Piercing the Irish Ceiling

"Growing up in a middle-class neighborhood in Quincy, Massachusetts, the last thing I had in mind was someday writing a book about my life. On the other hand, thanks to major doses of good luck and hard work, my life has turned out to be far more exciting and productive than I could have dreamed of during those early years."- Robert E. Riley. With candor, self-deprecating humor, and an insider's look at the American investment world, industry leader Robert E. Riley shares his experience of climbing his way from the bottom rung at Putnam Investments-one of the largest investment firms in the country-to the top position, eventually becoming CEO. Relying mainly on his characteristic resolve and despite historic deep-seated prejudice against Irish Catholics in the Boston investment community, Riley is a striking example of success in the face of adversity. But his story is not all professionalism and politics. Riley paints an often comical picture of his personal life as well, including stories about growing up (and getting arrested) in Boston; singing tawdry lyrics directly (though accidentally) into a Navy chaplain's face; and running over his friend's suitcase in a (hasty) retreat from an incensed naval firefighter. His anecdotes are punctuated with a humble humor that is trademark Riley as they provide a clear understanding of how Riley achieved all that he has, in every aspect of his life. In this part memoir, part historical narrative, investment industry leader Riley reveals what life was really like for a middle-class Irish Catholic young man growing up in Boston during the 1930s and 1940s. Riley's tale portrays his incredible life in an accessible style punctuated with humor and humanism. With wide-ranging appeal, Riley's tale will inspire anyone from any background. His is the true story of how a man, armed only with unflappable determination, challenged the status quo-and won.