Over the past three decades, professor Larry Smith has become something of a “career whisperer” for his students at the University of Waterloo. Each year, millions of talented college and university students graduate with little or no real sense of what their next step will be, yet they are determined not to settle for so-so careers; they are looking for great careers. Smith points out that only a few fortunate souls are born knowing exactly what they want to pursue in life. The rest of us have to stop making excuses and start asking ourselves tough questions about achieving our goals.

In his straightforward, no-nonsense approach, Smith itemizes and dismisses all the usual excuses, fears and worries that people hide behind when trying to find their true direction. His unusual take on this challenging conundrum is both universal and timely, and his stunning TEDx talk on this subject has been viewed by more than six million people so far.

This is the perfect book for all college graduate who are wondering where they fit into the world, or for mid-career men and women who find themselves heading down the wrong path. It won’t necessarily be easy, but if you follow Smith’s guidance, your career dreams can indeed come true.

LARRY SMITH is an adjunct associate professor of economics at the University of Waterloo and a recipient of the University of Waterloo’s Distinguished Teacher Award. During his longstanding tenure, Smith has taught and counselled more than 23,000 students on the subject of their careers, representing more than 10 percent of UW’s alumni. Smith has worked with more than 500 teams of student entrepreneurs, advising them as they have created companies of significant size and success across industries as broad-reaching as communications, software, robotics, entertainment, design and real estate.

Smith is also president of Essential Economics Corporation, an economic consulting practice that serves a wide range of public and private clients. “Why You Will Fail to have a Great Career,” his TEDx Talk based on his experience counselling students, has been viewed by over six million people.

Larry Smith's profile page

“Smith convincingly shows how individuals of any age and in any industry can chart a course to a great career by drawing on prior success stories.” — Publishers Weekly

“Wow! And FINALLY. Larry Smith has created the road map young people need to not only follow their passion but do so sensibly and with integrity. If you’re wondering how you’re going to do life after school, start here.” — Gail Vaz-Oxlade, #1 bestselling author of Debt-Free Forever and Money Rules

“Have you ever had a conversation with someone about your life that leaves you feeling so elated that you have goosebumps? This is a typical result of how I feel after chatting with Larry.” — M. Azam Javed, Tesla

“Larry inspires us to take action against a formula for failure. His perspective on the competitive nature of the modern economy will drive you to create your own success.” — Hiro Dozono, Facebook

“When I was in Engineering school, Larry’s advice to me was to do work that I love. If you choose to do work that you think you ‘should’ do--and you are competing with people who love what they do--you will fail.” — Barbara Adey, Hewlett Packard Enterprise

“The conversations I had with Professor Smith helped me prioritize my career ambitions in a way that was dramatically effective for my self-development.” — Ryan Westlake, Amazon

“There are a lucky few of us to whom Larry has provided personal career guidance; earth-shattering conversations that make you look at the working world anew. I am overjoyed that Larry is now sharing his incredible insight to all who aspire to make their mark.” — Mike Jutan, Disney/Lucasfilm

“It is perhaps all too easy to make wrong turns in one’s career and to never experience the thrill of realizing your boldest dreams. My conversations with Larry Smith were instrumental in avoiding such a fate.” — Dimitriy Tomilovskiy, Bloomberg

“Had it not been for the time I was able to spend with Professor Smith during my university years gaining his advice on career success, I would not be where I am today. Capturing this in a book is a gift to all.” — Mike McCauley, Google

“As a student and while I was venturing into entrepreneurship, Larry’s door was always open. I’m so pleased this book will bring his advice, lessons, warnings and encouragement to everyone that isn’t lucky enough to call him a mentor.” — Tricia Mumby, co-founder, Mabel's Labels