A portion of each book sale will support The V Foundation for Cancer Research founded by ESPN and legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano with one goal in mind: to achieve Victory Over Cancer. Mike currently serves in a Volunteer Leadership role at the Foundation.
He was interviewed by Post Hill Press and stated stated that he was inspired to write "From the Bench to the Boardroom" as he neared retirement. Mike says "I looked back at my life and my career and thought it was important for every “kid” from a blue-collar family to know that they can make it. It’s not easy or without obstacles, and sometimes it even takes more than hard work, maybe even a bit of luck. But if you set goals, strive to reach them, you will ultimately learn invaluable lessons. Even if you end up being the “underdog” in one facet of your life, you can take those lessons to be a true leader in other facets."
When asked by Post Hill Press "What do you hope is the biggest takeaway from the book?". Mike McDonald '71 stated, "If you remain teachable and see every moment as an opportunity to grow, the results will come. An open mind and willingness to take on the most difficult of challenges will make you a resilient leader and better person."
“From the Bench to the Boardroom, Michael MacDonald shares his journey from his college basketball career at Rutgers to executive positions at Xerox and Medifast. His leadership, work ethic, and persistence, which were on display every step of the way, have made him a valued member of our board at the Jimmy V Foundation.” —Mike Krzyzewski, Naismith Hall of Fame coach, Duke University
“Mike holds a deep reverence and appreciation for his time at Rutgers, as well as for the opportunities that Rutgers has provided him. As a letterwinner on the Rutgers men’s basketball teams in the 1970s, Mike took his student-athlete experience and translated these learned lessons to successes in his career…. His time as a Rutgers student-athlete, alumnus, board member, donor, and father/father-in-law of three Rutgers alumni continues to leave an indelible legacy on our alma mater. I am proud to call him not only a great teammate, but an even better friend.” —Marco Battaglia, Rutgers Football All-American and Cincinnati Bengals Player
“I believe the combination of an excellent education and participation in highly competitive sports programs provides invaluable preparation for life after school is over. The best sources of knowledge about the benefits of such a background are people who have been there. Mike MacDonald fits the bill. And he is particularly well suited to write about his experiences because of an amazing ability to recollect the details of his formative years. A student athlete at Rutgers, he was part of the school's then outstanding basketball team. He went on to use this and similar pre-college experiences to build an exceptional business career. That’s part of his story but those of us who know him well would add that he is the epitome of a ‘good man.’ I have seen him close up with family, friends, and others for years. He is a great husband, dad, and grandfather, kind and generous, enthusiastic, and always on the go. You will enjoy what he has to say.” —Gene Renna, Retired Senior Executive, Exxon Mobil
“Mike MacDonald represents the absolute best of Rutgers University and is an inspiration to everyone on campus. From the day I met Mike, he has always made himself available to mentor, guide, and motivate both our student-athletes and our coaching staff. As an alumnus, he has given back generously and led the charge in ensuring that Rutgers continues to be a beacon of higher education. I’ve always admired his ability to juggle the roles of family man, businessman, and leader in the Rutgers community. His path from Rutgers is a shining example for student-athletes of the future. He has succeeded in every aspect of life and continues to give back to the community that molded him. To give Mike MacDonald the ultimate compliment a coach can give, simply put, he is a winner.” —Steve Pikiell, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Rutgers University