From the Bench to the Boardroom: My Journey from Underdog Athlete to Turnaround CEO

An inspirational, motivational book that chronicles Michael MacDonald's transformation from a scholarship player at Rutgers' high-level Division I basketball program to a highly successful executive at Xerox and then chairman and CEO of Medifast.

"From the Bench to the Boardroom, Michael MacDonald shares his journey from his college basketball career at Rutgers to executive positions at Xerox and Medifast. His leadership, work ethic, and persistence, which were on display every step of the way, have made him a valued member of our board at the Jimmy V Foundation." --Mike Krzyzewski, Naismith Hall of Fame coach, Duke University

"Mike holds a deep reverence and appreciation for his time at Rutgers, as well as for the opportunities that Rutgers has provided him. As a letterwinner on the Rutgers men's basketball teams in the 1970s, Mike took his student-athlete experience and translated these learned lessons to successes in his career.... His time as a Rutgers student-athlete, alumnus, board member, donor, and father/father-in-law of three Rutgers alumni continues to leave an indelible legacy on our alma mater. I am proud to call him not only a great teammate, but an even better friend." --Marco Battaglia, Rutgers Football All-American and Cincinnati Bengals Player

"I believe the combination of an excellent education and participation in highly competitive sports programs provides invaluable preparation for life after school is over. The best sources of knowledge about the benefits of such a background are people who have been there. Mike MacDonald fits the bill. And he is particularly well suited to write about his experiences because of an amazing ability to recollect the details of his formative years. A student athlete at Rutgers, he was part of the school's then outstanding basketball team. He went on to use this and similar pre-college experiences to build an exceptional business career. That's part of his story but those of us who know him well would add that he is the epitome of a 'good man.' I have seen him close up with family, friends, and others for years. He is a great husband, dad, and grandfather, kind and generous, enthusiastic, and always on the go. You will enjoy what he has to say." --Gene Renna, Retired Senior Executive, Exxon Mobil

"Mike MacDonald represents the absolute best of Rutgers University and is an inspiration to everyone on campus. From the day I met Mike, he has always made himself available to mentor, guide, and motivate both our student-athletes and our coaching staff. As an alumnus, he has given back generously and led the charge in ensuring that Rutgers continues to be a beacon of higher education. I've always admired his ability to juggle the roles of family man, businessman, and leader in the Rutgers community. His path from Rutgers is a shining example for student-athletes of the future. He has succeeded in every aspect of life and continues to give back to the community that molded him. To give Mike MacDonald the ultimate compliment a coach can give, simply put, he is a winner." --Steve Pikiell, Head Men's Basketball Coach, Rutgers University

Author: Michael C. MacDonald
Publisher: Post Hill Press
Published: 05/25/2021
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.86lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9781642937565

About the Author
Michael C. MacDonald has served as non-executive chairman of the board of Medifast, a weight-loss products company, since January 2018. Mr. MacDonald previously served as executive chairman of the board from November 2011 until December 2017. He was promoted to chairman and chief executive officer in February 2012.

Prior to this role, Mr. MacDonald was executive vice president of OfficeMax, from August to October 2011, overseeing the Contract Division, a $3.6 billion division of the OfficeMax Company. Mr. MacDonald spent thirty-three years in sales, marketing, and general management at Xerox Corporation prior to joining OfficeMax. Among his most significant roles was leading the turnaround in North America from the years 2000-2004 as President of the North American Solutions Group, a $6.5 billion division of Xerox. In addition, Mr. MacDonald was president of Global Accounts and Marketing from 2004 to 2007, where he led the re-branding of the Xerox Corporation. Mr. MacDonald also has international experience in marketing, sales, and operations with both Xerox and OfficeMax.

Mr. MacDonald also serves on the Jimmy V Foundation.

Dick Weiss is a sportswriter and columnist who has covered college football and college and professional basketball for the Philadelphia Daily News and the New York Daily News. He has received the Curt Gowdy Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and is a member of the national Sportswriters Hall of Fame. He has also co-written several books with Rick Pitino, John Calipari, and Dick Vitale, and authored a tribute book on Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.


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