Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies Jim Collins is a student and teacher of leadership and what makes great companies tickHaving invested a uarter century of research into the topic he has authored or co authored six books that have sold in totalthan ten million copies worldwide They include GOOD TO GREAT the 1 bestseller which examines why some companies and leaders make the leap to superior results along with its companion work GOOD TO GREAT AND THE SOCIAL SECTORS the enduring classic BUILT TO LAST which explores how some leaders build companies that remain visionary for generations HOW THE MIGHTY FALL which delves into how once great companies can self destruct and most recently GREAT BY CHOICE which is about thriving in chaos why some do and others don t and the leadership behaviors needed in a world beset by turbulence disruption uncertainty and dramatic changeDriven by a relentless curiosity Jim began his research and teaching career on the faculty at Stanford Graduate School of Business where he received the Distinguished Teaching Award in 1992 In 1995 he founded a management laboratory in Boulder Colorado where he conducts research and engages in Socratic dialogue with CEOs and senior leadership teams In addition to his work in the business sector Jim has passion for learning and teaching in the social sectors including education healthcare government faith based organizations social ventures and cause driven non profits In 2012 and 2013 he had the honor to serve a two year appointment as the Class of 1951 Chair for the Study of Leadership at the United States Military Academy at West PointJim holds a bachelor s degree in mathematical sciences and an MBA from Stanford University and honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Colorado and the Peter F Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate UniversityHe is an avid rock climber with one day ascents of the north face of Half Dome and the 3000 foot south face of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley