Skip to product information
1 of 1
Regular price £16.99 GBP
Regular price Sale price £16.99 GBP
Sale Sold out
Free UK Shipping

Freshly Printed - allow 7 days lead

Greatness Code
The Formula Behind Unstoppable Success

"In Greatness Code, Alan has nailed some of the most critical qualities for success that I've seen in thousands of leaders across the world—Persistence, Stamina, Passion, Resilience, and Courage. He brings these traits to life in ways that others can emulate, to achieve their own Greatness Goals."
Maria Bartiromo, 2X Emmy Award Winning Journalist and Renowned Global Markets News Editor

"Alan Guarino has cracked the code on greatness. He draws on his decades of leadership in executive search and career coaching to give us insider's advice, sharing his street-smart wisdom so it's useful at any career stage, from just starting out to post-retirement. The Greatness Code is a wise and useful font of good words for anyone."
Daniel Goleman, Bestselling Author and Cofounder, Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations

"With over three decades of insight into what drives leadership and career success across every industry and level, Alan distills what truly works—and what doesn't. No matter your age or stage, this book delivers a clear roadmap and the practical tools to achieve and sustain personal greatness. The 5Qs + Social Capital framework is a game-changer. This book isn't just timely—it's destined to become a classic in the science of maximizing human potential."
Todd Ruppert, Former Co-President, T. Rowe Price International; Former Board Member, INSEAD Business School; CEO, Ruppert International

"Alan Guarino's Greatness Code is a masterclass in success—real, hard-earned wisdom for anyone serious about leveling up in life and business. Read the book!!!"
Dean Graziosi, Co-Founder, Mastermind with Tony Robbins; Multiple New York Times Bestselling Author

Alan C. Guarino (Author)

9781394430611, Wiley

Hardback, published 5 January 2026

256 pages
23.4 x 16 x 3.3 cm, 0.408 kg

Unlock the qualities of success and reach your full potential using this effective guide from leadership and career development expert Alan C. Guarino.

Your personal greatness objective is self-defined. For each of us, the definition of success and the journey to achieve it is different. Yet, no matter how talented or driven you are, your ability to achieve greatness is significantly influenced by many factors outside of your control. Leadership sets the tone—defining not just what they think success looks like, but also how you are expected to show up, collaborate, and grow.

Greatness Code: The Formula Behind Unstoppable Success shows how to achieve your personal and career related goals. As Vice Chairman of Korn Ferry and the founder of Cornell International, Inc., Guarino devised a formula for success from thousands of data points over decades, helping people achieve their goals. Anyone who achieves their own greatness gets there by applying their social capital and building on five critical qualities:

  • Persistence
  • Stamina
  • Courage
  • Resilience
  • Passion


Your personally defined goal of greatness is achievable for almost anyone using this formula. In addition, Greatness Code provides scientific research and real-life examples that show how to advance at every career stage. It's time for you to gain the edge that these tools can give you. It's time to crack the Greatness Code.

Acknowledgments ix

Preface: A Note About Leadership xi

About the Author xvii

Introduction xix

Part I Early Stage: Laying the Foundations 1

Chapter 1 Early Challenges Will Build the Right Muscles 3

Chapter 2 The 5 Qualities (5Qs) in the Face of Early-Career Challenges 37

Chapter 3 Establishing Social Capital Early 45

Chapter 4 Early-Stage Exercise: Build Your Foundation and Launch Your Career 59

Part II Mid-Career: Maximizing Momentum 65

Chapter 5 Leveraging Social Capital for Advancement 67

Chapter 6 Cultivate Lasting Grit 81

Chapter 7 Mid-Career Exercise: Reassess, Stay the Course, or Realign Your Path 91

Part III Career Peak: Sustain Success and Leave a Legacy 97

Chapter 8 Navigating Leadership with Grit and Social Capital 99

Chapter 9 After the Summit: Building a Legacy through Social Capital 113

Chapter 10 Sustaining Success through Continuous Growth and Adaptability 121

Chapter 11 The Power of a Legacy Defined by Grit and Social Capital 139

Chapter 12 The Balance of Grit and Well-Being 151

Chapter 13 Peak-Career Exercise: Hone Your Final Approach and Envision Your Future 159

Part IV Post-career: Coming Down the Mountain After the Peak 165

Chapter 14 Deciding If, When, and How to Retire 167

Chapter 15 Public Company Board Service: A Step-by-Step Guide 179

Chapter 16 Engage with Private Equity and Venture Capital: A Post-Career Opportunity 183

Leadership Postscript 191

Epilogue: The Brain’s Evolution: From Striving to Thriving as You Come Down the Mountain 197

Bibliography 203

Index 215

Subject Areas: Business & management [KJ]

View full details