Piercing the Irish Ceiling: The Story of a Boston Irish Catholic Who Reached the Top of the American Investment World

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 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. 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.