November 10 2026
About the author and his new book: Carlos Gutierrez has been an influential figure in business and politics for over 35 years, but his route to global leadership was far from the well-worn path of the Ivy League M.B.A. In fact, he never graduated from college and began his life in America without knowing a word of English. When he was only six years old, his family fled the Cuban revolution with almost nothing, traveling to Miami and ultimately emigrating to Mexico.
He began working for Kellogg’s selling cereal out of a van and climbed the ranks until he became the youngest CEO in the company’s hundred-year history. He went on to serve as U.S. Secretary of Commerce for the Bush administration and later held executive roles in nearly a dozen major companies. Despite his humble beginnings and a lifelong struggle with untreated ADHD—he was not diagnosed with the disorder until age 65—he was able to overcome any challenge and reach incredible levels of success.
Gutierrez credits his considerable accomplishments to his relentless positivity and drive to be the best at anything he does. Above all, he holds a steadfast belief that any obstacle should be seen as an opportunity. His working-class background gave him more empathy and appreciation for sacrifice than most business leaders possess. ADHD, while significantly debilitating—particularly in a career track that rewards consistency and organizational skills—granted him a formidable talent for problem-solving and creative thinking, as well as the ability to take bold action with little regard for the risk involved.
Sheer Will is the inspiring story of ambition and courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Packed with entertaining stories and practical advice, Gutierrez relates his complete journey from his ambitious youth to becoming the most unlikely leader in the history of the U.S. Cabinet. This book is a roadmap for anyone who refuses to be inconsequential and finds themselves traveling an uncommon path in life.
Click here to buy Sheer Will.
Bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, host, Elaine’s Literary Salon show
About Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes suspense and thriller novels, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, in the 20 years Jeffrey worked as a counter-terrorism specialist, he wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. CNN, Fox News, and The New York Times have interviewed him, and he’s appeared on CNN Declassified, National Geographic’s Narco Wars, ABC News, and Discovery ID. He has a BS in Journalism and an MS in Criminal Justice.
Jeff is a #1 Amazon bestselling author who’s won the Claymore Award, PenCraft’s Best Fiction Book of the Year, and a Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal. His debut novel, Furious, is one of Black Rose Writing’s bestselling thrillers, and The Forever Game was selected as one of the Best Medical Thrillers of the 21st century. Severn River Publishing launched four books in the Nathan Burke international thriller series, and Library Journal selected The Havana Syndrome as one of the best books of 2025.
He owns Elaine’s Literary Salon in Alexandria, VA, where he counsels writers and interviews authors. He hosts Elaine’s Literary Salon podcast, which reaches 1.5 million people per month and is #1 on both Apple and Spotify for literary salons. The video version of the series is available on YouTube: ElainesLiterarySalon.tv. Jeffrey is an Authors Guild ambassador for the DC area and a frequent panelist at conferences and book festivals. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com
About ElaineLiterarySalon.com: A home for authors everywhere, the Salon features writers on our popular podcast that ranks #1 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for literary salon shows. Watch all of the videos in the series on YouTube at ElainesLiterarySalon.tv
Find Elaine’s Literary Salon events here: ElainesLiterarySalon.com
Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA
About Elaine’s Restaurant: A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The beautifully renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host 
And meet the PR Director for Elaine’s Literary Salon, InkandescentPR.com’s founder, Hope Katz Gibbs. With her team of award-winning journalists, illustrators and video producers, they help writers up their PR and marketing game with professionally produced podcasts on 
