The CEO Difference

Stay relevant, stay connected, STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME.

When it comes to getting ahead today, your talent and experience matter. The problem is, someone else going for the promotion or business opportunity has a résumé that’s as good as, if not better than, yours.


If you want to get ahead, you have to be different. You have to stand out from the crowd. You have to get decision makers to talk about you.


No one understands what it takes to succeed in today’s business landscape better than D. A. (Debra) Benton. A globally recognized consultant, Benton has spent more than 20 years helping business professionals like you perform better and achieve more.


In The CEO Difference, Benton gives you the insight and tools to make subtle changes in your presentation, attitude, and leadership style that will dramatically increase your leadership effectiveness-and, consequently, help you enjoy work and life. Learn how to differentiate yourself with tangible steps to get where you want to go:


Authentically and effectively differentiate yourself in appropriate ways

Inspire teams and organizations to be more productive and prosperous

Understand yourself, change your mindset, and present yourself in a way that people are receptive to

Create, manage, and mentor successful individuals and teams

Remain intellectually curious while making meaningful contributions to your organization



Competition for the top spot has never been fiercer. “Today, you have to exceed in a group of ‘exceeders,’” Benton writes.


But it’s not all about improving your job performance. You are already knowledgeable, competent, and hard-working. It’s about doing typical things in atypical ways. It’s about doing things that add organizational value-without being asked. It’s about having what your competitors don’t: The CEO Difference.


Praise for The CEO Difference


“In our competitive world, finding a way to differentiate oneself is a key to success. Benton profiles a range of tried-and-true differentiators that can make all the difference.”

-Jim Goldman, President and CEO, Godiva Chocolatier


“After reading this book, you’ll understand why D. A. Benton is ranked one of the world’s Top 10 CEO coaches. She provides a succinct, real-world summary of what it takes for senior executives to differentiate themselves in an ever more competitive world.”

-Daryl Brewster , CEO, CECP (Committee for Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy); former CEO, Krispy Kreme; and former President, Nabisco


“Benton does it again! A great how-to book to boost you the last little way to the top (and be loved while doing it!).”

-Reuben Mark , retired Chairman and CEO, Colgate-Palmolive Company


“Benton offers practical advice to aspiring leaders to help them authentically and effectively differentiate themselves in the workplace. A very worthy read.”

-Doug las R. Conant, Chairman, Avon Products, and former President, CEO, and Director, Campbell Soup Company


“D. A. Benton is a trusted advisor for CEOs and leaders. She coaches her clients to not only be the best leader they can be, but also on how they can best create, manage, and mentor successful individuals and teams.”

-Deanna Mulligan, President and CEO, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America