The Change Maker catapults readers into a world few will ever experience. Entertaining, fast-paced, and episodic, this memoir of an unconventional agent of change provides a lesson in the values of strategic thinking and responsible leadership found so wanting today. With self-deprecating humor and irony, Al Checchi chronicles the meteoric rise whereby his creativity, strategic thinking, and negotiating skills helped transform three major American institutions-Marriott Corporation, Walt Disney, and Northwest Airlines-and led him to challenge the California political establishment as a candidate for governor. Checchi demonstrates that through experience, vision, courage, and force of personality, one person can make a difference and lead others to move beyond their comfort zones and transform our institutions. "Among the many books on leadership, The Change Maker occupies a uniquely powerful position. It is both a moving personal memoir written with grace, eloquence, and remarkable honesty, and a brilliant study of leadership in both the public and private sectors. This superb work deserves widespread attention." -Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of No Ordinary Time and Team of Rivals "The Change Maker is must reading for anyone interested in the issues of leadership, or the development of one leader's life. Written in a lovely, lucid style, The Change Maker is an engaging memoir and a thoughtful reflection on American political and economic leadership, what has gone wrong, and how to make it right." -Scott Turow, author of Presumed Innocent "Al Checchi epitomizes the Jeffersonian ideal of the citizen leader, blending common sense, real world experience, and idealism so desperately needed and so glaringly absent in American politics today. In this inspiring and winning memoir he offers penetrating insight and profound ideas to a nation confronting a historical reckoning. America would be well served to heed this message of warning and hope." -Pat Caddell, pollster and political commentator "The Change Maker is a richly detailed and compelling narrative of one man's experiences and observations of the recent developments in America's business and political landscape. Al Checchi challenges us to think about where our country is headed and what kind of America we will leave for our children." -Al Michaels, sports broadcaster "Al Checchi's account of the changes that have taken place over the course of his remarkable life will inspire, inform, and infuriate alike. His honesty and perspective are much needed as we grapple with the challenges and opportunities of our time." - Senator Bob Kerrey "Under Al Checchi's high-octane and creative leadership, Marriott Corporation evolved its business model from being hotel owners to hotel managers, freeing up capital to rapidly expand our business. The Change Maker will inspire you to think big and pursue greatness." - J. Willard "Bill" Marriott Jr., Chairman and CEO Marriott Corporation