kind of adversity Jeff encountered. Circumstances may vary, but Jeff's tactical and strategic efforts, built upon his 30 years of athletic, military, and entrepreneurial experience, will bear fruit in all critical situations. When Not If gives readers a toolkit of proven practices, behaviors, attitudes, and actionable takeaways that prepare leaders to survive -- and thrive over -- adversity in whatever form it comes.

A book for turbulent times, When Not If is essential reading for anyone preparing to lead through crisis and change. Through disciplined storytelling, Jeff demonstrates that our greatest adversities do not have to spell the end. Sometimes, they represent a bold beginning.

This is a gripping and inspiring story of resilience and perseverance carefully interwoven with actionable lessons from a CEO who journeyed from zero to a billion only to be reduced back to zero. More powerfully, the CEO's survival and revival against what he was constantly told were impossible odds provide an inspiring success playbook we all can use when our own black swan event knocks on the front door.

This book is based on a simple value proposition that terrifies every leader: it's not a matter of if you will get mugged by adversity, it's when. The crisis could take the form of a pandemic, an accounting scandal, a data breach, or a criminal investigation. How a leader responds has a lasting impact on their job security, reputation, finances, and even their liberty. Most leaders suspect they are ill-prepared. When Not If readies leaders to deal with challenges to their leadership in whatever form adversity arrives.

Back Jacket

A Leadership Master Class on How to Thrive in the Face of Crisis Tactics for triumphing over extreme adversity

Leadership and adversity go hand-in-hand, and it's only a matter of time before every leader is tested. A powerful curriculum to help readers deal with adversity and emerge stronger than before, When Not If is based on a simple yet powerful value proposition: it's not a matter of if a leader will face adversity, but when.

Drawing on his own experience of facing intense adversity, Jeff Martinovich offers a master class on how to thrive in the face of crisis. Discover the powerful mindset shifts and tactical strategies which enable leaders to cope when adversity threatens to stretch resilience to the breaking point. Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or team leader, this book is an essential resource for anyone who wants to be prepared for the adversity just around the corner, or even the kind of nuclear meltdown Jeff experienced. With its proven practices, behaviors, tools, and actionable takeaways, When Not If provides readers with a real-life manual to survive and thrive in any situation. Yes, the key is not only to make it through, but to turn disadvantages into Monster Advantages. His survival and success story is one he never thought possible, and with this book as their guide, readers can be confident in their own ability to overcome any obstacle.

Author Biography

JEFF MARTINOVICH earned a B.S. in Business Management from the United States Air Force Academy and MBA from The College of William and Mary. He was founder and CEO of a billion-dollar wealth management firm until he was indicted, rejected three plea offers, was convicted, and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. But he taught himself the law, reversed the court's decisions twice, two U.S. District Court judges were removed from his case, and he returned home 7 years early to miracle after miracle. He lives in Norfolk, Virginia with his wife, son, and new baby daughter.

JOHN KADOR is the author of over 25 books including What Every Angel Investor Wants You to Know, Charles Schwab: How One Company Beat Wall Street and Reinvented the Brokerage Industry, and Building Bridges and Restoring Trust. John graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in English, received a Master's degree in public relations from The American University, and is a contributing editor at Wealth Management Magazine. He lives with his wife in Winfield, PA.