The Best Leadership Books For Young Leaders

Everyone loves to read stories about overcoming obstacles. *Over, Under, Around, and Through: How Hall of Famers Surmount Obstacles *contains fifty 350-450 word stories of how women inducted into halls of fame in Colorado, across the U.S. and internationally overcame significant obstacles in their lives. They used ten skills either singly or in combination to overcome murder, murder-suicide, death of a parent, bigotry, discrimination, prejudice, incest, illness, divorce of their parents, abusive environments and much more. A diverse group of women is included across many fields of endeavor so there is someone that everyone can relate to. The ten skills include mental intelligence, emotional intelligence, social support, moral compass – spirituality, determination – perseverance – persistence, creativity, optimism, resilience, action-orientation and passion. Everyone has these skills and can surmount obstacles in their lives whether they know it or believe it or not. As one reader said “I have read a few stories. They are inspiring. So this morning I said to myself, you can overcome this. I needed to read this book. It has already helped me.” People need this book. Particularly now. Everyone faces obstacles in their lives. Absolutely everyone. The book provides in the words of readers – inspiration. One reader said “Reading the stories of the women in this book has reminded me that I have a deep well of experience and critical thinking skills that will help me solve anything. It is a newly found handbook for me! It gives me a boost when I wonder about my next decision!” Although all 50 stories come from women and their experiences, the stories of overcoming obstacles are universal. One of the men who read the book said “An easy read. Both uplifting and inspirational.”

For background, Dr. Kelly works with adolescents and adults in individual therapy for a number of concerns and she also specializes in women’s healthy sexuality as well as identity based therapy for those who may be struggling with aspects of their identity (e.g. sexuality, race, culture, gender, etc.). In the new book, Dr. Kelly offers readers a carefully crafted journey into growth. Joyful and easy to read, Psychological Secrets is for the person who wants to unlock their potential to find greater success by understanding what psychologists already know—in a clear, fun, conversational tone, as if you are her patient or a beloved student. No other book will help you take concepts normally reserved for the professionals and learn to apply them in your relationships at work and at home.

7 Steps to Success provides a clear and insightful roadmap for those who are continually working to define their purpose in a world full of obstacles in the journey we call life. Complete with real life lessons, valuable insight from recognized leaders and just the right amount of inspirational messaging, this publication is fitting for all generations, but has been found to really resonate and having the biggest impact with today’s youth.

Your Winning Formula challenges you to become a transformational leader capable of developing a powerful and impactful vision that will influence others to follow you. Our country is desperate for young leaders capable of wearing the armor that protects against merciless and hateful attacks against our fundamental principles such as hard work, respect for others and self, earning trust, and sacrificing for others and country. You will learn the critical tools necessary to develop your brand, the positive values and qualities that you will unleash on the world, and you will do it with a loud voice that many will hear and welcome. Be confident, poised, and strong as you begin your quest to be a transformational leader, and always remember, Stand Up and Be Yourself. Don’t let others intimidate, threaten or harass you into accepting their baseless and false narratives. You can be the transformational leader that influences others to carry your message in a proud and bold manner. Without your leadership, we will continue slipping behind as a country. You, and America, were made for greatness. Be the one that makes it happen; don’t wait for someone else to lead. You can be a difference maker.

From television, internet, and social media, today’s students are being bombarded with many and confusing messages. Without the proper foundation, our students can be influenced to make the wrong decisions that will affect them for the rest of their lives. This book is intended to provide a foundation to our young men and women. With candid discussion and illustrations, our young men and women will have the opportunity to understand and apply valuable lessons that will serve as a foundation for life.

Going from a child who faced racism, poverty, and a dysfunctional family to one of the most famous Navy Seals, Can’t Hurt Me: master your mind and defy the odds, by David Goggins shows how* persistence and resilience *can help you achieve all goals you set for yourself. David Goggins goes on to tell his incredible story of becoming one of the fittest people on the earth and how he developed the mentality for overcoming obstacles he faced. He takes us through each of the times he faced a hindrance, and how he not only overcame but came out stronger. These qualities are a must for every young leader as they go through life and encourage them to never stop working towards their dreams.

The Outsiders by William N. Thorndike, Jr. is a great book for young leaders who want to learn about what it takes to be successful in business. The book looks at the careers of eight successful CEOs who have all been outside the mainstream of business. The book is divided into two parts. The first part looks at the careers of the eight CEO’s and how they were able to achieve success. The second part looks at the leadership qualities that these CEO’s possessed that helped them to be successful. Thorndike provides a great deal of insight into what it takes to be a successful leader in business. This book is a must-read for any young leader who wants to learn from the best.

I am currently reading Yvon Chouinard’s Let my people go surfing and it is an amazing leadership book. I’m 33 years old and I was reading the book before Yvon’s announcement that he made Earth the primary stakeholder of Patagonia. Since then, the impact and message of the book are resonating even more, as you can see this is really a guy that walks the talk.