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Obstacles Welcome
Book

Obstacles Welcome

Turn Adversity to Advantage in Business and Life

HarperCollins Leadership, 2009 Mehr


Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Inspiring

Recommendation

When Ralph de la Vega was 10 years old, his parents sent him from Cuba to the US. They planned to follow him a few days later, once their travel documents were in order. Ralph arrived in Miami without money, without his family, unable to speak English and unfamiliar with the culture. A young couple, Cuban émigrés and acquaintances of the de la Vegas, took Ralph in, thinking it would be only a few days until his parents arrived. It took four years. Ralph had to take a job after school to help his parents when they, too, arrived with nothing. Ralph worked hard, moved ahead and went to college. Hired by Southern Bell, he advanced. Today, he is CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. In his inspirational life story, de la Vega draws valuable lessons you can use to attain your own goals. getAbstract warmly recommends de la Vega’s book. He is a great role model for those who aspire to reach personal and professional ambitions. However, once past his personal saga, de la Vega tends to write his solid business advice in the form of ordinary bromides and lists – “four pillars of success,” “six pivotal points” – that do not do full justice to his gripping tale. He writes, “If all this sounds obvious...” Regrettably, some of it does, but he still tells an exceptionally moving story.

Take-Aways

  • After the Cuban Revolution, personal freedom was curtailed, and many people left Cuba.
  • Ralph de la Vega arrived in Miami at age 10, without his parents, without money, and without knowing the language or the culture.
  • His parents had to wait four more years in Cuba to receive immigration papers.

About the Author

Ralph de la Vega is president and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. He also serves as Chairman of Junior Achievement Worldwide and as Chairman of Hispanic Initiatives for the Boy Scouts of America.