Answers for Life

The author takes us on a journey from his humble farm boy beginning to Harvard Business School (HBS) and into some of the most significant corporate boardrooms in the world. Along the way he invites us to examine our lives and views on many of the most discussed issues of our time. The book provides much information on these topics, mostly related to the Western World, but coaxes us to consider different information and perspectives on the relevant topics. Throughout, the reader is asked numerous questions as per the Socratic method of study, which the author experienced at HBS. Many of these questions drive to the heart of our views and challenge our existing convictions and reasoning.

Korpach shares his family, educational and career experiences to illustrate many of the points he makes, and to leave the reader with a sense of what shapes his views. These views are expressed boldly in the final chapter, but along the way the reader is presented with much information and many questions to consider and conclude their own answers for life. While the book is titled Answers for Life, it is much more about questions for life, and the reader is guided to explore their life goals and views in deep self-reflection and a close examination of the information and reasoning behind their key views.

HBS was all about critical thinking and discerning important information from that which was less credible or less relevant. Perspective and questioning are two constants throughout the discussion. From legacy and purpose to religion, climate change, social justice, socialism versus capitalism, business learnings, and relationships, the reader is exposed to competing information and the views of numerous third parties over history and encouraged to re-examine their own views.

Do you choose socialism or capitalism? Or some other modification of these models? Do you believe climate change is an existential crisis? Why or why not? Are you supportive of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies? Why or why not? Are your views on many of these topics critical to who you are, and your purpose? Is your behavior consistent with your views or are you a hypocrite? Do you want to do good or just be seen doing good? Are you engaged in these important issues? Or are you comfortable leaving them to others and to governments? Are you pusillanimous?

This book will challenge you to be honest with yourself and to search for the truth, rather than defaulting to majority views. Are your views based on being liked by others or belonging to a community? Are they driven by a desire to maintain key relationships, or to access financial gains and career opportunities? Or are your views based on critical thought, reasoning and credible information?

Answers for Life provides a plethora of stories, third-party perspectives and questions to leave the reader entertained and challenged.