Making Your Own Luck
From a Skid Row Bar to Rebuilding Indiana University Athletics
Published on 2. November 2021
Book
Paperback/Softback
224 pages
978-0-253-05945-1 (ISBN)
Description
One man's odyssey from skid row to rebuilding a major collegiate sports program.
In Making Your Own Luck, former Indiana University athletic director Fred Glass recounts how even a self-described "knucklehead" learned to be prepared to recognize and seize opportunities and thus make his own luck through life.
Growing up in a skid row bar, having an alcoholic father, struggling with anxiety and self-doubt, and making his share of stupid mistakes, Glass had much to contend with in early life. However, supported by socially enlightened parents, a Jesuit education, and his soulmate, Barbara, his odyssey has led him to serve a mayor, a governor, a senator, and even a president.
With great humor and insightful reflection, Glass details how he helped keep the Colts in Indianapolis-he spearheaded a massive convention center expansion and the building of Lucas Oil Stadium and even helped to attract the Super Bowl to his hometown. Any of these accomplishments individually would be more than enough to call Glass's career a resounding success, but they were only the beginning. In the latest stage of his journey, Glass led the rebuilding of the athletic program of his beloved alma mater, Indiana University.
Featuring a foreword from IU alumnus and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, Making Your Own Luck is a must-read not only for Indiana sports fans, but for anyone that recognizes the importance of preparation, opportunity and action in creating your own success.
In Making Your Own Luck, former Indiana University athletic director Fred Glass recounts how even a self-described "knucklehead" learned to be prepared to recognize and seize opportunities and thus make his own luck through life.
Growing up in a skid row bar, having an alcoholic father, struggling with anxiety and self-doubt, and making his share of stupid mistakes, Glass had much to contend with in early life. However, supported by socially enlightened parents, a Jesuit education, and his soulmate, Barbara, his odyssey has led him to serve a mayor, a governor, a senator, and even a president.
With great humor and insightful reflection, Glass details how he helped keep the Colts in Indianapolis-he spearheaded a massive convention center expansion and the building of Lucas Oil Stadium and even helped to attract the Super Bowl to his hometown. Any of these accomplishments individually would be more than enough to call Glass's career a resounding success, but they were only the beginning. In the latest stage of his journey, Glass led the rebuilding of the athletic program of his beloved alma mater, Indiana University.
Featuring a foreword from IU alumnus and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, Making Your Own Luck is a must-read not only for Indiana sports fans, but for anyone that recognizes the importance of preparation, opportunity and action in creating your own success.
Reviews / Votes
Fred Glass is a true representative of the philosophy that you can make it in the GAME OF LIFE if you possess desire and determination. This is a great read for people chasing dreams. Fred's climb to success can inspire and motivate YOU in pursuing your goals. Fred Glass's story is AWESOME BABY with a capital "A"!- Dick Vitale; college basketball broadcaster for ESPN A winning combination of a coming-of-age tale, an honest spiritual memoir, and how-to book on building teamwork, all presented with a true writer's flair.
- James Martin SJ
best-selling New York Times author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything Fred Glass has written a unique book: part autobiography, part oral history of modern Indiana politics and government, and part primer on how to navigate the world of big time pro and collegiate sports . It is the inspiring story of one of the finest and most successful men I have been privileged to know. I'm certain you will enjoy and benefit from reading it.
- Bill Polian, former general manager of the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, and Indianapolis Colts. Fred Glass has written a wise book about how to find fulfillment, happiness, and meaning in life. At a time when so much seems superficial, his sound reflections based on personal experience are important and worthwhile.
- Evan Bayh, former senator and governor of Indiana. Fred Glass is wise, funny and unsparingly honest. Making Your Own Luck is more than just the story of a scrappy kid prevailing after weaving through the obstacles of an unconventional upbringing. Glass's memoir forces us to confront the excuses we often make that hold us back from success in our careers and in our lives. While Glass is a person of remarkable accomplishment, he makes a compelling case that you don't have to be born remarkable to achieve great things. He asks us to embrace the idea that we can - and should - shape our own destinies. He wants each of us to walk away from this entertaining and inspiring book saying, 'Well, if he can do it, why can't I?'
- Bart Peterson, former mayor of Indianapolis. Fred's friendly leadership style belies the keen human insights he has gained along the way as a son of a tavern owner, a practicing lawyer and an advisor to city, state and national leaders. As commissioner of the Big Ten, I had a front row seat to admire and collaborate with a man who listened and led IU athletics to success while treating all around him with dignity and respect. [Making Your Own Luck] is a great read, which I highly recommend.
- Jim Delany, former commissioner of the Big Ten Conference
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Bloomington, IN
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
21 color photos, 6 b&w photos - 6 Halftones, black and white - 21 Halftones, color
Dimensions
Height: 226 mm
Width: 150 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
318 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-253-05945-1 (9780253059451)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
06/2024
Indiana University Press
€18.18
Available for download
Persons
Fred Glass is a prominent Indianapolis attorney and civic leader who served as Indiana University's athletic director for nearly twelve years and is now a partner in the law firm Taft, Stettinius & Hollister. He and his wife Barbara have four children and a son-in-law and daughter-in-law, all of whom are Indiana University graduates, as well as five grandchildren.
Content
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Foreword, by Mark Cuban
Preface
Part 1: PREPARATION
1. Early Life in a Skid Row Bar
2. Just Another Knucklehead
3. Barbara
4. The Jesuits
5. Lessons on Racial Justice
6. Seeds of Servant Leadership
7. Starting Out
Part 2: OPPORTUNITY
8. Serving a Governor
9. Practicing Law
10. Presidential Politics
11. Serving a Mayor
12. Bringing the Super Bowl to Indy
13. Returning to Indiana University
14. Healing
15. Leading and Rebuilding
16. The Coaches
17. A Final Word
Acknowledgments
Foreword, by Mark Cuban
Preface
Part 1: PREPARATION
1. Early Life in a Skid Row Bar
2. Just Another Knucklehead
3. Barbara
4. The Jesuits
5. Lessons on Racial Justice
6. Seeds of Servant Leadership
7. Starting Out
Part 2: OPPORTUNITY
8. Serving a Governor
9. Practicing Law
10. Presidential Politics
11. Serving a Mayor
12. Bringing the Super Bowl to Indy
13. Returning to Indiana University
14. Healing
15. Leading and Rebuilding
16. The Coaches
17. A Final Word