This is a memoir about a man who embraces adventure and misadventure, who often finds himself in unique business and life situations, and who always uses risks and challenges to make things better. It’s the life story of Michael Ainslie, innovator, problem solver, business leader, and philanthropist. He shares about his early beginnings; his career as president, CEO, and distinguished board member across a number of companies and institutions; and his work to transform what’s around him to give the world something of meaning and value.

Often in the middle of serious or unfortunate circumstances, he describes his personal experience with several high profile events, including the 2008 bankruptcy filing of Lehman Brothers; he was one of ten people in the Lehman boardroom on the evening of September 14, 2008 who saw first-hand the events that led to the largest bankruptcy filing in US history. And he offers readers an insider’s view of the situations surrounding the price-fixing scandal between Sotheby’s and Christie’s, a scandal that rocked the art world and sent the ex-chair of Sotheby’s to prison.

Michael Ainslie pinpoints important life lessons and insights acquired from someone who’s never shied away from a challenge. This is a book for those who read business/leadership memoirs, young people trying to make their way into college or start out in their careers, and anyone who likes an inspirational true story about someone from humble beginnings who rose to the top through hard work, ingenuity, and a certain stubborn optimism.