"This book is about leadership, because we need a new brand of business and political leaders who know who they are. We need leaders who can relate spiritually and humanely to their fellow human beings, who can overcome challenges and exhibit innovation, creativity, and courage to tackle obstacles as they arise." -from the Preface

In July 2008, global business executive Herta von Stiegel led a group of 28 multinational climbers, including seven disabled people, to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro for charity. Against incredible odds, 60 percent of the group made it to the summit-a remarkable feat considering that typically only 35 percent of climbers achieve that goal.

The Mountain Within-which bears the name of Herta's award-winning documentary-tells the emotionally charged story of the climb. Herta's narrative reveals several invaluable lessons for today's business leaders: ruthlessly prepare; use failure as a stepping-stone for success; hang on to your vision; and know when it's time to come down from the mountain.