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Jump First, Think Fast

An Unconventional Approach to High Performance

Published by Forefront Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

Super charge your business and career with Frank O’Connell’s unconventional approach to success.

Jump First, Think Fast is the perfect guide for anyone in business or leadership who wants to dive in headfirst, think on their feet, and gain a competitive edge. Frank O’Connell explores success as a process of risk-taking and chasing the unknown, accepting failure and knowing yourself inside and out.

A business visionary, O’Connell has transformed some of the biggest brands in the world—including leading product revolutions at Reebok, HBO Video, SkyBox, Gibson Greetings, and Indian Motorcycles.

Sharing his stories, passion, and proven management methods, O’Connell fosters an unconventional approach to innovation, encouraging people to voice the crazy ideas that will invigorate their businesses and careers. Jump First, Think Fast is a unique blend of personal experiences, business strategies, and mentoring advice based on O’Connell’s phenomenal achievements and his 50+ years on the front lines of leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing.

Far from yet another self-help book for professionals, Jump First, Think Fast throws light on O’Connell’s breakthrough concepts, urging readers to think entirely differently, trust their instincts, and enjoy the ride.

If you’re ready to super charge your business, career, and life. Jump First, Think Fast is the book for you. Order your copy today.

About The Author

Frank O’Connell is known for his unconventional approach for high performance through his strategic thinking, brand building, breakthrough marketing, and new product ideas. His accomplishments include serving as president of Reebok Brands, president of HBO Video, CEO of Indian Motorcycles, and chairman and CEO of Gibson Greetings, Inc. He spent the first fourteen years of his career developing well-known brands at Arnold Bakery, Mattel, Carnation Company, and Hunt Wesson foods, among other brands in the baking and natural foods industry.

O’Connell was a senior partner with The Parthenon Group, a top strategic consulting company for seven years. He has extensive operating experience running and repositioning companies as well as leading turnaround initiatives.

He spent sixteen years on the board of Tree House Foods Inc., a public company. He is an investor and board member at Schylling Inc, a toy company and is cofounder of Tuckerman Capital. He has also served on numerous Cornell University boards where he earned his B.S. in Economics and an M.B.A.

He has a passion for mentoring and coaching young professionals on their career path. He also enjoys investing in young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to grow by taking risks and having fun with their careers.

O’Connell is married to Barbara with three grown children and six grandchildren. Having moved over twenty times and worked in many different environments, he hopes sharing his wide range of experiences will inspire people to act on their ambitions.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Forefront Books (October 25, 2022)
  • Length: 272 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781637631089

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Raves and Reviews

“It has been my profound joy to work side-by-side with Frank O’Connell. Anyone who reads Jump First, Think Fast will see his uncanny ability to read a trend and seamlessly move on it. Frank started the long tradition of strong women leaders at Treehouse Foods where Michelle Obama was appointed to the board.”

– Ann Sardini, chair of the board of Treehouse Foods, consultant, board member, former CFO

“The world needs more Frank O’Connells. He is a man of impeccable character, devoted to his family, and the most creative and successful business executive I have had the opportunity to work with for over twenty-five years. Take good notes, and maybe you can replicate what has been a stupendous and meaningful life.”

– Bill Achtmeyer, founder and former chairman and CEO of The Parthenon Group and founder, chairman, and managing partner of Acropolis Advisors

“From building businesses and mentoring executives to adventuring on motorcycles, everything Frank O’Connell does is highly engaging, fun, informative, and inspirational. His book follows that same wonderful path.”

– Bruce V. Rauner, former governor of Illinois Former Chairman, GTCR

“I got to know Frank when he was CEO at Indian. I was VP Indian Affairs for Indian Motorcycles and we spent a lot of time riding the bikes and attending events. Jump First, Think Fast is pretty much how he rolls. Read this book and you’ll know his whole story.”

– Branscombe Richmond, actor, starring role as Bobby Sixkiller, Renegade, and numerous other TV and movie roles, founder of The Renegade Posse Band

“Everything I have learned about running a successful business and being a great boss, colleague, family man, and friend I learned from Frank. Now, everyone has the chance to learn from the man himself in his own words. Even if you are not a business executive, Frank’s way of living can help you deal with the way you live your life.”

– Tracy Dolgin, founding member Fox Sports, former CEO of YES Network (Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network)

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