The DNA of Achievers

About the Book

The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals is intended to be a business-oriented, motivational, and inspirational book all rolled into one. As the title suggests, it focuses on characteristics that are common among successful people from all walks of life. Throughout his long career, Mr. Knowles has encountered individuals who have motivated, inspired, and contributed to his success. The author’s goal is to recount illustrative true-life experiences of ten traits commonly shared by successful people. His personal top ten are: 1) passion; 2) vision; 3) work ethic; 4) team-building; 5) planning; 6) talk-to-do ratio; 7) learning from failure; 8) giving back; 9) risk-taking; and 10) thinking outside the box. As a self-made entrepreneurial success story who came from a small town and became the top salesperson at Xerox Medical System, sold successful businesses he created, and became one of the world’s top entertainment managers and executives in the music industry, the author embodied all of these traits. The DNA of Achievers features nearly thirty inspirational essays by luminaries in all areas of entrepreneurship, entertainment, sports, and philanthropy—not to mention a singer or two!

About the Author

Mathew Knowles has often been referred to as one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our generation in the music and entertainment industry. He was responsible for nurturing and building one of the most successful music groups of all time, Destiny’s Child, and the career of his megastar daughter Beyoncé. In addition, Mathew Knowles has continued to impact the lives of many through his global platforms, which include successful business ventures, record-label ventures, management services for recording artists and producers, artist-development services, endorsement and partnership deals, a master catalog series, film and television ventures, licensed merchandise products, and philanthropic work. Currently a professor at Texas Southern University, Mathew has also presented master classes at Berklee College of Music, Fisk University, the University of Southern California, and Rice University. He graduated from Fisk University in Tennessee in 1974 with a dual degree in economics and business administration, and in 2008, he was granted the honor of Doctor of Humane Letters from his alma mater. Knowles also holds an MBA from Cornerstone Christian Bible College. Knowles’s passion is to educate and motivate in the areas of entrepreneurship and entertainment. He holds countless workshops, seminars, and online education around the globe.