"If you want to be successful, it is this simple. Know what you are doing, love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing." -- Will Rogers

When Chad Smith became Principal Chief, the Cherokee Nation was a chaotic and dysfunctional entity. By the end of his tenure, 12 years later, the Nation had grown its assets from $150 million to $1.2 billion, increased business profits 2,000 percent, created 6,000 jobs, and dramatically advanced its education, language, and cultural preservation programs.

How could one team influence such vast positive change?

The...