In Rise of the Warrior Leader, you provide a complete breakdown of the challenges faced on the journey to becoming an effective leader in today’s world. Why was this an important book for you to write?

During my time in the unforgiving environment of the military and international banking, I devoted significant effort to unraveling the intricacies of effective leadership. Transitioning from the military to the banking sector amid the sub-prime crisis, an era marked by relentless waves of job losses, presented a daunting scenario. It was, undoubtedly, an inopportune time to embark on this career shift.

Amidst this tumultuous period, my exploration of leadership literature revealed two notable observations. First and foremost, a multitude of self-proclaimed leadership experts ardently championed their own leadership models, often motivated by financial gains or fixated on singular lessons drawn from crises such as the infamous Enron scandal. This compartmentalized approach operated in isolation from other models, creating a fragmented landscape. However, I recognized that each model offered a valuable fragment of the overall leadership puzzle.

Secondly, I observed the diverse interpretations provided by commentators regarding the era we live in—whether it be labeled as the Information Age, Industry 4.0, Digital Age, and so forth. In response, I chose to shift my focus towards embracing the challenges intrinsic to each of these definitions. I sought to discern patterns across various leadership models, thereby crafting an integrated approach geared towards enhancing leaders’ effectiveness.

In essence, the new challenges that confront us demand a new approach. I am committed to synthesizing the collective wisdom embedded in diverse leadership models to construct a comprehensive framework. This holistic perspective is intended to empower leaders to navigate the complexities of our ever-evolving landscape with newfound efficacy.

Can you tell us a little about the research process required to write Rise of the Warrior Leader?

Originally conceived as my doctoral thesis, this book emerged after a four-year journey of intermittently refining my PhD proposal. The process involved numerous revisions dictated by a university professor whose demands seemed ceaseless. However, amidst the stringent adjustments during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, a revelation struck me. I realized that the essence of my work deserved to be presented as intended, free from the constraints imposed by the academic conformity sought by the professor.

The underlying premise was clear: the conventional approach needed a paradigm shift, and the insights gleaned from my research should be accessible to benefit others. Distinctive in its departure from the confines of academic literature, this book is the embodiment of that conviction. It draws on exhaustive examinations of academic papers and prominent leadership books.

The content within attains a high academic standard, yet I have endeavored to supplement it with easily comprehensible diagrams, catering to a non-academic audience. This dual approach aims not only for scholarly excellence but also ensures that the material is inviting and readily applicable to a broader readership, ultimately contributing to the betterment of humanity.

What is one thing you hope readers will take away from your book?

I aim to equip leaders with a comprehensive conceptual framework for navigating various situations. This book serves as an empowering tool, steering away from offering rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions. Recognizing our unique individualities and nuanced responses based on distinct personality traits, the book instead furnishes a guiding framework. This framework facilitates a thoughtful consideration of diverse variables and contexts, fostering an approach that enhances effectiveness in leadership.

What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?

My forthcoming book will explore the subject of Mental Toughness from a distinctly African perspective. The genesis of this project dates back over six years. However, I temporarily redirected my focus two years ago, taking a sabbatical to diligently finalize my previous work, Rise of the Warrior Leader.

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