Success Is the Only Option

The Art of Coaching Extreme Talent

By: John Calipari, Michael Sokolove

Narrated by: Al Kessel

Kentucky’s charismatic coach shares the secrets of creating one of the premiere programs in college basketball, revealing how he transforms a group of former high school superstars into selfless, cohesive teams—including a remarkable squad last year that fell just one game short of a perfect season.

Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari is known for his unparalleled ability to recruit the nation’s best young players, some of whom will spend just one year with him before going to the NBA, and convincing them to commit to the team without sacrificing their personal goals. It is a promise he makes to them: ""Fully invest in the present—and each other—and I guarantee it will serve your future.""

Here, for the first time, he distills his team-building methods in ways that apply to CEOs, business owners, coaches, teachers and leaders of all kinds—lessons for anyone seeking to inspire talented individuals to reach for their best selves and contribute to a greater good.

A basketball team is an intimate workplace, in which blend is everything and character matters. As such, it is a window into the nature of successful leadership. Calipari views each new team like a startup business—one composed of new players, new relationships, and new challenges. Each season is a series of discoveries as he learns how to unleash the extreme talent in each of his players and mold them into championship material as college basketball comes to a crescendo every spring. While he can’t control everything, he is responsible for everything—just like a CEO.

An enlightening look at leadership, management, and team building, Success Is the Only Option offers the keys to winning, on and off the court.

Narrator sounds like a robot

I enjoyed the book despite the lackluster performance from the narrator. His inflection was weird and disjointed and he often mispronounced key names (including Calipari's.) Still, it's a great look into Coach Cal's world.

Relevant & interesting too

There's a lot to be said for the importance of how you train, lead and mentor others with extreme talent. John does a good job of bringing a well rounded approach to considering many factors. Personally, I also really enjoyed the references to individual players stories. It's too bad that it isn't Coach Cal voicing the reading. Otherwise, it's very good.

More than basketball!

This book is filled with business and leadership lessons. The way for a team to be successful is for everyone to commit to each other. The narrator does a great job of keeping listeners interested and engaged.

Educational

Enjoyed the mix of sports and business knowledge and how it applies to everyday life