The Accidental Executive: Finding Purpose in Public Service: From GS-1 to the Senior Executive Service...

— —

William James

The Accidental Executive

Finding Purpose in Public Service: From GS-1 to the Senior Executive Service

William James

$49.95 $42.83

Hardback

Not in-store but you can order this
How long will it take?

Availability Information

We source books from suppliers in Australia and overseas. For books we don't currently have in stock, the time it takes to get them from our suppliers can vary widely - from a few days to a few months - so we check each book with each supplier to determine the expected time it will take to be supplied to us.

We then advise you accordingly. If the time taken to get any book is too long for you, you can let us know and we will cancel or adjust your order, and refund as required.

To find out the anticipated arrival time for specific items prior to ordering, please contact us by phone or email:

Phone +61 2 9264 3111, or 1800 4 BOOKS (1800 4 26657) if outside Sydney:
option 1 Abbey's Bookshop (Crime, History, Science, Kids & more) • info@abbeys.com.au
option 2 Language Book Centre (ESL & Foreign Languages) • language@abbeys.com.au
option 3 Galaxy Bookshop (Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels) • sf@galaxybooks.com.au

QTY:

English

Lioncrest Publishing
05 August 2025

Autobiography: business & industry; Autobiography: historical, political & military; Memoirs

From summer temp to the Pentagon.

When it comes to civil service, William James has been there, done that. Starting at the lowest rung in federal service, he achieved the rare feat of climbing to the highest levels of leadership, shaping decisions that impacted millions.

The Accidental Executive chronicles William's remarkable career from a GS-1 clerk handling routine paperwork to the federal Senior Executive Service, balancing mission and bureaucracy while navigating the revolution of global technological change.

More than a personal memoir about climbing the civil service ladder, The Accidental Executive is an extraordinary firsthand account of growth and groundbreaking innovation. It's a reminder that no matter what obstacles arise, fulfillment comes from making a difference and from dedication to something larger than oneself. Let it inspire you to find your own purpose, embrace your challenges, and discover the extraordinary impact you can have on the world.

Beyond the Memoir: A 15-Step SES Blueprint

William's journey from GS-1 to the Senior Executive Service is inspiring, but what if you're looking to forge your own path to the top? The Accidental Executive offers more than just a remarkable story. Tucked away at the end is a powerful 15-step supplement, a direct and actionable guide designed to help you navigate the federal career ladder and pursue the Senior Executive Service yourself. This essential blueprint makes the book a must-have for any civil servant with their sights set on leadership.

By: William James
Imprint: Lioncrest Publishing
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 413g
ISBN: 9781544548647
ISBN 10: 1544548648
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 05 August 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

During William James's exceptional career as a civil servant, he served in key roles at the Defense Mapping Agency, US Transportation Command, the Pentagon, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. He modernized IT systems, pioneered digital cartography, played a critical role in supporting Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and expanded healthcare access for Veterans. William's innovative work earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Fed100 award. Today, his B2B consulting practice supports clients working with the VA. He enjoys exploring new technologies, studying genealogy, and working on vintage cars. He lives with his family in Vienna, Virginia.