Mandelbaum Barrett CEO William Barrett publishes book on old-school business values

By AI, Created 5:16 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – William S. Barrett, CEO of Mandelbaum Barrett PC, has released a new book, Authentic, that argues real relationships, hard work and integrity still drive business success. The book draws on lessons from Barrett’s father and his experience advising entrepreneurs and companies in New Jersey and beyond.

Why it matters: - Authentic adds a business-book argument for returning to fundamentals: trust, presence, resilience and long-term relationships. - The book targets entrepreneurs, executives and professionals looking for a counterpoint to hustle culture, digital-first networking and quick-fix management advice. - Barrett frames success as a broader outcome than profit, linking it to mentorship, purpose and helping others advance.

What happened: - William S. Barrett, CEO of Mandelbaum Barrett PC, published Authentic: An Old-School Approach to Building a Full Life, Successful Business, and Real Relationships. - The book is now available on Amazon. - Barrett is a corporate attorney and heads one of New Jersey’s largest law firms.

The details: - Authentic focuses on leadership, purpose and the entrepreneurial journey. - Barrett says the book responds to what he sees as a business culture obsessed with hacks and overnight success. - Barrett argues that hard work, integrity, resilience and genuine relationships remain foundational to business success and a meaningful life. - Barrett says remote work and the digital economy have weakened in-person connection in business and personal life. - The book distills 10 old-school principles shaped by Barrett’s career and his father’s wisdom. - Those principles include outworking competitors without losing what matters most, turning setbacks into opportunities and betting on yourself. - Other themes include building trust by making business personal, leading from abundance and using time where it matters most. - The book also emphasizes being present, playing the long game, creating success that extends beyond the individual and leaving fingerprints on other people’s lives. - Barrett says helping other people drive his work, whether that means advancing business goals, careers or life more generally. - Barrett says success is not just about personal achievement, but about helping others succeed along the way. - Barrett has authored two additional books. - Barrett also hosts the podcast Fingerprints on Success. - Barrett says his father’s lessons were pivotal to his journey from working-class roots to a successful legal career and full life.

Between the lines: - Barrett is positioning traditional relationship-building as a competitive advantage in a business environment shaped by automation, remote work and speed. - The book also doubles as a personal brand statement, tying Barrett’s legal career to a broader message about purpose and mentorship. - The principles reflect a leadership philosophy that favors continuity over disruption.

What’s next: - Barrett is likely to use the book to extend his platform as an author, attorney and podcast host. - The book’s availability on Amazon gives the message a wider audience beyond Barrett’s legal clients and network. - Mandelbaum Barrett PC continues to market Barrett’s work through the firm’s national and regional profile.

The bottom line: - Barrett’s message is simple: business success still depends on character, relationships and showing up for people.