Paying it forward.
Reviewer: Dave Kinnear "the Rational Taoist" (Lake Forest, CA USA)
I had the honor of working with Ole Carlson at a recent workshop. At first I didn't really connect Carlson with the book I had just finished reading prior to the workshop. About an hour into the meeting I realized that the speaker was advocating some of the very principles from the book that I had so heavily marked up and reread several times. What a delight! And what hard work - Carlson walks the talk, and he definitely put us through our paces. And this book will do the same for those who take the time to read it. Beneath the Armor is filled with straight forward talk about the leaders at the top of Business. At the end of each chapter is a review and a list of actions to take based on the information we just read. It is a practical, put it to work book for CEOs. Chapter titles give us an idea of the clarity this book will bring to the serious leader: 1. Be Authentic - it is easier to Remember; 2. Take Care of Yourself First - then others; 3. Lead the Organization - Let Other Manage it; 4. Value Resiliency over Brilliancy; 5. It is All About the People; 6. Understanding Your Numbers is Not Optional; and 7. Have a Well-Lubricated Reverse Gear. Written in deceptively easy and conversational style, each chapter turns out to be chock full of solid strategy and finishes with a call to action. Reading this book did in fact change the direction of my consultancy. More importantly, this book in conjunction with spending four days in a workshop with Ole Carlson changed my life - for the better. This is a must read for leaders and those who coach and/or consult with business leaders. To quote Mr. Carlson, "The message in this book comes from you and your peers and I am simply paying it forward.

Beneath the Armor.
Reviewer: D. Bruce Himes (California) - See all my reviews
This is a great book, and it is a must read for all CEO's of small to mid-size companies. The author is at home with the subject, and the reader will feel as though Ole is writing directly to you. His message is simple, but the simplicity is its magic. This book made me laugh, think more deeply about my role, and shed tears of joys and struggles as I reflected upon my own journey. I will read this book annually to keep myself fresh and to remember my role as a CEO.

'Armor' makes running a business visible.
Reviewer: Kirby Martzall (Lancaster, PA United States)
Ole Carlson's `Beneath The Armor' makes running a business visible. Finished reading the book about 5 weeks ago- started putting to work the sage perspective, real world experience and relevant challenges for life, leadership and making a difference. Seems to me this is an owner or CEO handbook for the new and tenured- however it readily applies to any person seeking to become more effective in life, business, in the role of leading. Make sure each of your key reports reads a copy and start transforming your organization by putting the key points that resonant to work in your culture and behavior. Each of the seven chapters clearly presents the focus, the key points, supports with 'believable examples and stories', and concludes with key point summary and specific steps to put the points to work. `Armor' is like having seven 1 to 1's with a skilled, experienced mentor. Read it to learn, to remember, to set the bar higher, to refresh, to put into action. Clearly written- like having a conversation that really matters.

Ole's book creates another tough decision.
Reviewer: Larry Cassidy (Costa Mesa, CA United States)
....whether you drop everything you're doing right now and order it, or maybe wait a couple of minutes. You could fill a small-town library with "business books." Some good, many filler. "Armor" is good! It meets four crucial tests: (1) It boils it down into a set of easy, understandable areas and actions; (2) You can go home and put Ole's stuff to work today; (3) It works; and (4) Like so many worthwhile "business goodies," getting beneath the armor works in ALL parts of your life. If I were again running a small biz, I'd buy it, read it, buy copies for my management team, and then talk with them about how "Armor" can help us run our company better. Nice job!

Beneath the Armor, great book.
Reviewer: A reader
Beneath the Armor is a collection of life's lessons for business people just like us. Decision making for business owners and business managers can be a very lonely process. Reading Ole Carlson's book is like having a good friend or mentoring board member along with you to assist in your business. The book includes real life examples of how small business managers met their difficult challenges which will inspire you to do the same with your business.