New System Aims to Cut the Cost of Solar Power in Half

New System Aims to Cut the Cost of Solar Power in Half New System Aims to Cut the Cost of Solar Power in Half New System Aims to Cut the Cost of Solar Power in HalfSolar power has many advantages, mainly an endless supply of energy by harnessing the power of the sun. But it suffers from extremely inefficient storage systems, a limitation that has kept prices high and limited the widespread adoption of the technology.Alex Huang, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin and director of the schools Semiconductor Power Electronics Center, hopes to change that with a bold promise for the future of solar cutting the price of the technology in half by combining power generation and storage into one single system.We need to achieve higher efficiency in solar energy conversion, Huang says, referring to the purpose of his teams new power storage architecture, which recently earned a $3 million research grant from the U.S. Departm ent of Energy. And that led us to propose a new design that allows the solar power plant to be connected to the medium voltage system directly, instead of going through another transformer. We also added multi-function capabilities so this project has additional functionality, particularly in the integration of energy storage and to provide other services to the energy grid.For You A New Solar Cell on the BlockMost solar energy storage systems today are based around a solar invertor that is connected to a 480-volt or 690-volt system and then fed through a transformer. But those transformers are massive pieces of equipment, and add substantially to the cost of operation. Its like connecting a dedicated substation to each inverter in order to manage the system. That means the energy generated by the solar cells has to be moved and stored outside of the generators. Its inefficient, expensive and outdated.UTs solar farm at Pickle Research Campus. Image UT Cockrell School of Engineering CommunicationsDr. Huang s team is working to cut the cost of solar power and make it mora efficient by combining both power generation and storage into a single system. Its based around several new types of photovoltaic inverters, or modular, multifunction, multiport and medium-voltage utility-scale silicon carbide solar inverters, better known as an M4 inverter. This design is dedicated to converting the direct current output of a solar panel to medium-voltage alternating current without the need for an expensive and external low-frequency transformer.The basic way this works is were taking DC voltage from the solar and turning that into AC, but in this case the AC voltage is much higher than the DC voltage, Huang says.There is a high-frequency transformer inside the M4 inverter operating at frequencies hundreds and thousands times higher than those found in traditional transformers, which top out at around 60 Hz. This higher-frequency approach can improve the quality of the final product on its own, though the UT teams modular architecture design places several converters in series to further streamline the output quality.The end result is a clean power generation and storage system thats cheaper to operate and easier to maintain over time.But thats just the beginning.By incorporating the transformer functions into the solar power generation system itself, the M4 is also intended to drive clean energy adoption by utilities, offering new functionality and advanced tools that stand to change the way those power systems operate.For example, the lower voltage battery system in the M4 can be charged either via the solar panels directly or by tapping the existing electrical grid. From there, that power can be discharged back to the grid at any time. The battery system provides the buffer that commercial systems need to operate, making solar-produced power available for dispatch at any time, regardless of the weather time of day.It provides a lot of freedom for the grid, Dr. Huang says. When your solar power generation goes up when we have a lot of sunshine, or goes down when we have clouds in the sky, the storage can come in to make up the difference. So from a utility point of view, its more grid friendly. Its a very flexible, controlled system.Although still in the research stages, the long-term plan is to introduce this technology as a lower cost alternative to existing solar generation and storage solutions. One objective of the project is to demonstrate the overall ownership cost of modern solar, particularly the ongoing operation costs associated with clean energy sources.Its not just the initial capital cost, which will be higher than a traditional transformer system, per kilowatt level, but that will be offset by improved reliability, reduced service time, and the multi-port functions that offer additional revenues streams for systems, Huang says.Over time, Huang hopes this technology leads to broader adoption of solar power by utili ties, driving more and more investment into these types of efficiency technologies. He believes the industry is already moving in this direction and is targeting power plants and commercial-scale installations.The message is that utilities can make use of solar in ways they have not been able to in the past, he says. Future solar energy systems will offer multiple functions and new kinds of connections by combining this kind of solution with new semi-conductor technology. This is just one part of the smart grid of the future.Tim Sprinkle is an independent technology writer.Listen to Episode 1 of ASME TechCast Building the Case for a Diversified Workforce, with Roma AgrawalThe message is that utilities can make use of solar in ways they have not been able to in the past.Prof. Alex Huang, University of Texas, Austin

Heres How You Can Write a Compelling Business Feasibility Study

Heres How You Can Write a Compelling Business Feasibility StudyHeres How You Can Write a Compelling Business Feasibility StudyIf you think you have a great idea for a new product, such as a homemade cherry jam handed down to you by your grandmother, it may be time to bring your idea or product to market. You may have even received so many compliments that you feel it could be a genuine business opportunity, which is great, but youll probably need to do some research to see if the idea will actually bring in any real profits. Whats a Feasibility Study? A business feasibility study is a process that tests your ideas viability. It helps you to get a handle on whether your idea will fly or if its likely to flop. Feasibility studies can also serve as a basis for creating a ?small business plan and a absatzwirtschaft plan, both of which youll also need going forward. A typical feasibility study covers six areas, starting with a description of your business, the market, technology youll need to use, financial and organizational details, and a conclusion of how youll move forward. Before starting the report, you can do some basic research to see if your idea has enough going for it to take the time to compile the report. unterstellung 10 steps and considerations can get you started on answering that question and working through your own study. Assess Potential Customer Demand Ifyoure thinking of selling your cherry jam in your area, start your research by visiting grocers and surveying their shelves. Do theyhave a paltry display with very few jam products? Thiscould mean that theresno demand for your product. Next, go to the Internet. Do a keyword search for your product if you plan to sell it online. If it looks like a lot of people are doing a brisk business selling cherry jam or a similar product, theres a good chance that demand exists for what you intend to sell. Assess the Competition Find out who youre up against. Lets say youd like to sell your jam at the local farmers market. Stop by the market at least twice, once on the busiest day and once on the slowest day. See how many- if any- vendors are selling jam, and sample their products. You should be able to judge fairly easily if your product is superior or unique to those that youll be competing against. If you plan to sell your jam online, see if theres a leading brand that dominates the market and already has a devoted customer base, then sample it. Starting Your Feasibility Study Now youre ready to get started on your study, and that begins with understanding it in more detail. A feasibility study typically includes six sections or components a description of your business, a market feasibility study, a technical feasibility study, a financial feasibility study, an organizational feasibility study, and your conclusions. Begin gathering necessary the information youll need to address all these issues. What do you need to accomplish to make your business work? What are s ome vermgen problems you might encounter? Devise some marketing strategies. Commit all this to writing- youll refer back to it a time or two or 10. Writing a Market Feasibility Study Prepare the market components of your feasibility study first, including a description of the industry, the current market, the anticipated future market potential, and industry trends, the level of your competition, sales projections, potential customers and clients, and other revenue-generating resources. Your challenge is to keep all this as brief as possible. Eliminate wishful thinking in your assessment of the current market and your competition and be conservative with your sales projections. Writing a Technical Feasibility Study The technical feasibility study focuses on the technical and logistical factorsthat must be in place so your business canproduce, store, and deliver its products or services to the public. A technical feasibility study includes details like the kinds of materials, labor, technology, and transportation youll need, as well as where your business will be located. Remember, a loan officer or investor will be reading this, and yours is probably bedrngnis the first feasibility study hes ever encountered. Hes experienced, you have his attention, and youre taking his time. He expects your study to be polished and professional. So give a comprehensive accounting of what you expect to need to get your business off the ground, including technology, materials, labor costs, and transportation and shipping costs in clear, concise order. Writing a Financial Feasibility Study The information included in your technical feasibility study must be supported by your financial feasibility study. Your technical feasibility study should flow seamlessly and directly into this component. Heres where youll address estimated startup capital. Identify and list your sources of capital, and the explain estimated potential returns on investments. Dont overlook an expla nation of how an investor can expect to be paid for his support of your business. Your financial feasibility study should be comprehensive down to the most minute detail. Dont assume that your reader already knows or anticipates hearing this information. Make sure your projected capital is adequate to cover the technical and logistical factors youve already outlined. Writing an Organizational Feasibility Study This covers the important details of your businesss organizational structureand will help you make your feasibility study and your business plan more attractive to potential investors and clients. An organizational feasibility study defines the legal structure of your businessand offers pertinent professional background information about the founders, the partners, and other principals involved in the venture if any. It can be helpful to include a code of ethics here, along with your businesss principles and practices. Address issues of employee training and accountability , as well as anti-discrimination and other labor policies. Feasibility Study Conclusions Heres where yousummarize and draw the conclusions you want your potential investors and customers to understand. You dont want to introduce statements here that have not been supported by the data and other information youve already presented. Your previous study components must support your conclusions clearly and without question. Use this section to enforce items youve already mentioned and to make sure previous points are crystal clear. Stick to facts. Avoid comments and phrases like, I think, or I believe. Other words to avoid include hope, anticipate, and opinion. Your reader wants facts, not speculation. Presenting Your Completed Feasibility Study This last but perhaps most important step involves assembling your feasibility study into a professional-looking package, as you might be presenting this report to several different parties. While contents key, the presentation is equall y important because you want to engage people from the start or they wont pay attention to the details. Make sure your cover letter is personalized and has impact. Design a cover sheet and assemble a table of contents. Gather everything in a neat, professional binder or portfolio. Should You Hire an Expert Consultant? If you dont have thetime to complete a feasibility study, it might make sense to hire a consultant to manage and conduct it for you. Ask colleagues for referrals and thoroughly research consultants with expertise in your chosen product or service area. Learn what their fees are. If you decide to hire someone, be clear that you want his report to be as objective and honest as possible. Otherwise, roll up your shirtsleeves and get to work. Youcanwrite a useful and worthwhile feasibility study if you take your timeand educate yourself a little first.

Marine Airborne and Air Delivery Specialist

Marine Airborne and Air Delivery SpecialistMarine Airborne and Air Delivery SpecialistIn the Marine Corps, Airborne and Air Delivery Specialists are trained to airdrop needed supplies to Marines in combat zones and other areas where they have limited access to supplies. These specialists make sure supplies are packed, the equipment is working, and the mission plan is sound. The Marines categorize this job as military occupational specialty (MOS) 0451. Duties of Marine Airborne and Air Delivery Specialists Marines in MOS 0451 hold down three main areas of responsibility air delivery, equipment maintenance, and parachute packing. Similar to the work done by loadmasters, Marines in this job have to figure out the safest way to pack and distribute equipment loads on the plane. Theres more to it than throwing your luggage aboard before a flight, obviously since in this case, your luggage weighs a ton and its wearing a parachute. Lets not forget, its a poor idea to blindly trust that everythings in working order when youre planning to drop a pallet (or a person) from miles above the ground. Mundane though it may sound, it takes a dedicated team of air delivery specialists to make sure all of the equipment needed to perform the airdrop is in working order. Military Requirements for MOS 0451 Like all aspiring Marines, an enlistee aiming to become an Air Delivery Specialist must have a high school education. The MOS is restricted to US citizens and only accepts volunteers. On the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) tests, recruits need a general technical score of at least 100, with no exceptions. And because its a huge part of the job to be involved in dangerous jumps over water, recruits must achieve at least an intermediate-level qualification during the water survival leiter of boot camp. If youre already a Marine serving in another occupational field, the Corps MOS Manual clearly states you can only move into the 0451 field if youre a lance corporal (E-3) or corporal (E-4) with less than six months in that rank. Sergeants (E-5) and below in the Active Reserve programmay also be able to move into air delivery if full-time vacancies are available at a reserve unit. Education for MOS 0451 The complete training package for a new 0451 takes about seven months at a minimum, counting boot camp and Marine Combat Training. Job training takes place at Fort Lee, Virginia, an Army base with a resident Marine cadre attending various Army schoolhouses aboard the base. In nine weeks, the Armys Parachute Rigger Course covers the 0451s three main areas of responsibilities in one phase each The aerial delivery phase teaches students to prepare an airdrop from start to finish. This phase of the course concludes with a live airdrop, where Marines pack the cargo parachutes, rig the loads to be dropped, place the loads in the aircraft and recover the loads and equipment once the goods are dropped.The aerial equipment phase teaches Marin es everything they need to know about inspecting, fixing, and maintaining parachutes and airdrop equipment.The parachute packing phase is pretty self-explanatory. But lest you think learning to pack a parachute sounds boring, heres the twist To make sure youve been staying awake in class, youll be required to jump the parachute you packed during the examination. Obviously, if youre going to be jumping with the parachute you packed, you need to know how to jump. That means as a 0451, you get the added perk of attending Army Jump School, a school so coveted by Marines that the limited seats afforded to the Corps are frequently used as a reenlistment bonus.

How the Big Four Record Labels Became the Big Three

How the Big Four Record Labels Became the Big ThreeHow the Big Four Record Labels Became the Big ThreeIf youre a music fan, it probably seems like there are literally thousands of music labelsout there, scattered across the world. New record companies are created every day to cater to niche audiences and music styles. However, just three major record labels rule the global roost. EMI welches once one of the big boys- but Universal Music purchased EMI in 2012. So, where once there were the Big Four, now theres just the Big Three. The Big Three The Big Threerecord labels are Sony BMGUniversal Music GroupWarner Music Group ansicht labels can make up almost 80% of the music market or even more- depending on the year- although it was estimated to be about two-thirds in 2016. How Artists Are Affected Artists who are signed to one of these major record labels are either signed to the central label or signed to a subsidiary of that label. A band might be signed to Sony, or it might b e signed to Columbia Records, which is a Sony subsidiary. These subsidiary labels have their own staff, they sign their own artists, and they make most of their own financial decisions, but in the end, they must answer to their parent company. The main company sets its overall budget and makes decisions regarding things like reducing staff. Poor performance can close the subsidiary. Its artists would then be distributed among the other subsidiaries under the major label. In this respect, the hierarchical structure of a major label can be quite complex, and it can differ a bit from label to label. These Big Three record companies also occasionally offer distribution to indie labels. Under these deals, the major label offers the indies releases to stores along with their own releases, but they do not have a say in what albums the indie releases or how the indie manages its label. Controversy Over the Big Four Universal Music expressed interest in purchasing EMI in 2012 and made an offer of $1.9 billion. Consumer watchdog groups released a report encouraging the government to halt the deal on June 14, stating that the buyout would cause major issues within the industry. They felt that this new mega power would be able to disrupt pricing, costing consumers significant amounts of money. A congressional hearing was held on the issue, and it was examined by European authorities as well. After several months of debate, American and European regulators approved the takeover of EMI. Universal Music gained access to the work of some significantly major artists, including the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Lady Gaga, and Kanye West. The sale created a huge shift in the industry, consolidating power to the Big Three and changing the business landscape. The Big Three now controlled the vast majority of the music market. Some artists moved to smallerindependent labels or opted to self-publishin response in an attempt to gain control over their works and careers.

The Number One Article on Resume Templates 2018

The Number One Article on Resume Templates 2018 For example, laptop strategies, healthcare competencies, or language abilities youve got. An objective statement is 1-2 sentences on the way you wish to attain a goal concerning the position youre applying for. Just make sure, whichever format you opt for, which youre targeting it for the job that youre applying to. The objective of a resume is to highlight your skills, experience and accomplishments that are related to the role you wish to be in. The New Fuss About Resume Templates 2018 Its ideal for a professional who works in social networking or internet marketing. Some websites offering best resume templates 2018 free permits you to edit your document online. When you have modified the standard resume template that you found on the internet, make it simple on your upcoming self and save many versions of your resume. Theres a handy search packung at which you can enter the key terms and it can help you grab the relevant tem plates. How to Get Started with Resume Templates 2018? Voluntary work or internship may also be stated. Simple to use and customize, and that means you can quickly tailor-make your job resume for any chance and assist you to receive your job. A lot of job seekers even dont understand where to begin. If youre a work seeker, applying for a job can be a trying approach. Lets talk somewhat more about main specifics and new resume format 2016 trend. You never need to really be concerned about the formatting unless you truly need to. The absolute most hard step here is to choose which resume format is best for you. You can preview each of them and select the one which you mean to download. Choosing Resume Templates 2018 There are lots of free creative resume templates it is possible to use, enabling you to focus your energy on everything else you have to do. Selecting the most suitable font can look to be an impossible job, especially because there are dozens and dozens of ch oices out there. Possessing a great resume format is vital to organizing your info in a way which will help you become noticed. 1 additional benefit of Monster is that, being international, you can use it in order to come across decent quality resume advice on destinations away from the USA. Its possible to change the colors if you prefer. The majority of the templates are supplied by named, resume writing specialists and thus the quality is quite good. All designs are a breeze to edit and fully customizable. Easy and sophisticated design Minimal Resume Templates are wholly editable and simple to customize. The Basic Facts of Resume Templates 2018 It is possible to easily point and click, do a little typing and youre all set A few of the templates are free while others cost a couple of dollars. Bear in mind a verlottern font is most effective for impressing a modern employer. In addition to that, you have the free resume fonts and icons you see here so you will be able to earn something similarly brilliant. The Truth About Resume Templates 2018 Whats more, you can customize the CV as you desire. Resume Templates also be certain you dont miss out any practical part of information about yourself which can be important for the provider. On the flip side, if youve got no resume written you have quite bad chances to acquire work. The very first thing you ought to do is make sure a prospective employer knows whose resume theyre taking a look at In the world today, a very first impression can either make or break your odds of landing your dream job. The very last thing that you want to do is receive a job which you cant do. Interests are important because it supplies the interviewer something to attach together with you on, and it makes you more than only a faceless resume. Make certain you didnt miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about If you want to do two or three unique things, then build a couple of specific resumes. Every i ndividuals resume looks a bit different. A Startling Fact about Resume Templates 2018 Uncovered There is an assortment of advantages of working with the simple resume formats. You never understand how wonky a Word doc will appear on somebody elses machine. The Simple resume formats can be employed by anyone who wants to apply to get a job. Simple resume they help you in making your resume.

A Startling Fact about Artist Resume Template Uncovered

A Startling Fact about Artist Resume Template Uncovered Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About Artist Resume Template Is Wrong There are several job opportunities offered for makeup artists. For an artist, its imperative to genuinely express yourself through everything you do. It is essential for a makeup artist to highlight the preceding projects to stick out from the competition. If you feel as though your makeup artist resume is looking a bit thin, think about working for a lesser-known company or doing a little bit of freelance work at the same time you pursue other jobs. Our absolutely free Makeup Artist CV Sample will be a priceless tool which comes to aid you gain insights into what has to be included in your CV. While there are lots of expert CV and resume writing services available on the web, and theyll certainly do the task for you, it is going to cost you to get it written for you in particular. Resumes are an essential part of gaining employment in any area. Functional resumes are from time to time also referred to as competency-based resumes. Characteristics of Artist Resume Template Its possible to center the info at the cover of the page, or you could left-justify it at the top. A template will inform you all of the relevant data that you ought to be mentioning in your CV, with particular reference to the type of position you are trying to get. Broadly speaking, you would like to keep the resume itself to only 1 page. You can find with an internet page which showcases the work which youve done. The Hidden Treasure of Artist Resume Template Each template welches designed to decide on a different profession. Our creative templates make it possible for you to stick out from the crowd. Each one of our creative style templates offer you a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professionalism and a little style. You would require a resume template thats creative, ingenious, imaginative and advanced.

Florida Students Win ASMEs Best Futuristic City Award at the ...

Florida Students Win ASMEs Best Futuristic City Award at the ... Florida Students Win ASMEs Best Futuristic City Award at the ... Florida Students Win ASMEs Best Futuristic City Award at the Future City Competition Finals(Back row, left to right) ASME President Julio Guerrero and Past President J. Robert Sims with members of the St. Hugh Catholic School team, the winner of the ASME Best Futuristic City Award at the 2016 Future City National Finals Competition. A team of middle-school students from St. Hugh Catholic School in Coconut Grove, Fla., welches named the winner of the ASME Best Futuristic City Award at the 2016 Future City National Finals Competition, which was held in February during Engineers Week in Washington, D.C.The annual Future City Competition, which is managed by DiscoverE, challenges teams of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders to plan, design and build cities of the future that incorporate a solution to a sustainability issue. The students work with a teacher and an engineering mentor to build tabletop scale models of their concepts using SimCity software. Winners of the regional Future City Competitions, which are held in January, go on to compete at the National Finals in February.The ASME Best Futuristic City Award recognizes the use of futuristic engineering concepts into citys communications, energy, or transportation systems. The students from St. Hugh Catholic School, won the ASME award for their entry Linna Puhtuse (Finnish for City of Purity), a community on the northern coast of Finland where residents travel in vehicles inside a Hyperloop, a series of elevated, clear vacuum tubes, and energy is produced using a small micro-waste reactor, a wind- and solar-powered device that converts trash into a synthetic natural gas.ASME President Julio C. Guerrero and Past President J. Robert Sims, who served as judges during the Future City Finals, presented the ASME Best Futuristic City Award to the 10 members of the St. Hu gh team Maximus Abadin, Matias Assis, Daniela Avecillas, Valentina Bustamante, Cristina Jugo, Chiara McCartney, Camila Moreno-Bo, Albert Sanchez, Isabella Scalese and Sebastian Quirch. Ana Salavarria, the schools science teacher, and Maria Elena Soto, the teams engineering mentor, also attended the competition.For more information on the Future City Competition or to view the complete list of winners, visit http//futurecity.org/awards.

15 Best Informational Interview Questions to Ask ( Why They Matter)

15 Best Informational Interview Questions to Ask ( Why They Matter)15 Best Informational Interview Questions to Ask ( Why They Matter)Youre about the see the 15 best informational bewerberbewerbungsinterview questions.But firstWhy ask questions for informational interviews?Its probably the single most important thing you can do for your career.But not for the reasons you might think.Asking information interview questions is daunting. Call someone up cold and ask about their job?But its not hard when theres a script to follow. Particularly a script that does exactly the right things.This article will give you15 informational interview questions to create a job search breakthrough.The right questions to ask in an informational interview to create insider allies.How to ask for an informational interview without embarrassment.Information interview tips about email, preparation, and a whole lot mora.Want to land more job interviews? Create the perfect resume in our builderPick a professio nal template.Get expert resume tips from recruiters.Edit and download your resume in minutes.Start getting more job offers. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume.Sample resume made with our builder See 20+ templates and create your resume hereOne of our users, Nikos, had this to sayI used a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume now1What is an Informational Interview?The definition of an informational interview? Talking with someone who already has the job you want.What is the Goal of an Informational Interview?There are only three reasons to conduct an information interview. You should be concerned with all of themCreating advocates. The right information interview questions enlist insiders in your job search.Learn insider secrets. Career outsiders make basic resume and interview mistakes. The right questions for informational interviews can lever you into the job like a nuclears)2The Best Informat ional Interview QuestionsLets not beat around the bush.Heres a list of great questions to ask in an informational interview. After, Ill share a few tips to electrify your job search powers.For now, heres the list, in case your informational meeting is coming up in a few minutesQuestions to Ask in an Informational InterviewWhy did you choose this career?How did you get into this job?What current projects are you working on?Whats it like to work at your company?What past work experiences help you most?Whats the greatest challenge your department faces?Whats the biggest challenge for your job?How would you describe the perfect person for this job?Whats the most important preparation for a role like yours?What do you wish someone would have told you before you started this career?Whats the biggest reward of your job?What would surprise people about your daily work?Whats the biggest downside of your job?If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?How will this job change over the next 10 years?Could you refer me to a couple other people who could give me tips about this job?Those are great questions for informational interviews. But the real power lies in knowing why youre asking them.The truth? You want to create cheerleaders inside the organizations you want to work in. People pulling for you to get the job.Another goal of exploratory interviews? Gaining special knowledge other applicants dont have.Read on for ones4Questions for Informational Interviews that Help You Fit the JobTheres another vital rule with exploratory interview questions.You must tailor your approach.Submitting a generic, non, Why did you choose this career?Learn facts that help you tailor your resume to the job. Use questions for informational interviews like, Whats the biggest challenge your department faces? Knowing their needs makes you much more hirable.Gain secret knowledge with your informational meeting questions. Ask, What would surprise people about your daily work? Ma nagers are more apt to hire savvy applicants.Broaden your network. Who else would you recommend I talk to? makes a great question for an exploratory interview. It lets you win more allies for your job search army.Do you have questions on how to use the best information interview questions?

Author Ron Williams on the key to becoming a successful leader

Author Ron Williams on the key to becoming a successful leaderAuthor Ron Williams on the key to becoming a successful leaderRon Williams, a former car washer, and now one of the first African-Americans in history to lead a Fortune 500 company has salient things to say about the state of the corporate ecosystem. As far as Williams is concerned, now more than ever, the professional world is in need of leaders-a distinction that has come to lose a lot of its bite in recent years.Of course, good leaders are defined by the industries they inhabit but at their core, theyre expert problem solvers individuals rich in character, and unperturbed by the prospect of hitting targets obscured. Executive decisions are earned by a healthy cocktail of research and lived experience.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreRon A. Williams is the author of the upcoming, LEARNING TO LEAD The Journey to Leadi ng Yourself, Leading Others, and Leading an Organization.Ladders had the privilege of getting a hold of an advanced copy. The book offers a wealth of anecdotes that I believe will be relevant to our readership-chief amongst them is the way Williams redefines the job and exigence of a leader.Greenleaf Book Group PressHard work, good decisions, and some luck Growing up in Chicago in the 60s, where financial opportunitieswere scarce, and the education options limited, Williams developed a knack for making things happen in tough situations. With a background in psychology and the hunger to employ it, he quickly procured acclaim as a consultant and more recently for bringing the American insurance companyAetnaback from the brink of fiscal destruction, even though as he pointed out, he by no means fits the conventional description of an economic maven.Williams is an introvert that grew in up in an impoverished neighborhood in Chicago. All of the setbacks that those precursors imply, duall y accentuate his penchant for problem-solving. The mechanics of business, the health of a corporation, and the sociality of people were all puzzles for him to solve.Effective leadership begins with a true and intimate knowledge of ones self. Knowing explicitly what you want and dont want, strengthens the craft of decision making-self-leadership.For many, their passion becomes clouded by social and economic norms. A good leader isnt one that is good at doing an impression of those that came before, a good leader is one that is really good at motioning the best version of themselves. As Williams puts it, the most crowded trail is never the way to achieve extraordinary success.Williams believes young professionals should identify their hidden advantages and ride them to success. Its important not to force the process. As the book points out, many people that have found success in their respective fields did so without a rigid plan of attack. If you work hard and remain prudent, the fut ure will likelyreveal itself. Be mindful of any opportunities to discover your place, take calculated risks, do the research as to avoid dead ends. Growth, whether personal or professional, should always be the primary motivator.Even then, lived experience or seasoning matters. Dont waste your time worrying about when the promotion will happen, spend more time making sure youll be the best possible candidate when it finally does.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people