Ten Powerful Phrases for Positive People
Rich DeVos
Read by Peter Berkrot

Hachette Audio
January 2016 / ISBN 9781478964704
Nonfiction / Business / Motivational / Self-Improvement / Audiobook - 3.5 hours on 3 CDs

Reviewed by Leslie C. Halpern

This audiobook provides 10 simple positive phrases intended to increase goodwill among friends, family, associates, employees, and volunteers. Rich DeVos, co-founder of Amway and senior chairman of the NBA Orlando Magic, lists each item with examples from his personal and professional successes to demonstrate its effectiveness. The phrases are: "I Am Wrong," "I'm Sorry," "You Can Do It," "I Believe In You," "I'm Proud of You," "Thank You," "I Need You," "I Trust You," "I Respect You," and "I Love You." Using stories from his childhood, his work experiences, his business partnership, his marriage, and his religious and political affiliations, the author presents positive examples to prove his points.

For instance, DeVos cites a delivery driver working for Amway who did such a great job that he promoted him to a supervisory position with more responsibility and a higher salary. Due to the men's mutual trust and respect for each other, the former driver felt comfortable asking to return to his old job after a while as supervisor, because what he really loved to do was drive trucks.

Read by Peter Berkrot with perfect clarity and animation, the audiobook also cites DeVos's relationships with George W. Bush, Gerald Ford, and other public figures based on mutual respect. This respect, he says, begins in the home, where family members treat each other well, thereby setting the groundwork for treating others outside the family with kindness and compassion. Biblical text is occasionally quoted in the text, and DeVos notes that his Christian upbringing and education provided a strong foundation for his adoption of The Golden Rule, which he attributes to his successes in life. With so many personal stories, this audiobook feels more like memoir than business book and is decidedly one-sided with few mentions of any negative setbacks.

These ten positive phrases may help guide readers down a new path or remind others of the power of positivity they may have forgotten. Briefly explained and easily understood, Ten Powerful Phrases for Positive People serves as a quick lesson in how affirmations have served DeVos in his work as businessman, philanthropist, and motivational speaker.