REVIEW: Donald F. White — Always End with the Beginning in Mind (BOOK)
Donald F. White is the definition of the modern all-American, and his new book — aptly titled, Always End with the Beginning in Mind: How Firms Remain Great After the Founder Exits is excessive evidence to boot. White speaks in honest, bell-clear prose, and has a warm, affable demeanor present even in his most coldly pragmatic portrayals of the necessary decisions one faces when in the position of corporate leadership.
Such latter ingredients are tempered though by his underlying philosophy whether the circumstances mandate the old sink or swim, which through the analogy of biblical figures Moses and Joshua follows a growing trend adopted by CEOs and business leaders at the forefront of various forms of innovation. Specifically the idea that leadership is never a cover for tyranny, and that a healthy dose of humility on how one oversees an endeavor or full-fledged company is as representative of good character as it is pragmatic for said enterprise’s survival. White’s unity with fellow leaders in industry continues to solidify that the boss from Hell stereotype is becoming a caricature less regarded and more viewed at best as a thing of the past, at worst as blatantly unprofessional.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: https://www.donaldfwhite.com/
On its own, Always End with the Beginning in Mind’s prowess as a literary accomplishment lies in making concepts baffling even to those with prestigious BAs and Masters Degrees understandable for the widest possible audience. In some ways, White’s evident faith that he cites through several of the book’s chapters is paramount to this facet of the writing process. Particularly the citations of Moses and Joshua, which are brilliantly entrenched in a synonymous checklist White summarizes under the title SWEAT (Sights, Work, Encouragement, Acceptance, Tenacity).
This is also evident in his purposeful choice in labelling each chapter with the simplest and most concise of titles, he’s not out to fool you. Nor to make anyone happening to pick up a copy of Always End feel small or excluded with excess flowery language. The book is structured in narrative-like format, with an excellent sense of pace. While not a polished storyteller, White more than makes up for this through being personable. He writes detailed descriptions of relevant business examples involving himself and close work confidants, with a wit and charm that feels accessible and pleasant-humored. The culmination of these traits makes for an easygoing reading experience, the kind of book capable of being read late into the night without a warm fire or cup of coffee.
White’s appeal is also bolstered by his uncharacteristically warm presence and articulation. While many in the field of business try to embody this trait, it often comes across as forced and uncanny. White however doesn’t fall into this category, partly because of his strong and genuine recitations of Christian passage and analogy fitting within the Christian mindset. While normally this could serve as somewhat exclusionary in and of itself, this only strengthens and bolsters what he communicates to the widest possible audience.
Colin Jordan
