Blog Archives
Leadership Presence
Justin Patton’s Leadership Presence is a passionate guide that challenges traditional leadership models and proposes a fresh, heart-centered alternative rooted in emotional intelligence, authenticity, and, above all, gentleness. Rather than relying on fear, titles, or tactics, Patton encourages leaders to “shake up the world” by showing up fully and leading with trust, empathy, and self-awareness. The book is structured like a conversation with a wise mentor. Intimate, challenging, and hopeful. Patton mixes personal stories, clear frameworks, and direct coaching advice into a motivating roadmap for anyone looking to lead with more purpose and presence.
What really got me hooked was Patton’s fierce defense of gentleness as the foundation of great leadership. That’s not something you hear every day in a business world obsessed with domination and results. He opens with a bold statement: “Gentleness is the essence of leadership presence.” And throughout the book, he proves it with stories. Like the mother on a flight who calmed her disabled son with quiet grace, and the new company president who earned trust not by flexing credentials, but by leading with empathy when questioned by a skeptical employee. They’re not just inspiring, they’re a call to action. I found myself reflecting on how I show up in tough conversations and whether I lead with compassion or control. Spoiler: not always compassion. But this book made me want to try harder.
Where Leadership Presence really shines is in its practicality. The section with “11 Actionable Tips” (like “Act like you belong” and “Vent in private, lead in public”) is gold. Patton doesn’t just preach from the mountaintop, he gets into the mud with us. He admits his own flaws, from defensiveness to over-intensity, and walks us through how he, and his coaching clients, worked to grow. I loved the story about the executive who constantly tried to prove he was the smartest person in the room, only to realize his relationships were falling apart as a result. Patton helped him pivot from transactional behavior to more intentional presence. It’s moments like these that make the book not just informative but deeply human. I felt like I was in therapy for my leadership style, and I enjoyed it.
Leadership Presence made me think hard about how my energy, my words, my silence impact the people around me. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling both seen and challenged. I’d recommend it to new managers, seasoned executives, teachers, parents, anyone who wants to be a better human while also being a stronger leader. If you’re ready to trade performance for presence, and power games for real connection, this book will be your guide.
Pages: 85 | ASIN : B08BGXND5H
Life-Long Learning and Growth
Your book explores a critical yet often overlooked skill: the art of receiving feedback and teaches readers how to use feedback to grow and find success. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Receptive and Ready?
We have been teaching managers and leaders for over a decade the right skills to deliver feedback but have rarely touched on the best ways to receive feedback. That’s primarily because most of our students are adult learners who already manage people. (We both teach at the Center for Professional and Executive Development, Wisconsin School of Business, University of Wisconsin-Madison). Over lunch, we wondered if we could augment our message about developmental input and what to do with it by focusing on receivers. And that’s how the book was born.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
First, developmental input, when received and implemented, is a personal and career accelerator that should be embraced eagerly. Second, receivers of developmental input are not in control of “when” the feedback arrives and so must be continually prepared with the proper mindset when it does. Third, there are key skills that receivers should develop in order to absorb and practically use feedback, including self-regulation, emotional intelligence, and active listening.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
We have some readers comment they didn’t realize how much control they do (or could have) when receiving developmental feedback, and that they (not the feedback provider) had the greater accountability on what to do “next” with it.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Receptive and Ready?
We hope readers will understand that the principles and behaviors highlighted in Receptive and Ready are about life-long learning and growth.
Artell Smith Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Betsy Hagan Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Authors Artell Smith and Betsy Hagan present Receptive and Ready, an empowering companion for transforming feedback into a catalyst for success.
The book is meticulously written and contains skills to help readers absorb feedback confidently and clearly. Amid the noise of distractions, the authors narrow the focus on what is important for your growth, showing you how to recognize and act on valuable input through practical insights and relatable scenarios. They gracefully guide readers on how to navigate less helpful or poorly delivered feedback, extracting key learnings that will help you flourish.
Most of us view feedback as a hurdle and are afraid to take criticism. With this book, you will discover how to see it as a powerful tool to enhance your self-improvement techniques, helping you move forward with your highest aspirations.
Receptive and Ready is an asset that will help you on your path of self-improvement, enabling you to achieve your highest aspirations. It shines a light on what truly matters, ensuring you maximize each interaction in both your professional and personal life. With the skills presented in this book, you’re bound to stay focused and resilient while being prepared to advance in your journey.
The book contains many concepts you can incorporate into your strategies for positive thinking, leadership development, and personal growth strategies. It will help you overcome the fear of failure and develop effective communication skills in the pursuit of career development.
So, what are you waiting for? Sow the seed for success with Receptive and Ready.
The Keys to Charisma : The Elements of True Connection, Genuine Relationships, and Irresistible Charm
Charisma is often the word we associate with strong leaders and magnetic personalities, but what about those who don’t seem to possess it naturally? In The Keys to Charisma, Laurette Paquet presents charisma not as an elusive, innate trait but as a skill set that anyone can develop. Through practice, self-awareness, and refinement, she argues, charisma can be cultivated. Paquet unpacks the mystery behind this magnetic quality, breaking down the behaviors and traits that define it in a way that makes it accessible to all.
The book delves into both the theory and practice of charisma. Paquet expertly weaves together psychological insights, the science of body language, and conversational strategies to provide a comprehensive guide. She organizes her teachings around fundamental pillars: mastering body language, harnessing the power of storytelling, and making a lasting first impression. Drawing on well-researched examples of charismatic individuals, she demonstrates how universal traits like generosity, confidence, and emotional intelligence are within reach for anyone willing to work on them. One of the book’s most reassuring messages is its attention to introverts. Paquet makes it clear that charisma isn’t reserved for extroverts alone. In fact, she argues that introverts, with their natural empathy and listening skills, are uniquely positioned to form deeper, more meaningful connections. This approach is both encouraging and empowering for those who feel lacking in social charm, offering practical advice on how to leverage their strengths to exude confidence and warmth.
Paquet’s writing is not only clear but also highly relatable. She fills the book with real-world examples and practical exercises that readers can immediately apply. Her chapters on non-verbal communication, like perfecting the “Duchenne smile” or maintaining effective eye contact, stand out for their scientific backing, which adds credibility to her advice. Moreover, she reframes how we think about influence and leadership, explaining that charisma is just as much about making others feel valued as it is about standing out in a crowd.
What distinguishes The Keys to Charisma from many other self-help books is Paquet’s approach. She doesn’t just tell you what to do—she explains why it works, diving into the psychology behind successful social interactions. Whether she’s discussing tone of voice, small talk, or the art of asking the right questions, Paquet offers a deep understanding of each strategy, ensuring readers know how to apply these techniques in their everyday lives. The book strikes a fine balance between introspection and outward action, making it as much about personal growth as it is about improving your interactions with others.
The Keys to Charisma is a book for anyone looking to enhance their interpersonal skills, whether in social settings, the workplace, or personal relationships. Paquet offers a masterclass in charisma, providing a valuable guide for those who want to boost their social influence, become more captivating, or simply feel more confident in their own skin.
Page: 221 | ASIN : B0D216DNX8
Life is the Ultimate Wild Card
A Voice at the Table shares your story of overcoming adversities while growing up and learning to find your voice; it also teaches others to understand and empathize with people, encouraging self-awareness, kindness, and compassion for all. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I felt it was important to share that we all are going through something or dealing with things in life. Life is the ultimate wild card and keeps us on our toes. But, when we can be vulnerable and set egos aside we can share our challenges and learn from them. For me, I’ve been through a lot, it’s made me who I am and I wanted to share this story. Hopefully it will inspire others and motivate them to do something and not let adverse circumstances be a permanent road block.
Your book is more than a memoir; it is a call to action for leaders. What ideas were important for you to share in this book?
I’ve had the privilege and honor of being in various roles in my life, to include some leadership roles. In those roles I learned to empower all my team members to share their experiences. Whether it is in work or life itself, we can learn from more voices that share. Then together we are darn near unstoppable. We see and hear too many examples of bad leadership in the news and on social media these days. The majority of people are good and need to hear some positivity, they need to see the good out here. When we work together, regardless of political affiliation, religious beliefs, poor or rich, or the color of our skin, we can do some wonderful things. This makes an organization better and its team members. That bleeds over to our communities and little by little things improve. It’s work though and requires commitment.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
It felt good to write and let my ideas and memories flow. As a recovering perfectionist, reliving some of those moments in my mind was frustrating. I made mistakes and missed some opportunities. But, even those moments were an opportunity to learn. Being able to take a step back and look at what I was able to put together was fulfilling and rewarding. Being vulnerable and having a willingness to share the dark events in life is tough. However, if it helps someone else to share and not be a victim of past event, then rock on.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
We are all in this together and together we can do some amazing things.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
We wacky humans are all wired differently. Our life, professional and educational experiences are all different and unique to us. We may have grown up in the same neighborhood, but our households were different. We can have the same degree, but our learning process and path are unique to us. Even our day in the same office is different, though we do the same thing. This is the magic of being human; we all have our own perspective and experiences. When we give each person a voice at the table we are harnessing the power of all that wonderful experience and knowledge. Readers at all professional levels will be able to understand how best to capture this helpful information and then learn from what we’ve done to improve what we do. You can reach out and connect with Brendan on Instagram @brendankellyaar.
A Voice at the Table
A Voice at the Table is a compelling memoir by Brendan T. Kelly, exploring his challenging childhood, the adversities he faced, and his journey to finding purpose. Raised in a single-parent household marked by poverty and social stigma, Kelly recounts his experiences from childhood to adulthood, highlighting his struggles with self-doubt, self-bullying, and feeling like an outsider. This vivid and honest narrative underscores the importance of resilience and understanding one’s “why,” making it a poignant, introspective, and candid read.
Kelly’s writing is both engaging and relatable, employing a conversational tone that makes readers feel as if they are having a deep, personal conversation with him. The seamless transition from one stage of his life to another is systematic and perfectly paced, allowing readers to process their emotions and reflect on their own lives. Kelly’s vivid recounting of key moments, such as failing first grade due to a lack of focus on academics and being teased for his speech impediment, is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. His positivity and humorous approach help readers manage their overwhelming feelings, even as he discusses serious issues like mental health struggles, PTSD, and a suicide attempt. Kelly’s honesty and bravery in addressing these subjects are truly admirable.
The raw and relatable nature of Kelly’s writing makes it easy for readers to empathize with his struggles and triumphs. His story is authentic, and he skillfully balances serious moments with light anecdotes to keep readers focused on the book’s valuable takeaways. Among these takeaways are the importance of being kinder to oneself, finding one’s purpose, and appreciating the unique stories and perspectives of others. Kelly’s straightforward and unpretentious style, combined with his compassion and desire to add value to the reader, shines through in his writing.
A Voice at the Table offers readers a profound look into the life of Brendan T. Kelly. It is a story of overcoming adversity, finding one’s voice, and understanding the deeper reasons behind our actions. Kelly’s honest and reflective writing provides valuable lessons on resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of self-kindness. This book is not only a compelling personal narrative but also a guide for anyone seeking to understand themselves better and live a more fulfilling life. The generosity and concern for the welfare of others that Kelly demonstrates through his unflinching honesty is truly admirable.
Pages: 177 | ASIN : B0D56WHC2V
Perspective and Process
Simply Put, Why Clear Messages Win and How to Design Them teaches readers how to improve their communication through simple and straightforward methods. What was the idea or spark that first set off the need to write this book?
I ran a marketing agency for ten years before recently selling it, and I joke that you can take the boy out of the marketing agency but can’t take the marketing out of the boy. I kept seeing amazing leaders and organizations with things to say and ideas to share, but who struggled to communicate in a way that lands. So I looked back at the work I did, my experience in the classroom as an adjunct, and through even my personal life as a user of the world to investigate how we can get better at that.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write Simply Put?
Having first-hand experience in the field, as well as access to academic resources, shaped my entire perspective and process. This book is science-based, but it also draws deeply from real-world examples to illustrate the key ideas.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I often say that all advice is autobiographical. When people are giving advice, they are really talking to themselves in the past. Equipped with that lens, this bit of meta-advice makes all other pieces of advice more effective.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your book?
Just as the sender of a letter needs to pay the postage, when we’re communicating in our realms it’s our responsibility to own the literal and metaphorical cost of our message.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
Why do some messages work when others don’t? Why do some ideas break through, why do some slogans stick in your brain, and why do some leaders inspire change – when others don’t?
The answer is simple. Literally.
The most effective communicators in the world all structure their messages the same way, by designing for simplicity. But the problem is, simple is hard work. Our brains are programmed to complicate. Our world incentivizes more, more, more. It takes deliberate, intentional effort to communicate in a way that seems effortless.
In Simply Put, award-winning marketing entrepreneur Ben Guttmann unveils a five-part framework that allows anybody to communicate with clarity. With this book, you’ll be able to design messages that are beneficial, focused, salient, empathetic, and minimal – and that work.
