Preface xi
Part I
1. Salinas, 1998 3
2. Beginnings 10
3. Washington, DC, 1960s 18
4. The Rhodes Scholar 24
5. Selective Service 34
6. The Nephew 38
7. Harvard Business School 42
Part II
8. Marriott Corporation 51
9. Texas Two-Step 66
10. The Wild Blue Yonder 83
11. End of the Beginning 105
12. The Unfriendly Skies 131
Part III
13. Twice Blessed 159
14. The Long March 162
15. Requiem for a Campaign 184
16. Lost 190
17. New Beginnings 191
18. Let’s Roll 200
19. Hope and Change 210
20. Common Sense 220
Epilogue 231
Acknowledgments 243
Index 245
Al Checchi played transformational roles at three American institutions: Marriott Corporation, the Walt Disney Company, and Northwest Airlines.
Al Checchi was raised in Washington, D.C. He played transformational roles at three American institutions: Marriott Corporation, the Walt Disney Company, and Northwest Airlines, and in 1998 took on the California political establishment as a candidate for governor. He wrote a strategic plan for California, The Checchi Plan,and has drafted a new “Declaration for Independence.” He is married and has three children.
“Among the many books on leadership, The Change Maker occupies a
uniquely powerful position. It is both a moving personal memoir
written with grace, eloquence, and remarkable honesty, and a
brilliant study of leadership in both the public and private
sectors. This superb work deserves widespread attention.” —Doris
Kearns Goodwin, author of No Ordinary Time and Team of
Rivals “The Change Maker is must reading for anyone
interested in the issues of leadership, or the development of one
leader’s life. Written in a lovely, lucid style, The Change Maker
is an engaging memoir and a thoughtful reflection on American
political and economic leadership, what has gone wrong, and how to
make it right.” —Scott Turow, author of Presumed
Innocent “Al Checchi epitomizes the Jeffersonian ideal
of the citizen leader, blending common sense, real world
experience, and idealism so desperately needed and so glaringly
absent in American politics today. In this inspiring and winning
memoir he offers penetrating insight and profound ideas to a nation
confronting a historical reckoning. America would be well served to
heed this message of warning and hope.” —Pat Caddell, pollster and
political commentator “The Change Maker is a richly
detailed and compelling narrative of one man’s experiences and
observations of the recent developments in America’s business and
political landscape. Al Checchi challenges us to think about where
our country is headed and what kind of America we will leave for
our children.” —Al Michaels, sports broadcaster
“Al Checchi’s account of the changes that have taken place over the
course of his remarkable life will inspire, inform, and infuriate
alike. His honesty and perspective are much needed as we grapple
with the challenges and opportunities of our time.” — Senator Bob
Kerrey “Under Al Checchi’s high-octane and creative
leadership, Marriott Corporation evolved its business model from
being hotel owners to hotel managers, freeing up capital to rapidly
expand our business. The Change Maker will inspire you to
think big and pursue greatness.” — J. Willard “Bill” Marriott Jr.,
Chairman and CEO Marriott Corporation
Ask a Question About this Product More... |