Customer Reviews

A Leader Becomes a Leader: Inspirational Stories of Leadership for a New Generation

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This beautiful and thoughtful book reminds us of the people who influence our world yesterday and today. Mr. Sheehan has captured the essence of these great but complex men and women. Anyone interested in leadership or in assessing others capacity to lead would be well advised to read this important book.

I can pick this book up at any time, for a minute or an hour and something special happens. It draws me in with its multi-layered organization and intimate photos that beam off the pages our leaders' compassion and benevolent power. It enchants me with stories about fulcrum points in our history because I can imagine these leaders pulling the levers that moved the world forward. It inspires me because the words make so exact and beautiful the human qualities that enabled these individuals to bring quantum changes. Often when I read it, I am inspired to try to accomplish in my microcosm a little of what the great did for the world.

I am, first of all, amazed at Kevin's understanding of what it takes to be a superlative leader. I have been an executive leadership coach of some of the finest leaders in the northeast US, and Kevin (a self described author/producer/entrepreneur) has nailed it extremely well. From the selection of representative leaders to the extensive list of their characteristics, I found it not only right on but at times more in depth than my understanding of my own craft! I am buying a bunch to give out as gifts for my colleagues or as completion tokens for clients. Impressive work, beautifully laid out.

What I love most about "A Leader Becomes A Leader" is it's timeless simplicity. I can take this book (turn off the television) and spend quality time with a young child, parent, teacher, grandparent or peer and connect on a visual, thoughtful and emotional level. These inspiring stories remain simple, true and steadfast in their messages of perseverance (and are told with grace). A thoughtful journey through and towards what is really important in life. A great exploration on human potential. This must be shared!

I work a lot with middle and high school youth and find this book a perfect introduction to leadership for a new generation. Each of the mini biographies are well written, clear and informative. The timelines graphically make history come alive. The photos really add punch to the book and the design is top notch. It is a wonderful gift for a young person and also would work well in the classroom. First rate!

In this unique book, J. Kevin Sheehan explores the mystery of creative leadership. Ranging across an astonishing diversity of fields - business, art, music, politics, social reform, and science - Sheehan probes for the human stories and the dramatic moments that led to lasting innovation. From John Coltrane to Madame Curie, from Henry David Thoreau to Mother Theresa, the creators in this book come to life though a compelling mix of vivid quotation, lively typesetting, and riveting photos. A Leader Becomes a Leader is a thrilling read. It will be of enduring interest to anyone who cares to reflect on and relive some of the peak moments in human achievement.

John Martin-Joy M.D.
Harvard Medical School

J. Kevin Sheehan has done a superlative job of capturing the essence of the human activity of a diverse group of individuals across a wide spectrum of leadership situations and motivations. This book will provide inspiration to potential leaders of all ages, as each reflects on the various stages of ones life journey. What a great way to better understand leadership through the well-told stories and superb use of photographs. Whether for youth first experiencing real life situations, retired individuals, or everyone in between; it is an ideal gift for persons of all ages.

Donald E. Koten Ph.D. (Retired Professor)

Good advice from a best selling business management book suggests, "Try to find someone doing something right". Kevin Sheehan seems to have found the best of those folks and documents the lives of an amazingly diverse group of individuals who epitomize excellence. The 'usual supects', Winston Churchill, JFK and Albert Einstein coexist on these pages with Georgia O'keefe, Louis Armstrong and Tiger Woods. You can read it from the front, the back or the middle and you can take your time about it too. Then. leave it on the coffee table so your kids can read about people "doing something right".

A gem. I ordered many copies to be used as book prizes for years of graduating seniors.
Kevin Sheehan has brought us wonderful descriptions of an array of diverse individuals who can influence our future leaders. He has created a knowledgeable collection of inspirational figures - their personalities, attitudes and actions. This is a book every parent and school administrator should make available to their children and students in order that they find their role models. Any of the personalities can be reviewed and understood without the need to start at the beginning of the book.

Kevin Sheehan has written a wonderful book on the leaders who have shaped our lives and times. The format is great. He covers key points about
each person and keeps it very interesting and inspiring. I am giving it
to lots of people as their holiday gift this year. Great bedside reading.
I highly recommend it.