I have just read "The Education of an American Dreamer" by Peter G. Peterson, the Former US Secretary of State under President Nixon. Peterson held several positions including his earliest job in marketing before eventually becoming the CEO of Bell & Howell, at that time a major US camera company. Peterson's determination and success in the Chicago area led to President Nixon offering him a $42,500 a year job (several millions less) where he focused on economics before becoming Secretary of State. Peterson's resolve brought him from the rural, impoverished life of Nebraska to MIT and then Northwestern (Chicago). Peterson is truly an example of achieving the American Dream.
A good, interesting read, especially for those old enough to remember politics and business around the time of President Nixon and thereafter.