“Clear, practical and insightful, Trajectory illuminates a smarter, more efficient route to success for leaders, employees, and entrepreneurs in any industry. It is impossible to maintain happiness without meaning and direction, and in Trajectory, positive genius Dr. David Van Rooy uses his battle-tested expertise from Walmart and Marriott to reveal the underlying currents that predict your success and happiness at work and in life. You will finish this book on a more successful path than when you started it. For only once you discover your trajectory, you can change it.”
~Shawn Achor
NYTimes bestselling author of The Happiness Advantage and positive psychology researcher
“Trajectory maps out a range of effective approaches for achieving career goals. If you’re stuck about what to do or where to go, this is a thought-provoking read.”
~Adam Grant
Wharton Professor and bestselling author of Give and Take
“Trajectory provides you with proven advice to boost your career. This powerful and straightforward book is sure to motivate and guide you to maximize your potential.”
~Marshall Goldsmith
Author of the New York Times and global bestseller What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.
“Continuous career development is something we all do. Trajectory brings together many of the most important aspects of a successful career into a compelling, easy to understand model for us all.”
~Josh Bersin
Principle and Founder, Bersin by Deloitte
“As the HR leader of one of the world’s most admired companies a prime focus of mine continues to be ensuring people develop meaningful and successful careers. The strategies in Trajectory will enable you to do just that. Consider this book essential reading if you are serious about owning and accelerating your career.”
~David Rodriguez
Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Marriott International
“In Trajectory, David Van Rooy describes the factors essential to success in business and life. It is a practical guide, complete with real world examples that are both entertaining and instructive”
~Jim Weddle
Managing Partner, Edward Jones
“Personal authenticity coupled with introspection and action will take your trajectory to the highest heights. A good quick read, that should leave you with excitement about doing something about your career. I will be shocked if after reading this book, you aren’t motivated more than ever to go and do something purposefully about your career.”
~Charles Baldwin
Executive Vice President & CAO, Cabela’s
“Trajectory leaves you with tried and tested advice to advance your career. Whether you are just entering the job market or already established at work, these timeless strategies will help you take control of your career to be more successful.”
~Hon. Howard A. Schmidt
Former Cyber Advisor for President Bush and President Obama
“Inspirational and achievable! Van Rooy combines science, history, and real-life examples in this powerful guide to fulfilling one’s career destiny. Whether your goal is to find your own complete “point of flow in career satisfaction” or achieve the highest levels in your field, Trajectory is a must read to chart your path.”
~Tom Waldron
Senior Vice President, People, Walmart
“David redefines the typical notions of career planning and success in Trajectory. This is a must read guide if you want to learn effective and powerful strategies to move your career forward.”
~Joanne Dahm
Co-President of Performance, Talent and Reward, Aon Hewitt.
“This is the career book you have been waiting for. David Van Rooy takes practical advice culled from real in-the-trenches experience, anchors it in research and history ranging from Seneca to Tony Hawk, and blends it with inspirational practical exercises to place you on the trajectory you desire. If you your career matters to you, overlooking this book would be a mistake.”
~Kaihan Krippendorff
Author, Outthink the Competition and CEO, Outthinker
“David Van Rooy’s Trajectory is a pragmatic, yet powerful synthesis of stories, concepts and advice on charting your career. Whether you are at the start, near the end or somewhere in the middle of your own trajectory, this book is a great read. And, the book is a great resource to use with those who are seeking career advice from you!”
~Roger Cude
Enterprise Vice President, Talent and Organization Development, Humana, Inc.
“As a human resources executive and educator, I’ve used many career management resources over the years. Trajectory offers readers a crystal clear and actionable framework for anyone seeking to take charge of their career. Coupled with this framework is powerful advice that every professional should consider, regardless of where they are in their career journey. Without question, this book will be a primary tool in working with both my clients and students now, and well into future.”
~Craig Williams, Ph.D.
VP, Global Organizational Effectiveness (Retired); Faculty, East Carolina University College of Business
“Van Rooy’s artful blending of research and storytelling makes Trajectory an indispensable resource for anyone who is serious about their career. Simply put, Trajectory is a groundbreaking book that will enable you to build and follow your roadmap for achieving career success.”
~Daniel S. Whitman
Assistant Professor of Management at Louisiana State University
“Walmart executive Van Rooy, who oversees employee engagement and performance management, sees the concept of career trajectory as a “process of progression” that an individual can harness to achieve success. He identifies seven essential factors that make or break career success and reveals strategies that readers can draw upon. His tactics help readers recognize and capitalize on opportunities for growth, with suggestions regarding seeking and utilizing feedback, especially the negative kind, and exploiting the power of persistence. Throughout, he offers sound and pertinent advice, before hitting his stride in the chapter on thinking big, acting small, and moving quickly, in which he explores goal management, the importance of “small bites,” decision-making, and more. Other topics include overcoming plateaus and stagnation, and growing through failure. Each chapter ends with an exercise designed to get the mental juices flowing and prompt reflection. Blending a psychology background with a wealth of professional experience, Van Rooy presents a practical and effective way to plan for success now, the near future, and beyond.”
~Publishers Weekly (Reviewed March 24, 2014)
David holds the position of Senior Director, Global Leadership Development at Walmart. David received his doctoral degree in I/O Psychology from ...