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It’s NOT Just About Money

Michael T. Parker Author Interview

The Leader Connection – The Foundation dives deep into the human side of leadership, covering topics like empathy, communication, adaptability, and the nuances of eight distinct leadership styles, as well as providing actionable strategies for leaders. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Observing the current discussions and insights about labor, staffing shortages, and turnover, I felt compelled to share my journey and passion with a broader audience.

What is a common misconception you feel people have about leadership and employee connection?

It’s only about the money!

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

1. Understand Your Leadership Style

2. The Importance of Your Role in Building Connections and Enhancing Culture

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Leader Connection – The Foundation?

The book serves as a crucial resource for both novice and seasoned leaders, offering valuable insights to help achieve success.

Author Links: Facebook | Website

The Leader Connection – The Foundation is a comprehensive book exploring how leadership shapes meaningful connections in today’s ever-changing workplaces. Drawing on a rich three-decade leadership journey, Michael Parker combines personal experience, real-world examples, and research-backed insights to trace the evolution of leadership and its impact on organizations. This book discusses eight core leadership styles-including transformational, servant, authentic, autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, transactional, and situational-analyzing their strengths, challenges, and influence on employee connection and success. Emphasizing the importance of the human-centered aspects of leadership, it illustrates how empathy, emotional intelligence, and authenticity empower leaders to build trust, foster engagement, and spark innovation.A central theme throughout the narrative is the power of open communication and transparency. Michael demonstrates how clear and honest dialogue nurtures collaboration, boosts motivation, and strengthens psychological safety. This book also provides actionable strategies for leaders that are designed to break down barriers, increase inclusivity, and ensure that every team member’s voice is heard and valued.



THE LEADER CONNECTION

The book dives deep into the human side of leadership. It is part reflection and part manual, weaving together Parker’s personal journey with practical advice. He covers empathy, communication, adaptability, and the nuances of eight distinct leadership styles. The core message is clear. Leadership is not about authority. It is about building trust, connection, and growth within a team. Through stories, frameworks, and exercises, Parker paints a picture of leadership as a living relationship between people rather than a system of control.

Reading this, I felt drawn to Parker’s honesty. He doesn’t pretend to have been a perfect leader, and that humility makes the lessons hit harder. The mix of memoir and guide felt refreshing. Some moments, especially when he shared about his father, his son, or his own missteps, carried a warmth that made me pause. The book sometimes lists traits and challenges like lecture notes. The sincerity behind it kept me engaged, and I found myself reflecting on my own experiences with bosses who inspired connection versus those who drained it.

What stood out most for me was how personal and vulnerable his approach is. I appreciated the balance between theory and story. The chapters on servant leadership and authentic leadership especially struck a chord. They reminded me that good leadership often looks less like grand gestures and more like quiet acts of service. It reads like someone thinking aloud after a long career, eager to pass on everything they’ve learned.

I would recommend The Leader Connection to managers who are tired of dry business texts and want something more human. It’s also a good pick for anyone stepping into leadership for the first time and looking for guidance that feels grounded rather than academic. Parker doesn’t promise easy answers. What he offers instead is a lived-in, heartfelt reminder that leadership is about people, and that connection is what makes the work worthwhile.

Pages: 186 | ASIN : B0FN1VV122

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Solving Global Warming Will Kill the Fossil Fuel Industry

Thomas Miezejeski’s Solving Global Warming Will Kill the Fossil Fuel Industry is an urgent and thorough exploration of what happens when one of the world’s most powerful industries meets its inevitable decline. The book isn’t just about climate change; it’s about the economic, social, and geopolitical tremors that will follow the fall of fossil fuels. Miezejeski takes readers through the science of energy, the history of industrialization, and the strategies that oil and gas companies are using to cling to relevance. This is more than just a warning; it’s a deep dive into a global transformation already in motion.

One of the strongest aspects of this book is its blunt honesty. Miezejeski doesn’t waste time trying to convince skeptics that climate change is real; instead, he assumes his audience is already past that debate. Instead, he focuses on the massive fallout that will occur as the world transitions away from fossil fuels. The opening chapter sets the tone with a stark analogy: global warming is a storm that we can’t stop, but we can prepare for. This sense of urgency keeps the book engaging, making it clear that the demise of the fossil fuel industry won’t be neat or painless. When he details the economic impact on countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela, it’s hard not to feel a little anxious about the future.

Miezejeski also does a fantastic job of connecting technological change to economic collapse. His comparison of the fall of the fossil fuel industry to the obsolescence of typewriters is one of the most effective parts of the book. Companies like Smith Corona, once giants in their field, failed to adapt when computers took over, and they disappeared almost overnight. The fossil fuel industry, he argues, is on the same trajectory, and history suggests they won’t go down without a fight. The book describes how energy companies are scrambling to diversify into renewables, invest in carbon capture, and rebrand themselves as environmentally friendly. It’s fascinating but also a little depressing; these efforts seem more like delaying tactics than genuine solutions.

Miezejeski does acknowledge the positive impact that fossil fuels have had on society. He credits them with powering the Industrial Revolution and enabling modern civilization. But he doesn’t let nostalgia cloud his judgment. He’s clear that the future belongs to renewable energy, and the longer we delay the transition, the worse the economic and environmental damage will be. His chapter on the costs of global warming over the next 25 years is particularly sobering, breaking down losses in agriculture, health, biodiversity, and even tourism. The numbers are staggering, and they drive home the point that inaction is not an option.

Solving Global Warming Will Kill the Fossil Fuel Industry is a must-read for those who want to go beyond the basics of climate change and understand the larger, messier, and more politically charged reality of the energy transition. Policymakers, business leaders, and anyone curious about the future of energy will find this book an eye-opener. Miezejeski’s thorough research and compelling historical comparisons make this a worthwhile and thought-provoking read.

Pages: 241 | ASIN : B0DMQFG4LS

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Supercharging Sustainability: A Big-Picture Overview of ESG 2.0 and Sustainable Finance

As the global environmental crisis deepens daily, the need to integrate sustainable practices into everyday life and business operations becomes increasingly pressing. Achieving sustainability is a multifaceted challenge that demands expert guidance and strategic planning. Bjarni Herrera’s Supercharging Sustainability serves as an essential guide in this arena, particularly focusing on sustainable finance. Herrera demystifies the expansive subject of sustainability with clarity and precision. He argues that a company can more easily model its operations sustainably by aligning with current global realities. Given the complexity and potential frustrations of pursuing sustainability, this book becomes an invaluable resource. It acts as a navigational tool for professionals in the corporate and finance sectors, providing a detailed and comprehensive roadmap for implementing sustainability.

Supercharging Sustainability is rich in practical insights and presents clear, actionable ideas tailored to specific scenarios while maintaining a broad perspective. Herrera’s extensive knowledge and hands-on experience are evident throughout, making complex concepts accessible and digestible. His long-standing dedication to sustainability is reflected in his authoritative and skilled presentation of the topic, supported by thorough research and real-world examples. These examples equip readers with the necessary tools to effectively apply sustainability practices within their organizations. Herrera ensures that the subject matter is accessible without sacrificing depth or thoroughness. Although the book’s comprehensive coverage may initially seem daunting, it rewards readers who engage with its content thoughtfully and methodically. This book equips readers with a deep well of knowledge, enhancing their understanding of sustainable finance and offering practical examples and straightforward writing to aid their learning process. It functions almost like a textbook, both inspiring action toward global sustainability goals and providing clear directions on how to achieve them.

Bjarni Herrera’s approach and expertise make Supercharging Sustainability a near masterclass in the field. This book is an excellent starting point for understanding sustainability and devising effective strategies for sustainable business practices.

Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0D4JFJHZZ

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