But Albion says he real drive is to help other people be happier and more satisfied about their careers and their lives.

For instance, one of the things Albion has found in his many surveys and research is that most successful people have low self-esteem.

He calls this phenomenon the "Imposter Syndrome," in which such people believe that if others really knew them for what they really are, they wouldn't think they are as good at their professions as is widely believed.

He says one woman he knew had a starting salary of $350,000 at Morgan Stanley and was one of the youngest people in the company's history--as well as the first woman--to speak to the executive committee.

Still, he says, she felt unsuccessful.

"Self-esteem comes from being and doing, not getting. The way you get in life is by giving," he says. "People want people to respect and like them for the right things."

Albion has compiled not only the wisdom of his own experience, but that of many of his precursors and contemporaries into his several best-selling books and hundreds of newsletters and articles.

Goldman says Albion's influence stems from a personal desire to see other people satisfied in their lives and their careers.