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From both a personal and professional perspective, Mike Janda is simply one of the best people I've worked with. His pride in his work is unparallelled, as is his flexibility and professionalism. As a vendor contracted by ABC.com, he's guided his team through tight deadlines and shifting specs to produce top-flight work, creatively and technically strong. Mike is a go-to guy.

Larry TerenziAssociate Director, ABC.com

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Michael Janda and his agency are a pleasure to work with. They deliver excellent work with zero complications- there's no agency with a better work ethic and customer service attitude. 100% of their work has been done remotely, and we've never had any issues with communication or delivery...my go-to agency when I need something done well and done right– highly recommended.

Marc SirySVP, Media Product, NBC Universal

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This book should be a mandatory course at art schools…no, at all schools! The message transcends occupation; it’s about maneuvering through the unspoken rules and dynamics of various personalities in your workplace. Mike is a perfect person to deliver this message; his long-term relationships and success of his business are the true testimony of his skills on managing up, down, and sideways. Your talent alone will take you nowhere if your character doesn’t support it. If you want longevity in your field, this book is a must-read.

Jane BhangConsulting Art Director, Sony Pictures

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I’ve worked with Michael and Riser for many years, and the thing that differentiates Michael and his team from other agencies is their ability to speak my language versus design speak! Michael and his company Riser are not only super-creative, they are total professionals. Communication is a big reason why Michael and his team are so successful at what they do. They are good at not only listening to a client who is not a designer and is trying to convey the details of a project, but also on working with the client to get the job done well, on time, and also on budget. I can’t think of a better person to give advice to designers who need to work with clients in the real world.

Melissa Van MeterVP, Marketing & Advertising, TV Guide Network

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I’ve known Mike Janda for over 13 years. I’ve seen his company grow from a small mom-and-pop web agency to a full-fledged industry leading agency. I can still remember the first time I met Mike when he was our creative director, and I was a fresh-out-of-college intern. My boss at the time sent me to retrieve a booklet from Mike. To this day, I can still remember my conversation with him. He treated me with the utmost respect and sincerity. He didn’t have to be nice to me, but he was. And he most certainly didn’t treat me well based on my job title. And that is why I believe Mike has all the qualities that all bosses should emulate. He is honest, smart, responsible, and most importantly, conducts business with a smile. In such a fast moving industry, it’s hard to find people you trust—but I’ve always trusted that Mike has had my best interest in mind. It’s not a trade secret to be nice, and you can’t buy or download that in an app!

Thuy TranSenior Content Producer, ABC Family

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My introduction to Mike occurred as he interviewed me for a job. He immediately proceeded to deconstruct my portfolio and find the nuggets of talent contained in it (small), and then on the fly proceeded to help me formulate my pitch to him. Somehow I still got the job. From Mike I learned everything I know about beating the procrastination monster, along with so many other useful things, all skills I use to this day. And fortunately for the rest of the design world, Mike has put all of these tips into a designer’s guide to getting along in the real world, with all his humor and insight intact.

Ray Woods IIDirector, User Experience, NBC Universal

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The straightforward and funny advice in Janda’s book is what most people learn only after toiling in the corporate trenches for years. (Um, how dare he share ALL our secrets?!) I hope he’s charging at least a year’s worth of school tuition for this book. Seriously, take copious notes on the practical suggestions offered here to help steer your own career, whether it’s your first job or your 15th freelance gig. The drama free work approach and leadership style outlined in Burn Your Portfolio is what makes working with him and all the folks at his company, Riser, FUN and worthy of the cupcakes we send to celebrate each of our successes together.

Michelle SullivanVP Digital Kids & Family Publishing, National Geographic