If you've ever wondered what kind of leader you want to be—or doubted you're "ready" to lead—these stories will show you that real leadership starts with character, not a title.

When it's time to lead, don't look up. Look around. You'll find leadership in unexpected places—and extraordinary power in ordinary people.

Leadership in Unexpected Places: The Extraordinary Power of Ordinary People by Jon Michaels
Jon Michaels

Jon Michaels

 Jon Michaels spent ten years on active duty with the United States Marines as a captain and naval aviator. He flew the CH-53E Super Stallion and was deployed twice overseas, then finished his military career as a flight instructor teaching new lieutenants how to fly. He then attended graduate school and received a master of business administration degree. After working with his family’s jewelry business, Jon transitioned to the energy and environment space, where he has since been dedicating his time and efforts. He lives in San Francisco with his wife, two sons, and dog. 

Books

Leadership in Unexpected Places: The Extraordinary Power of Ordinary People

What if the best leadership lessons don’t come from CEOs, politicians, all-star athletes, or celebrities—but from people you’ve never heard of?

Leadership in Unexpected Places goes beyond the usual big names you see online—the ones everyone posts about—and instead shares stories you likely haven’t heard but won’t soon forget. Each one offers...

Say Yes: Foundational Lessons from Combat Town, the Quigley, and Taking Invisible Paths

The seemingly small and insignificant events that happen to all of us have great potential to turn into significant personal and professional development experiences in the ensuing years and decades. A person is fortunate if they can recognize that even one of these foundational events has occurred and is able to learn from it. These basic...