Using a very personal journey through a lengthy career as an architect, interior designer and planner, former President of Gensler Architecture Design & Planning Worldwide, Ed Friedrichs presents a model for sustainable and effective business design in the 21st century. Drawing on principles necessary for successful architectural practice, the archetypal long-cycle business, Friedrichs make the case for a quantum shift in thinking about organizational design in the new business environment where people resources, embedded knowledge, culture and trust relationships are an enterprise's most valuable assets. This book illustrates how to develop organizational strategies, a mission and value system and a culture uniquely suited to creating a sustainable advantage in a highly competitive market, achieving long term value in today's short-cycle context.

"Reach Higher is a timely guide to improving business performance in the modern, global marketplace."
—Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman, Global Product Development

"Ed Friedrichs has provided a fascinating read on the accumulation of wisdom and business acumen. Read and absorb his book to become a more enlightened person."
—Ray Anderson, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Interface, Inc.

"Everyone who plans to manage or transform any business or organization must read this book. It adds an essential new dimension to understanding what makes any organization thrive."
—Phelps Dewey, founder and President (retired), Chronicle Books

"Ed's insights into the business cycle are a perfect antidote for the 'What have you done for me lately?' mentality in today’s business world."
—Jim Hackett, President and CEO Steelcase, Inc.

"Reach Higher provides an insightful and valuable perspective on leadership issues and techniques. The reference list that Ed has compiled is a key resource for any leader."
—Arthur Gensler, Chairman, Gensler