East Montgomery Times

Jim VandeHei, known for co-creating political media outlets Axios and Politico, shares insights from his personal journey in his new book "Just the Good Stuff: No-BS Secrets to Success (No Matter What Life Throws at You)." In the introduction, VandeHei reflects on his early years, stating, “I was among the most unremarkable, underachieving, unimpressive nineteen-year-olds you could have stumbled upon in 1990.” He attributes a shift in his life to discovering a passion that lay at the crossroads of politics and journalism.

The book offers readers lessons that transcend career paths. It is described as an ideal read for self-reflection or personal improvement and is recommended as a thoughtful gift for young adults or recent graduates. The content is structured into sections like Life Stuff, Work Stuff, Boss Stuff, Tough Stuff, Small Stuff, and Good Stuff. These segments contain advice applicable across various aspects of life. For instance, in the "Boss Stuff" section's "Elevate Communications" chapter, VandeHei emphasizes effective communication techniques such as “be real” and “listen.”

VandeHei’s writing follows a smart brevity style that aims to deliver impactful messages without unnecessary detail. Readers are encouraged to explore their own takeaways from the book's concise chapters.

Additionally, those interested can view Jim VandeHei's TEDx Talk titled “The Art of Smart Brevity — Write Less, Say More.”