Sylvia’s story is inspirational. Her career advice is sound and
presented in an easy to understand and apply format. This is a book that
anyone interested in creating a successful life and career should read.” ~ Bud Bilanich, The Common Sense Guy
Bud Bilanich wrote a blog post on his site: “Make It Your Business — Great New Career Advice Book”
“As a former report to Sylvia, I can tell you first hand that
Sylvia’s leadership was the most inspirational I have personally
witnessed in corporate America. She led by example, humble, caring yet
she set high, stretch goals for all of us to achieve. These goals were
highly motivating because Sylvia let you do your job, gave you
confidence and provided the necessary resources. She is a model of
integrity and her words are her bond. The story of advancing from very
modest beginnings to the highest position in her field at the world’s
largest pharmaceutical company is an inspiration story that needs to be
heard in every MBA program. It is a story that makes America great.” ~ Bill Belknap
“I found this book to be one of the best inspirational /
educational reads I have picked up in quite a while. It’s directness and
the fact it is written based on the writer’s personal experience and
success is invaluable. It will remain in my library as a must read for
all of my direct reports. It has certainly provided me with a ‘jump
start’ to my own career path and the methods in which I plan to achieve
my present and future goals. Excellent work! A must read for anyone in
today’s high pressure, fast paced corporate world.” ~ MSWayne
“This book is an easy read with many `not so easy’ lessons about
life and career. Sylvia’s personal stories – tough lessons including
both successes and failures – bring to life what is an excellent primer
for climbing the corporate ladder and for overcoming personal
challenges. It’s a modern day, inspiring tale of the Great American
Dream. A must read for everyone.” ~ Mike Taylor
“I’ve known Sylvia for over 30 years. I am honored to say I know
her. She struggled so much and yet she never gave up. Her story is
incrediable. You have to read it. I read it in two days. Her journey
from Puerto Rico to New York is unbelievable. This is a must read book
for all ages. Her family must be so proud. She was the highest paid
Latina at Pfizer Inc., in the history of the company. Just goes to show
you that your dreams can come true.” ~ Angeline Napolitano
“No one I have read comes closer to this common saying. Faced
with difficult situations that may have turned others away from their
dreams, Sylvia just kept working harder at it. And from all of that hard
work she has drawn some valuable lessons that she shares with us. The
leadership principles that she develops in the book are applicable
regardless of your position or your goals. The book is, I would think,
especially inspirational for women of color. In spite of all the
negative messages she received as a child and as an adult, Sylvia worked
her way through all of it to have a highly successful career. And the
value of the book is that she shows us how to succeed, too. A great
read.” ~ Don Nelson
“I enjoyed reading the book “Make It Your Business: Dare to Climb
the Ladder of Leadership” very much. It is a heart warming, rags to
riches, story of possibilities, through hard work, education and
perseverance. I would recommend this book to all College bound students,
the emphasis on self esteem, overcoming obstacles and keeping your self
respect will benefit all teenagers, contemplating their future. I wish I
read this book, 30 years ago, it is quite inspirational. Kudos to the
author!” ~ Momara
“I was one of the people who started Ms. Montero on her climb to
the top. The book is fantastic to say the least. I always new that
Sylvia would do well. Her desire to work and her effectiveness in
building a team was evident early in her career at Pfizer. The book is a
primer for anyone who feels that they will never achieve their goals
because of their background. Ms. Montero clearly shows that with drive
what one can accomplish. This is a must read. Every high school senior
and college student needs to read this book.” ~ Cal Jobe
“Sylvia Montero’s story is one of the most inspirational and
compelling examples of “The American Dream” that I have ever
encountered. It was hard for me to imagine the difficult conditions of
her early childhood in Puerto Rico, where the only “luxuries” Montero
and her siblings had was the overriding love and exemplary parenting
from their young mother and father. Hers is a story of faith, courage,
ambition, confidence, determination, education, and fine parenting
triumphing over poverty, language barriers, and discrimination (gender,
age, social, and cultural). Though Montero’s book is certainly a
must-read for aspiring women and Latinos, as a male WASP I remained
riveted through the story of her rise from the sugar cane fields to the
boardroom, as well as the deftly presented life lessons that follow,
each enhanced by her own fascinating experiences. Faced with many more
obstacles than all but a few Americans, Montero chose to be a victor,
not a victim — and her story and suggestions are worthy of anyone’s few
hours.” ~ Gregory K. Marshall
“I truly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to
be successful in a big organization but doesn’t want to read a formal
business book. I am really not a fan of sitting down and reading a book
but this book held my attention and I enjoyed it. Sylvia Montero’s
narrative is filled with engaging stories that easily link to tangible
reflections. Her modern-day rags-to-riches story is inspiring. It really
does show you that anything is possible as long as you don’t give up,
continue to fight through and believe you can achieve anything you set
your mind to.” ~ Ken Soto
“I thought Ms. Montero did a wonderful job linking leadership
ideals with real examples and then tying it all back with her personal
story. I found myself identifying at many of the leadership pitfalls and
solutions throughout the examples given in each section. I hope to get
my fellow management team to read this and begin to actively work on
many of the suggestions given at the end of each section. “Make it Your
Business” provides valuable lessons no matter where you are in your
career. I think it can provide those just starting out key princples to
apply as they learn the corporate ropes and it can help the seasoned
leader be better.” ~ Robyn A
“Sylvia Montero embodies the American Dream. Born in Puerto Rico,
she moved with her family to the US as a young girl. Her parents worked
hard to provide for their five children and hammered home the
importance of education. Overcoming tremendous hurdles, Sylvia worked
hard, received a scholarship to Barnard, finished her degree and
embarked on a career, as a single parent no less, that led her to become
the head of Human Resources for one of the world’s largest companies.
She couples her personal history with life lessons that are of
tremendous value to anyone starting a career or seeking career
advancement. What a wonderful book!” ~ John LaMattina
