Book Review: The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson

If you've ever dreamed of being your own boss, creating your own schedule, and achieving financial freedom, The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson is the book for you. Filled with inspirational stories and no-nonsense advice Wilkerson shows you how to determine your motivation for wanting to work for yourself, what mistakes to avoid, and what you need to be successful.


The Barefoot Executive isn't a how-to book that takes you step-by-step through how to start your own business. Instead, it is a book that motivates and encourages your dreams. You'll discover how to take skills you already have, determine what business model you're interested in, and how to be successful in the marketplace. Even in crowded markets you can be successful because you are unique and offer your own unique perspective. You can provide the answers to the questions people are asking.

Wilkerson doesn't sugar-coat anything. She doesn't tell you it's going to be easy or that it will happen overnight. She does, however, inspire with her success and the success of others whose stories you'll find featured in the numerous case studies throughout the book. She has an engaging conversational style that makes readers move swiftly through the book. She asks questions that demand answers and gets you thinking about what skills you have that can create an income stream. She speaks of the importance of mentors and mastermind groups, because surrounding yourself with the right kind of people can make a difference.

As a wife and mother, Wilkerson had a decision to make about her future. She opted to live life on her terms. The Barefoot Executive can help you do the same.

Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 23, 2011)
ISBN-10: 159555369X
ISBN-13: 978-1595553690
SRP: $24.99
Also available in electronic and audio formats.


I received a free e-Copy of this book from the author's representative in exchange for my honest opinions. I received no monetary compensation of any kind for this review.

WSJ Wednesdays: Books for Young Entrepreneurs

I try to stay away from book topics for WSJ Wednesdays because I talk about books a lot, but I have to say this article by Emily Glazer caught my eye; especially since I am reading The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson.

In the Monday, May 21, 2102 edition of The Wall Street Journal Glazer spoke to experts who recommended books for young entrepreneurs. Today's world is a fascinating place where children come up with amazing ideas. On Fact Monster you can learn about the edible spoon-shaped cracker invented by Suzanna Goodin because she was tired of cleaning the cat food spoon. You'll also read about Jeanie Low, who invented the Kiddie Stool--a folding stool that fits under the sink so kids can easily pull it out, unfold it, and use it to reach the sink on their own.

The Young Entrepreneur Council believes, "entrepreneurship is a solution to youth unemployment and underemployment." If you search for "young entrepreneurs" on Google, you'll find many organizations dedicated to this group of creative young minds.

Yesterday, the Lil Diva (10) brought me a sheet of paper filled with drawings of what she calls FooFoos. These are little creatures with a variety of facial expressions. There are aliens and angels, a one-eyed creature, and something that looks like a Frankenstein kind of guy. I got to thinking, "Why couldn't FooFoos be the next Squinkies™ or Sillybandz® craze with tons of kids clamoring for them in toy stores around the country?"

You can read Glazer's article here. Perhaps you'll find some books for your little entrepreneur.