According to philosopher and business consultant Peter Koestenbaum, the "shock of death" can teach us the secrets of leading a successful life -- if we have the courage to learn. Polly LaBarre page 29
Harley-Davidson customers love their bikes -- to the point where they scare off potential customers. Here's how Harley is expanding its audience without alienating its hard-core fans. Fara Warner page 32
Worrying about the right threats makes you smart. Worrying about the wrong threats leaves you vulnerable. Security expert Robert Oatman wants to keep you scared straight. Scott Kirsner page 40
Barry Ludwig designs cutting-edge office parks. What he tries to create is a sense of community and connection -- which means looking to ancient cities for design principles. Fara Warner page 46
After suffering through the worst years in its history, Yellow Freight System hired Bill Zollars to drive an old-economy company in a new direction. Now, almost six years later, Yellow is faster and more reliable and caters to customers like never before. Chuck Salter page 51
How does a giant pharmaceutical company reckon with genomics technology? By making a fresh start in how it recruits its scientists, manages projects, and uses computers. Here's how the Roche Group is reinventing how it invents. George Anders page 60
Do you need a fresh start on creativity? Stanford professor Robert Sutton is a unique voice with an urgent message about how to generate and capitalize on new ideas. Polly LaBarre page 68
Startup star Kamram Elahian has enjoyed big wins, suffered expensive flops, and launched a bold initiative to wire the world's schools. In the process, he has become a master at making a fresh start. Bill Breen page 77
America's B-52 bomber doesn't need a fresh start. It is a marvel of patience and persistence -- and it may fly for 40 years more. In a world gripped by recession and war, it may be a symbol of the future. Charles Fishman page 82
You can listen to the boosters talk about the rebuilding of the Twin Towers. Or you can face the truth: New York is in danger of tipping over. John Ellis page 99
Mergers and acquisitions are, once again, shaking up all kinds of industries. The big question: How do you do them right? Here's the playbook according to Washington Mutual, one of the best in the business. George Anders page 102
Larry Weber is trying to provoke you. He wants to take your tired cliche-ridden definition of leadership and turn it upside down. Here's a look at the leader of today: the provocateur. Paul C. Judge page 108
Christopher Lochhead, former chief marketing officer of Scient Corp., helped the Internet firm soar -- and then watched it crash. Here's his candid take on bad moves that companies make during tough times. Keith H. Hammonds
Can the creative geniuses behind Monster, Inc. keep extending their string of successes? Consult our A - Z Fast Companies Directory for essential reading about and job openings at Pixar.
