Grit to GreatBy: Linda Kaplan Thaler, Robin Koval It is not native intelligence or natural talent that makes people excel, it's old fashioned hard work, sweat equity, and determination. In Grit to Great, Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval tackle a topic that is close to their hearts, one that they feel is the real secret to their own success in their careers and in the careers of so many people they know and have met. And that is the incredible power of grit,