The Young professional’s guide to WORKPLACE success

Learn real-world skills not taught in school or at work

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Develop Critical Workplace Skills

Look Out Above! is a clear-eyed, often humorous look at six essential soft workplace skills. These workplace skills are distilled to their essence and translated into practical applications not taught in school – neither undergraduate, MBA, or law – or in company training. Written by a young professional and a seasoned executive, this book will help you blaze new trails of personal discovery and transformation wherever you go and whatever you do.

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Meet Nick & Bob Slater

Nick Slater is a young professional with a law degree, now in the business world. His co-author Bob Slater is the voice of experience, helping you bridge the gap between your formal education and what it takes to succeed in the business world. Bob helped build two national real estate companies, and he teaches at the University of North Carolina and Duke University.

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It’s what we call the LOA! Way

If you’re in your first five years out of college, Look Out Above! is meant for you. The LOA! Way guides young professionals as you navigate your work at for-profit companies, nonprofit organizations, government, or as solopreneurs. Whether you’re struggling to find your lane, competing against the best and
the brightest, or already emerging as a rising star, the LOA! Way will help you
stand out while fitting in.

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Amazon rating: 4.9 / 5

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Goodreads rating: 4.7 / 5

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Reviews From Readers

Look Out Above! is a brilliantly written and highly entertaining guide to excelling in today’s work environment. It combines real-life experiences and valuable insights with a unique sense of humor. LOA! is a fabulous resource for young and old alike.

Lili Dunn, President, Bell Partners

Bob and Nick have drawn on decades of experience and wisdom to create an entertaining and practical field guide to career success. It’s a must-read for those who want to be more effective at any stage of life.

Stephen Miller, former Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President, Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC

A straightforward and humorous insight into the fundamental (and often overlooked) soft skills that are critical for growth and success in today’s business environment—yet not widely taught in Business School. I wish I could have read Look Out Above! five years ago.

Eric Rasmussen, President and Director of Acquisitions, Spacious Skies Campgrounds (young professional)

Many Americans haven’t read a book since high school. If you’re looking to buy a book that you’re probably not going to read, let it be Look Out Above! Or, if you prefer not to listen, try the audio version.

Nick Slater, Author (young professional)

I’m impressed with the vast amount of practical and proven information in these pages. I know they can boost the career of a young executive because I saw them work for so many (including one of the authors). If I were starting my career I would have a dog-eared copy of Look Out Above! at my side and my MBA on the wall.

Dick Michaux, Former CEO, AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

Look Out Above! is a captivating book that gives clear guidance about how to make meaningful contributions at work, particularly for those who are early on in their careers. Success is increasingly dependent on excellent communication and critical thinking skills, as well as how to collaborate with others. This book gives great insights on how to develop these skills and how to become an influencer without authority. If you’re open to learning practical skills, engage with this book.

Gwyneth Cote, President Americas, Urban Land Institute

You will find more good sense in a single page of Look Out Above! Than in most workplace guides in their entirety, not to mention most workplaces.

Fred Kameny, Lawyer and Editor

The Slaters provide a terrific multigenerational perspective on how young professionals can prepare for success. Much like a parent and sibling who we would love to have help guide us in our career journeys, the Slaters link together advice with personal stories in a practical and applied approach. The soft skills they emphasize and provide developmental advice around in Look Out Above!—from communications, to successful collaboration, to critical thinking—are the exact skills that employers most value, but struggle to find and develop in their talent pools.

Russ Morgan, Sr. Associate Dean, Duke University Fuqua School of Business

Oh, but that I could walk and talk with those Slater boys. They have mastered my methods, and more.

Aristotle, Philosopher and Educator

Look Out Above! is packed with actionable advice and down-to-earth examples of how to distinguish oneself in the workplace. Those who wish to excel at work would be wise to read it twice.

Kris Bennett, Entrepreneur and Podcast Host (young professional)

Bob and Nick have written what I believe will become a must-read business classic. Should be required reading for the up-and-coming. Look Out Above! is filled with realistic, actionable guidance for distinguishing oneself in the workplace and rising through the ranks. Add to that, Bob and Nick’s easy humor and personal stories will keep you as entertained as you are informed.

Jeff Remsburg, Editor, InvestorPlace Digest (young professional)

With Look Out Above! Bob and Nick Slater have put together a compendium of helpful tips for a successful career in any field or industry. Everything you wanted to know that you didn’t learn in business school is here—from clear business writing and giving powerful presentations to managing relationships with bosses and colleagues. Sprinkled with humor and personal anecdotes, Look Out Above! is packed with wisdom and practical guidance for all young professionals.

Charlene Rothkopt, Former EVP of Human Resources, Marriott International

Not since Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy have I encountered such a worthy tome. The lash of my whip shall fall across the pitiful shoulders of fools who dare not read it.

Ignatius J. Reilly

What Is Your Workplace Readiness Score?

Are you prepared to make a meaningful impact at your company? Bob and Nick’s assessment will help you determine if you have the critical soft skills for career success – and, if not, what to do about it.

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