The Power Of Positive Thinking In Business by Scott W. Ventrella

Book Summary — 

Scott W. Ventrella adapts the foundational principles of Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking for the modern workplace, showing how positive inner traits can elevate personal and professional performance. The core of the book centers around 10 traits essential for a positive-thinking approach in business:

• Optimism

• Enthusiasm

• Belief

• Integrity

• Courage

• Confidence

• Determination

• Patience

• Calmness

• Focus

These traits help individuals overcome internal barriers—like fear, low self-esteem, and self-doubt—and enable them to tackle tough situations with resilience and clarity.

Ventrella introduces a practical roadmap to apply positive thinking systematically:

1. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, Time-bound)

2. Affirmations & Visualization — reinforce desired outcomes mentally

3. Access your positive traits — leverage the ten traits in challenging situations

4. Mentally rehearse the process — a proven performance booster

5. Take action — follow the plan in practice

6. Assess results — reflect to repeat successes and address weaknesses 

Throughout, the author offers practical examples—such as Levi Strauss’s decision-making—and thoughtful exercises to foster self-awareness and transformation.

While it may take time to fully adopt these traits, Ventrella’s methodical approach offers a fresh, encouraging perspective for anyone looking to strengthen their mindset in both professional and personal arenas.

About the Author — 

Scott W. Ventrella is the Principal of Positive Dynamics, a management consulting firm focused on unlocking people’s potential within organizations .

Key highlights from his career:

• Spent 11 years at the Juran Institute advancing in roles of senior consultant, practice leader, and Director of Business Development.

• Served as Managing Director of the Center for Corporate Ethics, Executive Vice President at SAI Global, and director roles at Mercer Delta and the Peale Center .

• An experienced educator: adjunct professor at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Business, and the Jack Welch College of Business at Sacred Heart University; guest professor/lecturer at Columbia, Dartmouth, and NYU Stern .

• His book, The Power of Positive Thinking in Business, was first published in 2001/2002 and has been translated into 24 languages

• He frequently appears on media platforms like FOX & Friends, Good Morning America, CNNfn, and others, discussing leadership, setting goals, and integrity .

• He also hosts a nationally syndicated radio show, The Business of Living, and holds an M.S. in Psychology and a B.B.A. in Marketing from Western Connecticut State University .

Scott W. Ventrella blends empirical research, business experience, and a structured framework to make positive thinking both actionable and impactful for professionals. If you’d like a deeper dive into any of the ten traits or want to explore how to apply them specifically to your work or leadership style, just let me know!