Book: From Boxing Ring to Boardroom
Héctor’s acclaimed business memoir
My Journey from Boxing Ring to Boardroom: 5 Virtues for Life and Leadership
Far more than a business memoir, From Boxing Ring to Boardroom follows Héctor Colón from his challenging childhood through his international boxing success to his current position as CEO of one of the Midwest’s largest nonprofit organizations. A true servant leader, Héctor shares the lessons and virtues he learned from his boxing career, his business career and his strong connection with God:
- Magnanimity – striving for greatness
- Humility – putting others first
- Courage – willing to take risks
- Perseverance – never giving up
- Temperance – practicing restraint
Learn about Héctor’s actionable and powerful approach to living and leading. His compelling story will resonate with young people, as well as entrepreneurs, leaders, and those looking for hope in an ever-changing and challenging world.
- Book excerpt from early childhood:
I can still picture Adam’s father. Tall and intimidating, he did his best to avoid looking in my direction. If he did happen to catch sight of me, his face always rearranged into the same expression, his lip curling in a look of disgust. It was hard to imagine he would be very receptive to anything so banal as reason or morality.
My father returned home with a stony expression. “The next time you see Adam, you will defend yourself. Then he’ll leave you alone.”
- Book excerpt from the boxing ring:
Boxing may seem brutal, violent, and physically abusive: bloody noses, broken ribs, and in the very worst cases, death. I learned to admire the ‘Sweet Science,’ and I loved boxing. I saw its joy and woes from inside the ring.
My mother did not attend my fights, but she was always supportive, taking me to the gym to train. She knew that boxing, along with Shorty’s attention, were positive for me.
At age eleven, I won my first National Title, and I was number one in the country for my weight class. I took home three Silver Glove National Championships, two Junior Olympic National Championships, one U.S. National Championship, and a Muhammad Ali Invitational National Championship. I felt unstoppable.
- Book excerpt from the boardroom:
The organization had only met their budget twice in the previous ten years, losing over $10 million during that time. When I was hired, LSS of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan was over $13 million in debt with deferred maintenance totaling over $1 million.
Fundraising was – and still is – a big challenge for LSS. At the time, less than three percent of our revenue came from charitable organizations.
There was no reason, with an organization of this size, reputation, credibility, results, and history, that we should not be raising millions of dollars through our development efforts.
Testimonials:
Howard Behar, Retired President of the Starbucks Coffee Company: “If you want inspiration then you owe it to yourself to read Héctor Colón’s life story. From humble beginnings to a champion boxer to the boardroom. Héctor weaves a wonderful story about life’s challenges and rewards.”
Craig Culver, Co-Founder/Co- Worker – Culver’s Restaurant: “It’s a true story about grit and persistence…and faith. A must read for those who want to better themselves and the world around them…and especially pertinent in our world today.”
Larry C. Spears, Senior Advisory Editor, The International Journal of Servant-Leadership: “Héctor Colón’s book, My Journey from Boxing Ring to Boardroom: Five Essential Virtues for Life & Leadership, is an inspiring example of growing as a servant-leader. Colón’s fascinating life story is framed by his analysis of how Magnanimity, Humility, Courage, Perseverance, and Temperance have proven so powerful to his development as a person, and in his understanding and practice of servant-leadership. This lively and heartfelt book is uplifting, and well worth reading.”
Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard Kennedy School and Faculty Fellow, Harvard Business School: “The greatest victories of the American Dream are not those born from privilege or luck. In Boxing Ring to Boardroom, Hector Colon demonstrates through his own story that the true secrets to earned success are hard work, character, integrity, service, and a deep-seated faith in a better future. If you’re looking for a model for building a successful life and career, read this book.”
Table of Contents
- Round One: Down but not out / Growing pains with mi familia
- Round Two: Int my corner / Into the ring
- Round Three: Hanging up the gloves / Life after boxing
- Round Four: Punching Above my weight / Striving for sucess in the early days of my career
- Round Five: Against the ropes / New job and new challenges
- Round Six: Majority decision / Coming into my own
- Round Seven: Take it on the chin / Still learning
- Round Eight: We all need a coach / The five essential virtues for life and leadership
- Round Nine: Go the Distance Will you please do me a favor?
- Round Ten: Championship title On behalf of USA boxing
