David McCormick

Who Believed in You? explores a powerful and universal theme: the impact of mentorship. As a single mom, the idea of being a strong leader and mentor to my child is incredibly important to me, so I was immediately drawn to this book’s premise. I loved the structure, the way the authors broke the book into parts and wove in stories from various public figures about the people who helped shape them. I’ve had some incredible mentors in my own life, from my parents and grandparents to show more friends and teachers, so it was meaningful to read how others have been shaped in similar ways.

That said, I do want to be honest. While I appreciate hearing different perspectives, I felt the book leaned quite strongly in a political direction that doesn’t reflect my own values. Many of the featured individuals aren’t people I personally view as compassionate or admirable leaders, and I found myself wishing the book had included a wider range of voices, especially from those who lead with more inclusivity, empathy, and heart.

Overall, I think this book has value and could resonate with many readers, especially those who share the authors' worldview. For me, it was a mixed experience: I took what resonated, left what didn’t, and still walked away reflecting on the importance of mentorship in my life. show less

As soon as I began reading chapter 1: Trustworthiness, the authors were inside my head. As a developmental psychologist, back in the '80s I was involved California's Self-Esteem Movement (not the twisted misinformed Doonesbury version), which saw the importance of teaching children to deal with the ups and downs, successes and failures, the challenges and satisfaction of navigating through life. The qualities emphasized in the McCormicks' book, such as trustworthiness, integrity, personal show more and social responsibility, developing values that instill confidence and add to the well-being of society are critical to achieving one's potential and a satisfying, meaningful life; a byproduct (not goal) of engaging positively with life and with others is healthy self-esteem. As I worked in the field I realized that a critical force to help children (and later teens and adults) become productive members of their families, communities, workplace, and the world is mentoring.

The McCormicks outline basic elements of mentor/mentee relationships over the lifespan, and how they are unique to each situation; they can be formal or informal, direct or indirect, yet focused on "the whole person." Their examples, which include some of my favorite people are deeply engaging and demonstrate how these relationships are by no means one-sided--just as mentors assist their mentees, they also gain in many ways from their interactions. The authors wisely note that transformative mentoring "alters a person's capacity to be their best self," and that transformation can have a compounding positive effect on our nation.

Each of us can become a mentor to others. In fact, my personal belief is that each of us SHOULD become a mentor to others. Reaching out, listening, being there, helping someone see their own potential is an amazing gift we can give to others, to society, and to ourselves. EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK! show less

As someone who is on a journey of faith, personal growth, and building a legacy not just for myself but for my family and community, Who Believed in You? deeply resonated with me. This book is more than words on a page. It’s a reminder that none of us succeed alone.

David McCormick weaves together stories and lessons that highlight the power of belief, encouragement, and the people who quietly or boldly pour into us along the way. Reading this made me pause and reflect on my own journey, show more the mentors, family members, and even moments with God that carried me forward when I questioned myself. show less

Great book. The writing is clear, engaging, and purpose-driven. The authors effectively blend personal narrative with leadership insight in a way that feels both accessible and motivating. They also use a conversational tone that makes the book easy to read, yet it's filled with substance—real stories of mentorship that are neither overly polished nor clichéd. This book will resonate across generations and leadership levels. It’s a compelling read that feels both personal and purposeful show more without being preachy. show less