“I don’t think I’ve ever read a more powerful, entertaining, insightful, and inspiring book than Leadership Actually. It is brilliantly practical.”
—Lieutenant General David P. Fridovich, US Army, Retired, former Deputy Commander, US Special Operations Command
“So many leadership books forget that leadership is, at its core, a team sport. Leadership Actually is a game-changer for anyone ready to take their leadership to the next level.”
—Kami Welch, President, Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce, Arvada, Colorado
“Leadership Actually is a deceptively simple book that shines a light on this often treacherous and always profound journey. Rooted in deep psychological principles, military and business strategy, as well as ancient wisdom, it invites us to reimagine leadership in a holistic, pragmatic, and far more human way in every area of our lives.”
—Rob Meekins, cofounder and former CEO, Med School Tutors
“This is a book that delivers on its promise: it teaches leadership in a way that’s both insightful and actionable. It’s packed with frameworks, practical guidance, and real-world stories that tie everything together. Leadership Actually is a valuable read for anyone looking to sharpen their leadership skills or build them from the ground up.”
—Quang Do, Partner, RevEng Consulting
“Leadership Actually presents a distinctive, experience-based program that uses real-life situations to build leadership skills. Instead of abstract theory, it offers practical, step-by-step guidance on essential tools for leading effectively. Grounded in proven methodologies and designed for the complexities of today’s workplace, it helps managers at every level strengthen their craft. Organizations can draw on its clear lessons to develop leaders who are prepared to thrive in today’s world.”
—David Kinsman, business advisor, Kunming, China
“This excellent book, crafted to engage a variety of learning styles, offers a clear and insightful analysis of leadership as practiced by true masters of the art. Packed with concise, step-by-step frameworks and vivid, compelling storytelling, it illuminates what’s possible. It left a lasting impression on me.”
—Chan Lai Huat, author and business consultant, Singapore
“As I step into the responsibility of guiding future healthcare professionals, Leadership Actually is the resource I didn’t know I needed—but now won’t be without. Insightful, practical, and refreshingly applicable across disciplines, this book is already a cornerstone in my leadership toolkit. Whether in personal reflection, classroom discussions, or collaborative efforts with colleagues, its lessons and exercises are tools I’ll return to time and time again.”
—Sara Glass, DMSc, PA-C, Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program, Concordia University St. Paul
“Leadership today is about more than tasks and outcomes—it’s about how we approach them and the growth we inspire along the way. This book brings home key points in a clear and practical way. If you want a leadership book that you’ll not only finish but actually use, this is the one.”
—Allan McKisson, former vice president of human resources
“Leadership Actually is the kind of book that makes you stop, reflect, and then actually do things differently. Honest, practical, and full of heart—I highly recommend it.”
—Kerri Gentry, MSW, OPC Social & Activity Center, Rochester, Michigan
“Leadership Actually is a wide-ranging exploration of how to tap into both empathy and authenticity to drive results. Packed full of poignant real-world examples, this book is a hands-on guide for leaders who know they can get the best out of their teams (and themselves) but have been struggling with how. Get ready to challenge your thinking and see your team’s potential in a whole new light. And most of all, enjoy the journey!”
—Sarah Redgrave, Vice President, Center Operations, KinderCare
“Leadership Actually stands out because it’s practical, heartfelt, and narrative-driven. It avoids the trap of being a purely academic framework or a purely inspirational memoir. It blends both. What I admire most is its insistence that leadership is a craft, a discipline worth honing with the same rigor as medicine, law, or engineering.”
—Ross Maiwand, Managing Director, Accenture
“It’s a good idea to have two copies of Leadership Actually: one for the office to share with colleagues and one for home to share with family and friends. Not only will readers who apply the lessons from the book become more engaged, effective, and confident managers and leaders; they’ll also be inspired to lead better and more fulfilling lives.”
—E. R. Dunn, President, Dunn Group Ltd.
“Leadership Actually eloquently uses the narrative of a Vietnam veteran to remind us that true leadership skills are taught not through training but through an openness to what life and those we encounter bring to us. It reminds us that our leadership is not something we have earned by being better than but an honor we have gained by being open to, a burden we carry by caring for, and a responsibility we assume by hoping for a brighter tomorrow.”
—Michelle Craven, PhD, school counselor
“Leadership Actually is an invitation to cast aside most of what you have been taught about leadership to make room for a new concept—the craft of leadership—and explore its possibilities for transforming you, those you lead, and the world around you.”
—R. Tom Lenz, Emeritus Professor of Management, Kelly School of Business, Indiana University
“After reading Leadership Actually once, I know I’ll be going back through it again taking detailed notes. It was a truly enjoyable read. While I expected it to be insightful, I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging it felt—never like a textbook. I especially appreciated the alternating structure: Jack’s real-life experiences in one chapter, followed by the principles behind them in the next.”
—Ben Dunn, Sales Manager, Residential and Commercial Property Management Group
“The authors have been honing their way of leading for decades without the notion of ever being done. Leadership Actually offers truths, examples, practical advice, and personal challenges to help anyone who aspires to lead well. Like master craftsmen, who are never finished perfecting, the authors know that paying attention opens the way. This book does not offer a magic key; it is an invitation to join the never-ending journey of becoming a better leader through real-world examples and thought challenges. The practical guidance in this book lights the way.”
—Catherine Ruspino, Senior Vice President, Product & Solutions, Breville Pty. Ltd.