Be Bodacious: Put Life in Your Leadership [Paperback]

Steven D Wood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 14, 2010

Be Bodacious: Put Life in Your Leadership is a different type of leadership guide, for a different type of leader. Illustrated by humorous and motivational stories, Steven teaches three characteristics of a "bodacious leader:" an extraordinary commitment to a dream, unrestrained passion to pursue a dream and bold action to realize a dream. 

Presented in an engaging story format, Be Bodacious follows a young man who discovers the secrets of effective leadership through a mentor named "Cowboy," a character who embodies the many leaders that have influenced Steven in his career and personal life. Though their conversations, Cowboy's secrets to "bodacious leadership" are revealed, teaching readers how to become a better role model at home, in the community and at the office.

Corporate audiences have heard Steven's message on "bodacious leadership," and have walked away with the tools to revitalize their business. Now, after decades of working alongside great leaders on the ranch and in corporate America, Wood is ready to pass on his experiences, in a book that will bring out your own bodacious leader - both in and out of the office.

 

 
--White Bay Publishing

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A Corporate Executive with a Proven Record of Accomplishment in Leading Sales Teams and Spearheading Groundbreaking Growth Initiatives

Steven D Wood understands how to lead and motivate individuals for top performance. Steven breaks the mold of traditional "how to" leadership advice using the power of story to inspire his audience on a path to effective leadership.

Steven is a proven leader of large sales organizations in both the United States and Canada. Currently, Steven is a part of the senior leadership team at international known air conditioning and heating company. In 2009; he designed and successfully led an unprecedented initiative to grow revenue in a period of economic recession.

In his book, Be Bodacious: Put Life in Your Leadership,  Steven reveals the keys to a better leadership style that encompasses all areas of life. In this book, entertaining stories are used to detail the benefits of being an extraordinary, unrestrained and bold leader both in and out of the office.

Corporate audiences have heard Steven's message and have walked away with tools to revitalize their business. Now, after decades of working with great leaders on the ranch and in corporate America, Steven is ready to pass on his experience to you. 

Married to his high school sweetheart for over 30 years, Steve enjoys spending time with his family, speaking and working as a business leader.  He is an experienced sailor and along with his wife, Kay they have sailed extensively in the Caribbean and South Pacific. Steve and Kay enjoy travel and they have traveled throughout North America, Europe, and Australia.
--White Bay Publishing

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: White Bay Publishing (April 14, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0984477705
• ISBN-13: 978-0984477708
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #629,579 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

From ranch hand to experienced sales strategist, Steven Wood's professional journey has been anything but ordinary.

Thirty-five years ago, Steven was more comfortable in a pair of cowboy boots, than a pair of dress shoes. While working on a Texas ranch, the last place he envisioned himself was in an auditorium with hundreds of people, teaching them to be better leaders. But when he heard an internationally-known manufacturer was recruiting lab technicians near his hometown for the Research and Development division, Steven jumped at the chance.

"Sorry, we're looking for someone with some experience," said the Chief Engineer.

"I don't think you understand," said Steven. "Name your price, and I will be the hardest worker you will find."

The Chief Engineer accepted Steven's bold proposal. Today, Steven serves as a member of senior leadership for a sales organization with annual revenue exceeding $1 billion. It's the same company who hired him off the farm fields.

During his long tenure, Steven has had the opportunity to work with some of the best business leaders in North America. To motivate and inspire his audiences, Steven began incorporating memorable stories into his leadership and business talks. Seeing the effects of those anecdotes, principles, and life experiences on his audiences, Steven decided to expand his message one-step further by putting together a book.

Designed to encourage and empower its readers, Be Bodacious: Put Life in Your Leadership is a collection of entertaining tales from the business trenches, and from Steven's own experiences working as a cowboy.

When he is not writing or speaking, Steven enjoys working in his community. He is dedicated to his Christian faith and has volunteered his time and resources to many causes, including inmates at juvenile detention centers, jails and prisons. For his work in the community, Steven was recognized as the recipient of the Governor's Certificate of Volunteer Service from the State of Texas.

Steven Wood resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with his wife Kay. They have two adult children and four grandchildren.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is the story of a young man who discovers how to become a better performer not only at work, but also at home and community., December 4, 2010

By 

Blaine Greenfield "eclectic reader" (Belle Meade, NJ) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Be Bodacious: Put Life in Your Leadership (Paperback)

Enjoyed BE BODACIOUS: PUT LIFE IN YOUR LEADERSHIP by Stephen D. Wood.

It is the story of a young man who discovers how to become a better performer not only at work, but also at home and in the community . . . he does so as a result of a series of lessons from a mentor named "Cowboy."

Unlike many other books of this type, both the characters and situations in BE BODACIOUS felt real . . . I actually felt that I got to know the main character, and what he learned along the way made sense to me.

For example, there was this tidbit:

* The eight-second rule also applies to life and pursuit of our dreams. In bull riding, there is no score for the bull you do not ride, or the bull ridden only for seven seconds. It is impossible to achieve a dream or live bodaciously if you never pursue bodacious opportunities or give up too soon. You do not realize profits in business for a sale that was almost made. Life-long goals and lasting relationships are missed by not living courageously. Too often, we quit on our opportunities and relationships with only one second remaining. All too often, just as we are close to going the full eight! To go the full eight you must have extraordinary commitment, unrestrained action, and bold execution.

And then there was this point that I need to be constantly reminded about:

* You live with the decisions and consequences of your past; this does not change. But your ability to deal with your past failures and to put them in the past directly impacts how you live today. The only way you can make meaning of your past is to focus on what you do today, because what you do today will be tomorrow's past. You write your own history and legacy by what you do today. If you want to change your history and future, change what you do in the present. Instead of reaching back, reach forward and write your own future.

Lastly, there was this idea--my favorite one from the book:

* Get serious about pursuing your bodacious dream and get off your "but," and do something. Be cautious of getting comfortable and resting on your big but, because your but will prevent you from pursuing your bodacious dreams. Buts come in many forms; here are a few that may look familiar to you:

I would pursue my bodacious adventure but . . .

I could have pursued my bodacious adventure but . . .

But I did not know how to pursue my bodacious adventure . . .

But I have never pursued an adventure like this before . . .

But the bodacious adventure is too expensive . . .

But pursuing the bodacious adventure will take too long . . .

But what would people think if I pursue my bodacious adventure . . .

But what if I fail at my bodacious adventure . . .

Your big but is the number one thing that is preventing you from pursuing your bodacious adventures. People with big buts rest on them and do not pursue bodacious adventures, you can be different; you can be bodacious. Get off your big but, take action, and make your bodacious adventure become reality.

My only criticism had to do with the author's ending . . . it urged me to "pass the secrets to the next "cowboy" . . . while there's nothing wrong with doing that, I just have seem that request in too many other books of a similar nature.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Refreshing Take on Leadership, September 29, 2010

By 

Julia (East Coast) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Be Bodacious: Put Life in Your Leadership (Paperback)

Be Bodacious by Steven Wood is a fun, new take on developing leadership. It is a bit easier to swallow than most leadership books, as it is full of anecdotes. Wood conveys his message by telling stories of his own experience. I absolutely loved this, it reminded me of one of my favorite college professors... it is much easier to relate to the subject when the instructor has experienced his teachings and can relate to it himself.

The story begins with Josh. His boss, Cowboy, believes Josh has the potential to be a great leader and proves so by giving him a diary of all his experiences. He passes on his diary in hopes that Josh will read and learn all the principles of leadership and then searches for a worthy candidate himself to pass the qualities on to.

This book is extremely simplistic- which is a wonderful thing when it comes to books such as these. Most self-help books are overwhelming or just flat out boring. Not the case here- the material is very easy to comprehend. The only downside to this one is that none of the information is really new to me, but for those that aren't avid self-help readers or those who haven't taken a million college courses on business and leadership (ugh, like myself!) it wouldn't seem redundant.

This book is a quick read at only 160 pages, and has a totally refreshing take on developing leadership skills. I strongly recommend this book to new or young professionals or those just needing to tune up their leadership skills!

5.0 out of 5 stars Bodacious book!, April 7, 2011

By 

Chad F - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Be Bodacious: Put Life in Your Leadership (Paperback)

Be Bodacious by Steven D. Wood was a fantastic read that I enjoyed very much. I found the stories to be very interesting and compelling and the lessons were timeless. The book called me to action in my own personal and professional life and gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I recommend this book to everyone.