There are few books out today that offer both a meaningful message and an entertaining story. Authors are oftentimes forced to pick between one or the other, a riveting plot or straightforward subject matter. However, in a crisp 140 pages billed as a “business fable,” Brian Slipka’s debut book, Win Some: 5 Proven Life Strategies to Win in Relationships, combines a compelling story with an impactful and profound lesson about how to build fulfilling relationships in life.
Slipka is a 2000 graduate of the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, where he earned a degree in Business Administration and Management. After a successful career in top executive positions in the capital finance industry, he established the True North Family of Companies, where he is the CEO. True North, a holding company headquartered in Dinkytown, comprises nearly 30 independently operated companies with a total annual revenue of about a quarter billion dollars.
Win Some is an engaging and insightful volume that examines the complexities of personal and professional growth. Slipka uses his experience as a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader to provide readers with a foundation for living a winsome life—a life full of joy, achievement, and a winning attitude.
The story is centered on an aging professional baseball player named Sam Masterson. Despite being a pro athlete, Sam is struggling in every aspect of his life. He can’t connect with his new teammates, he is constantly arguing with his son, and he resents his father who is battling physical ailments. Sam is selfish and stubborn, unwilling to understand the perspectives of those around him. That is, until he meets Mike Gilchrist, his team’s clubbie, who teaches Sam a five-point framework needed to build winsome relationships.
After speaking with Mike regularly, Sam begins to practice winsome relationship strategies in his everyday life. It was not easy at first, and there were several obstacles along the way: Sam’s son is reluctant to put in effort, and some of the players are surprised by Sam’s sudden change in attitude, but when tragedy strikes at his father’s nursing home, Sam gets serious and uses the tools he learned to take care of his family. Slipka uses this story to teach readers that, while it may be a challenging process, winsome relationships can be achieved in even the most difficult of circumstances.
The story is well-structured, with each chapter building on the previous ones to create a cohesive narrative. Slipka divides his insights into individual sections, making it easy for readers to follow along and learn the lessons. The book is relatable to anyone, despite being about a professional athlete. Slipka makes it clear that everyone battles with selfish ambition and purposeful connection, no matter their notoriety or financial status.
Furthermore, Slipka’s writing style is clear and accessible. He avoids complicated language, making the book suitable for a wide audience. His tone is conversational, which elicits a level of comfortability among readers. This style of writing enhances the book’s impact, as readers can easily relate to Slipka’s storytelling and apply his advice to their own lives.
One of the central themes of Win Some is the importance of authenticity. Slipka emphasizes that true success comes from being genuine and maintaining ethical standards in interactions. He argues that these qualities not only open one up to others but also create a foundation for long-term success and fulfillment.
Another significant theme is the power of relationships. Slipka ties in his business expertise by highlighting the role of networking and building meaningful connections in professional settings on top of personal ones. He provides practical advice on how to create and maintain these relationships, stressing that they are crucial for achieving a winsome life.
Win Some is a valuable resource for people seeking to improve their personal and professional lives. Its blend of thoughtful storytelling, practical advice, and emphasis on authenticity and relationships makes it compelling. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an experienced professional, or someone seeking personal growth, Win Some offers guidance and inspiration to help you lead a fulfilling, winning life.
Win Some: 5 Proven Life Strategies to Win in Relationships, published by Horsager Leadership Press (June 2024), is available on Amazon for $17.89.