What does a middle-aged chartered accountant who has been, at various times throughout his life, Anne Murray's and Bobby Hull's business manager; the CEO of a national $750-million entertainment conglomerate; an expert public speaker, journalist and media master; and a gentleman reputed to play cards for a little money, know about life and work and what makes it all tick?

The answer is plenty when you're J. Lyman MacInnis, well-known Canadian businessman, financial wizard and entertainment and sports executive, and now a partner at Ernst & Young.

Gathering more than 40 years of trenchant wisdom, brilliant sayings, "I-wish-I'd-said-that-isms", useful advice and motivations to really make you think, Lyman has created a wise and often witty guide to inspire, motivate, help, gently push and outright provoke anyone to become a better person in their daily life and work. Over 100 categories, from Ability to Dreams, Friendship to Marriage, and Opportunity to Wisdom, contain numerous pithy sayings. All are accompanied by a personal anecdote or reflection from the author, making this both an inspiring and very human guide.