A fascinating story about the power of networking, connection, and mentorship   Written as an engaging parable, Swim! How a Shark, a Suckerfish, and a Parasite Teach You Leadership, Mentoring, and Next Level Success brings to life real-world challenges (and their solutions) and presents them in simple, yet powerful terms. The book explores the vital importance of networking, explores the steps that lead to successful networking, and explains why we need it.  Swim! dives deep into the concepts of mentorship and the power of human connection. While too many business leaders spend their time obsessing about facts, figures, and the bottom line, it is more important for them to learn to manage relationships. Once attention shifts to relationships, businesses and careers can reach the next level of success. Written by a leading motivational speaker, this book offers ideas that can be applied to both personal and business life. Understand the importance of establishing habits and rituals - Tap into the power of a positive mindset - Discover the value of teamwork - Learn to use intentional language about workplace culture Swim! is an entertaining book that highlights the significant concept of connecting and building relationships and includes the tools needed to become more self-aware about our roles and contributions in our industries. In business, just as in any competitive social endeavor, we often feel driven to rise to the top by working tirelessly until we have beaten out the others and left them behind. Although this is a standard view of how to get ahead, what successful people know is that this is not how it's really done. To achieve lasting success and make a difference in the world, we need to learn how to work with, not against, the people around us. But here's the trick this only works if we cultivate a network of people at every level who can help us become our best selves, and avoid the ones who are not bringing value to our lives. In Swim! , Walter Bond proves the principle that being a "big fish" requires complex collaboration with all the creatures in the ocean around us. In this modern parable, we learn that, in nature, sharks actually work together with smaller fish to deal with the parasites that plague them. By providing protection for suckerfish, which eat the parasites, sharks are able to dominate the seas alongside their small-scale friends. Sharks also respect their environments, taking care to investigate their options before moving forward. To rise to new heights as business leaders and mentors, we can apply the same principle. By carefully choosing our associates and providing assistance and guidance, we can cultivate relationships that enable us to achieve the level of success we dream of. This book provides a fresh yet timeless perspective on the power of human connection, showing how we can achieve next-level results if we stop focusing on facts and figures and instead pour our energy into managing relationships. Readers of Swim! will enjoy an engaging tale that's appropriate for people at all career stages from students to top executives. One of the book's key themes is that mistakes happen. Real "sharks" learn that admitting to their mistakes and accepting second chances is one of the most powerful actions leaders can take. Our past does not define us; instead, we are the actions we take today to cultivate teams and networks that can help us thrive. A PARABLE TO HELP YOU RISE TO NEW HEIGHTS Swim! is a tale of people like you who learn how to become "sharks" big fish who know that nose-to-the-grindstone hard work is only a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving what they want. In this book, Hall of Fame Business Speaker and former NBA star Walter Bond shares his expert knowledge of how it takes the right team to make a great leader. Learn what sharks in nature already know that being the best comes from cultivating relationships with the people who can help you become your best self. By avoiding "parasites" takers who bring no value to your endeavors and building a network of helpers, you can use relationship management to propel you to the top. This book gives you permission to leave your past behind you. Our mistakes do not define us it's our ability to admit to our mistakes and keep moving forward that makes us great. After reading Swim!, you'll learn The Sacred Six lessons that will be indispensable as you strive to take your career to the next level, including how to: Keep moving forward, no matter how difficult things seem - Recognize and cultivate potential relationships of mutual benefit - Value curiosity and lifelong learning as keys to success - Achieve your own goals by helping to elevate others to new levels Who we connect with in life can make or break us. Swim! is your blueprint for becoming one of the sharks cultivate meaningful relationships and achieve your potential in the workplace and in life. WALTER BOND is a renowned business