“The act of learning about ourselves as a way to lead others requires a great deal of courage and humility. From the first chapter to the final pages, the concepts of courage, humility, passion and compassion are clearly and humorously defined by an author that has truly lived the experiences. Readers will quickly recognize themselves within the vignettes and will find the subsequent guidance both wise and applicable. This book and its lessons are both poignant and brief – never preachy. Leading with the Head and Heart is highly recommended for anyone looking to inspire engagement and growth in leaders and employees alike. This book really “gets it”, and will now be a cornerstone in our staff development meetings.”
“This remarkably pithy book humbles me to read because I have actually had the privilege of “leading” Todd – although over time it became less and less clear who was leading who! A great outcome. This book is a clear-eyed report from lived experience – moments reflected upon, digested, and re-synthesized as broadly applicable insights. This is Todd channeled, arising from the kind of unflinchingly honest reckoning with himself, and the situations he found himself in, that a true leader must be able to face. There are many sentences in this book that by themselves could have a major impact on one’s work life and career and that, standing alone, would be reason enough to read this book. In a world crowded with career advice platitudes, this is a sparkling gem. And a tour de force.”
“Leadership can be some of the most challenging work we do in our lives. But it doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it. Todd provides simple yet thought-provoking practices through his stories and real life lessons. In the end, we are reminded reading Leading with the Head and Heart that being good leaders is centered more on “how” than “what” – how we interact and how we have conversations impacts our effectiveness as leaders more than execution of a great plan. The “how” starts with self-awareness and an ability to get over ourselves and I appreciate this book’s simplified presentation of how focus on what many consider to be “soft skills” is critical to the health of an organization and its teams.”
“Leading with the Head and Heart is a playbook that I’ve been waiting for. Todd shares a pathway for results with simplicity and life wisdom. It’s a perfect read for everyone from CEO’s to first time supervisors.”
“The concepts in this book are both practical and inspirational reminders about the fundamentals of leadership and one’s own continuous improvement. These ideas are helpful for school administrators, teachers, parents, and even students. Everybody has some aspect of their life where leadership skills matter and this book can help one develop those skills and it provides insight on how to apply them daily. Leading with the Head and Heart is a great way to frame the idea that our ability to truly lead relies on more than just logic or compassion.”
“In Leading with the Head and Heart, Todd develops the concepts of understanding ones-self and the introspective process of exploring our intrinsic motivations and drivers to prepare us to utilize the toolbox full of leadership concepts artfully distilled and shared in these personal readings. Clearly, as a seasoned leader, Todd is looking to provide a resource to those whom are looking for a synopsis of leadership theory disguised as life lessons which will serve as a “coffee-table must have” on all leadership tables and which will have many a page corners folded in for reference.”
“In today's world of leadership, one can easily get overwhelmed with the complexities and challenges. Leading with the Head and Heart strikes the needed balance. Its content provides a roadmap for success built on relationships, culture building, integrity, and an organizational atmosphere that both challenges its members and makes the challenges enjoyable. No matter where one is at in the leadership journey, this book seamlessly blends the needed theory and practical foundation for success."
“Leading with the Head and Heart – does an exceptional job of bridging leadership theory with actionable practice while at work and in daily life. Everyone will benefit from the illustrations, anecdotes and frameworks contained with the book. I highly recommend this resource for those who need a road map for leadership exceptionalism or a recharge in their career sweet spot.”
“Todd is an amazing leader who embodies what it means to lead with the head and heart. He channels his passion for helping those challenged by mental illness, and is leading and guiding professional resources that have a very positive impact on the lives of these individuals. Through humility and vulnerability evidenced in his personal stories and by utilizing insights from society’s most influential leaders, Todd is masterful in identifying and sharing excellent principles, characteristics, ideas and advice about what it means to lead with one’s head and heart. In a clear and succinct manner, this book provides powerful ideas I believe through my personal experience will help leaders do great work in their communities – and be truly fulfilled.”
“Serendipity – this is what I felt when I read, Leading with the Head and Heart. It came at such an opportune time for what I was looking for just at that moment. I have been in different leadership roles for almost 40 years. Emotional intelligence was not even a term when I went to graduate school for business. I learned that term and its importance from my son, out of college just two years, when we were discussing challenges in management. Leadership isn’t easy, but it is so rewarding when you see baby steps of progress with a tough project or beautiful growth in someone you are coaching (whether they know it or not). Thank you, Todd, for sharing your lessons and wisdom. I learn something new every single day. It is a joy to be where I am at and I highly endorse this book for both new and seasoned leaders.”
- Christopher A. Wall, MD, Founder – 4Giving.com
“This remarkably pithy book humbles me to read because I have actually had the privilege of “leading” Todd – although over time it became less and less clear who was leading who! A great outcome. This book is a clear-eyed report from lived experience – moments reflected upon, digested, and re-synthesized as broadly applicable insights. This is Todd channeled, arising from the kind of unflinchingly honest reckoning with himself, and the situations he found himself in, that a true leader must be able to face. There are many sentences in this book that by themselves could have a major impact on one’s work life and career and that, standing alone, would be reason enough to read this book. In a world crowded with career advice platitudes, this is a sparkling gem. And a tour de force.”
- Stephen Setterberg, MD, Founder & President - PrairieCare
“Leadership can be some of the most challenging work we do in our lives. But it doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it. Todd provides simple yet thought-provoking practices through his stories and real life lessons. In the end, we are reminded reading Leading with the Head and Heart that being good leaders is centered more on “how” than “what” – how we interact and how we have conversations impacts our effectiveness as leaders more than execution of a great plan. The “how” starts with self-awareness and an ability to get over ourselves and I appreciate this book’s simplified presentation of how focus on what many consider to be “soft skills” is critical to the health of an organization and its teams.”
- Andy Cochrane, CEO – Maple Grove Hospital
“Leading with the Head and Heart is a playbook that I’ve been waiting for. Todd shares a pathway for results with simplicity and life wisdom. It’s a perfect read for everyone from CEO’s to first time supervisors.”
- Heidi Northrup, CEO – South Lake Pediatrics
“The concepts in this book are both practical and inspirational reminders about the fundamentals of leadership and one’s own continuous improvement. These ideas are helpful for school administrators, teachers, parents, and even students. Everybody has some aspect of their life where leadership skills matter and this book can help one develop those skills and it provides insight on how to apply them daily. Leading with the Head and Heart is a great way to frame the idea that our ability to truly lead relies on more than just logic or compassion.”
- Cory McIntyre, Associate Superintendent - Anoka-Hennepin School District
“In Leading with the Head and Heart, Todd develops the concepts of understanding ones-self and the introspective process of exploring our intrinsic motivations and drivers to prepare us to utilize the toolbox full of leadership concepts artfully distilled and shared in these personal readings. Clearly, as a seasoned leader, Todd is looking to provide a resource to those whom are looking for a synopsis of leadership theory disguised as life lessons which will serve as a “coffee-table must have” on all leadership tables and which will have many a page corners folded in for reference.”
- Mike Phelps, President & CEO – Ridgeview Medical Center
“In today's world of leadership, one can easily get overwhelmed with the complexities and challenges. Leading with the Head and Heart strikes the needed balance. Its content provides a roadmap for success built on relationships, culture building, integrity, and an organizational atmosphere that both challenges its members and makes the challenges enjoyable. No matter where one is at in the leadership journey, this book seamlessly blends the needed theory and practical foundation for success."
- Sandra Lewandowski, Superintendent – Intermediate School District #287
“Leading with the Head and Heart – does an exceptional job of bridging leadership theory with actionable practice while at work and in daily life. Everyone will benefit from the illustrations, anecdotes and frameworks contained with the book. I highly recommend this resource for those who need a road map for leadership exceptionalism or a recharge in their career sweet spot.”
- Dr. Scott Morrell, President – Rebar Leadership
“Todd is an amazing leader who embodies what it means to lead with the head and heart. He channels his passion for helping those challenged by mental illness, and is leading and guiding professional resources that have a very positive impact on the lives of these individuals. Through humility and vulnerability evidenced in his personal stories and by utilizing insights from society’s most influential leaders, Todd is masterful in identifying and sharing excellent principles, characteristics, ideas and advice about what it means to lead with one’s head and heart. In a clear and succinct manner, this book provides powerful ideas I believe through my personal experience will help leaders do great work in their communities – and be truly fulfilled.”
- Brian Murray, CEO – Ryan Companies
“Serendipity – this is what I felt when I read, Leading with the Head and Heart. It came at such an opportune time for what I was looking for just at that moment. I have been in different leadership roles for almost 40 years. Emotional intelligence was not even a term when I went to graduate school for business. I learned that term and its importance from my son, out of college just two years, when we were discussing challenges in management. Leadership isn’t easy, but it is so rewarding when you see baby steps of progress with a tough project or beautiful growth in someone you are coaching (whether they know it or not). Thank you, Todd, for sharing your lessons and wisdom. I learn something new every single day. It is a joy to be where I am at and I highly endorse this book for both new and seasoned leaders.”
- Corinne Abdou, President – Kaleidoscope Health Systems