“First as a bassist and then as a personal manager, I have lived a jazz life for the better part of my 95 years, but it was not until I read Bill’s book that I truly understood the influence that jazz has had on my success. I traded my bass for the manager’s desk and have been privileged to work behind the scenes. I never regretted my choices and now I know why. Kudos to Bill who has not only put into words what I have always felt in my heart, but who has also laid out a path that others can follow.”

— John Levy, NEA Jazz Master
Manager of Cannonball Adderley, Wes Montgomery, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, and many others.

“This is a provocative tale of meaning and substance about Bill Strickland's life and endeavors. At its heart, it's a story about greatness — and the relentless pursuit of making the world a better place. One person. One town. One moment at a time. As we read it, it's humbling — could we ever dare attempt something as profound as Bill has? His message on this point is quite clear: Within each of us is this greatness to be unleashed."

- Keith Yamashita, Chairman, Stone Yamashita Partners

“Bill Strickland is a genius, because he sees the inherent genius in everyone. Bill’s ability to inspire hope is powerful, universal, and world changing. Make the Impossible Possible will show you how you can achieve even your wildest dreams. Bravo!”

— Jeff Skoll, first president of eBay, founder and chairman, Skoll Foundation

“Passionate. Inspirational. Hopeful. Optimistic. Powerful. Compelling. And most important— it works . . . Here is the cure to what ails this country. Take it home. Read it. Then live it.”

— Alan M. Webber, founding editor, Fast Company magazine

“Are you yearning to pursue what others say is an unrealistic or impractical dream? This is the book for you. By telling his remarkable story, Bill Strickland shows us that an impossible notion is just an idea nobody had the guts to try. With great flair and amazing range—you'll read about jazz, pottery, airplanes, even orchids!—he reveals how each of us can change our part of the world. Like the man who wrote it, this book is inspired and inspiring.”

— Daniel H. Pink, New York Times best selling author of A Whole New Mind

“MCG provides the intimacy of a living room with the acoustics of a great concert hall. I love performing there. I believe so strongly in Bill Strickland's vision of investing in the human spirit that I personally wanted to contribute to the mission and work of this remarkable organization. I chose MCG Jazz as my home to record, and have directed all proceeds from the sale of my Christmas CD to benefit the MCG Jazz program.”


— Nancy Wilson
Multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning artist

“This book provides a journey into the mind of a true social entrepreneur. Read it and you'll understand why Bill Strickland is such an inspiration to so many aspiring and practicing managers.”

— James Heskett
Harvard Business School

“One of the most innovative social enterprise thinkers I have ever met. The ‘Strickland’ thought process is that of a highly trained jazz musician, coupled with a keen business sense ... He is definitely one of my major heroes.”
— Quincy Jones

“The Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild is a testament to the power of the arts to transform children’s lives. Its students learn much more than how to shape clay, take pictures, and appreciate jazz. They leave the Guild knowing that they have the potential and tools to become successful and productive citizens.”
— Hillary Rodham Clinton