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Step Back and LEAP: 9 Keys to Unlock your Life and Make Change Happen
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and thought, “Where the hell is my life going?”
All of us have been there and most of us struggle to find the answer to simple but difficult questions like “What do I really want?” and “How do I actually make it happen?”
Patrick Mork, a former Google exec and serial tech marketer, hit that wall in 2017. After being fired twice in the span of 18 months at two different startups, he woke up one day terrified by the realization that what he had spent the past 20 years doing no longer excited him and that his passion for it was gone.
Divorced, nearly bankrupt and teetering on the edge of depression, his life and career were in ruins.
Fast forward 5 years. Patrick has become a highly sought after CEO coach and motivational speaker, built one of the fastest growing leadership development startups in South America, and moved to Santiago, Chile. He and his team have impacted 1,000’s of people and developed leaders and high performance teams for clients including Walmart, Liberty Media regional unicorns in Latin America including Xepelin and Betterfly.
Step Back and Leap! Is an authentic, personal and raw series of stories that trace the author's life and challenges. From being bullied as a kid in Mexico, to flaming out in a startup destined for stardom in Silicon Valley. From starting a company at age 47 in a foreign country to surviving a near-revolution in the streets of Santiago, Chile. Each chapter recounts dramatic, real-life challenges Patrick faced and the 9 indispensable “keys” he used to systematically overcome each challenge.
But it doesn’t require a fortune, an MBA from a top school or having worked at Google to make radical, profound changes in your life. Anyone can do it. With the right tools, support, perspective and hard work.
Step Back and LEAP lays out 9 proven keys to help you unlock your true self and live a life of purpose and meaning that is in line with your values.
Each key is supported by a series of proven, practical exercises which will help move you from inspiration to action as you start to become the person you really want to be.
“What might be possible if you could live a life of purpose and meaning?”
Imagine the possibilities…
All of us have been there and most of us struggle to find the answer to simple but difficult questions like “What do I really want?” and “How do I actually make it happen?”
Patrick Mork, a former Google exec and serial tech marketer, hit that wall in 2017. After being fired twice in the span of 18 months at two different startups, he woke up one day terrified by the realization that what he had spent the past 20 years doing no longer excited him and that his passion for it was gone.
Divorced, nearly bankrupt and teetering on the edge of depression, his life and career were in ruins.
Fast forward 5 years. Patrick has become a highly sought after CEO coach and motivational speaker, built one of the fastest growing leadership development startups in South America, and moved to Santiago, Chile. He and his team have impacted 1,000’s of people and developed leaders and high performance teams for clients including Walmart, Liberty Media regional unicorns in Latin America including Xepelin and Betterfly.
Step Back and Leap! Is an authentic, personal and raw series of stories that trace the author's life and challenges. From being bullied as a kid in Mexico, to flaming out in a startup destined for stardom in Silicon Valley. From starting a company at age 47 in a foreign country to surviving a near-revolution in the streets of Santiago, Chile. Each chapter recounts dramatic, real-life challenges Patrick faced and the 9 indispensable “keys” he used to systematically overcome each challenge.
But it doesn’t require a fortune, an MBA from a top school or having worked at Google to make radical, profound changes in your life. Anyone can do it. With the right tools, support, perspective and hard work.
Step Back and LEAP lays out 9 proven keys to help you unlock your true self and live a life of purpose and meaning that is in line with your values.
Each key is supported by a series of proven, practical exercises which will help move you from inspiration to action as you start to become the person you really want to be.
“What might be possible if you could live a life of purpose and meaning?”
Imagine the possibilities…
243 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2023
21 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Mork
1 book1 followerPatrick Mork is a Belgian / American entrepreneur, executive coach and motivational speaker. He is the founder and CEO of LEAP, a cultural transformation company that helps leaders build company cultures of meaning and purpose. Prior to starting LEAP he spent over 20 years in various marketing leadership roles in several high profile technology startups and at Google where he built and led the marketing team that launched the Google play brand.
Patrick is an avid reader, gamer and athlete and enjoys cycling and practicing yoga and meditation in his spare time. He currently lives in Santiago, Chile and is the father to two amazing kids, Raphael and Natasha.
Patrick is an avid reader, gamer and athlete and enjoys cycling and practicing yoga and meditation in his spare time. He currently lives in Santiago, Chile and is the father to two amazing kids, Raphael and Natasha.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 8, 2023
Part memoir and reflection, but always focused on the future, Mork does a wonderful job taking the reader along on his own journey of self-examination and aiding them on our own. A good read to help ground you in what's important in life beyond the hamster wheel grind and how to pursue it.
April 5, 2023
In the words of Patrick, “…If we’re not will to grow, then we’re standing still…refusing to change means we’re going backwards. It means we drown. It means we die.” This book is for that person who wants to grow, and is willing to learn new tricks to help themselves in that endeavor. Part how to, part workbook, and part story, this book provides a simple, but very powerful read promising to help the reader unlock their life and make Sh*t happen. Less than a dozen chapters with 9 focused on KEY actions (find your purpose, ikigai, uncover your values, unlock your goals, be accountable, ask for help, build a team, ask powerful questions, celebrate failures, and manage your energy) each provide a concept to help the reader take a giant leap forward. Each chapter is further supported by two to three exercises to bring the reading to life for the reader. Key #7, Exercise 3, for example, is about understanding the power of the pause. Not only is each exercise explained in terms of how to, but each also offers up additional wisdom related to implementing that specific exercise. Interwoven through these chapters is Patrick’s own life story which serves to set up each lesson, amplify the issues, and underscore the value of applying the Lesson. Rather than focus on a single aspect of his life, Patrick brings scenarios into play that many readers will have been exposed to in their own lives. Especially poignant for me was Patrick's realization and sharing that expectations of the parent are not necessarily aligned with goals of the child; and that to flourish the child (in this case Patrick) needs to pursue their own dreams. A most thoroughly enjoyable, easy read that provided keen insight, had me read every word, and left me wondering for whom I will buy this book this coming holiday season.
I received this book as an ARC from Reedsy in advance of the publish date of 5 April 2023 in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
I received this book as an ARC from Reedsy in advance of the publish date of 5 April 2023 in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
March 3, 2023
You will want to know more about Mad Mork since the beginning of the book to the end.
Dynamic storytelling that reminds of Patrick Lencioni's rhythm and insight but this time they are real stories.
The author generously shares what very few dare to expose, what we typically keep to ourselves: about his mistakes, his mindset, challenges from his previous executive jobs and the foundations of his current business.
Both inspiring and pragmatic, it includes exercises that can be implemented right away.
Good coaches first start by challenging their own beliefs and ask to be challenged. This book also reflects this journey.
Dynamic storytelling that reminds of Patrick Lencioni's rhythm and insight but this time they are real stories.
The author generously shares what very few dare to expose, what we typically keep to ourselves: about his mistakes, his mindset, challenges from his previous executive jobs and the foundations of his current business.
Both inspiring and pragmatic, it includes exercises that can be implemented right away.
Good coaches first start by challenging their own beliefs and ask to be challenged. This book also reflects this journey.
September 1, 2023
Step Back and LEAP by Patrick Mork and Richard Beynon brings together knowledge and practical strategies to make you feel empowered to take charge of your life and create meaningful change. One of the standout things I liked the most is the holistic approach to personal development. The authors recognize that change is a diverse process, and they skillfully address various aspects of life, including mindset, habits, relationships, and self-awareness. The nine Keys framework they present is well-structured and provides a clear path to self-improvement, making it easy for readers to follow and apply to their own lives.
The reading is engaging and relatable, making complex concepts accessible to all types of people. The inclusion of real-life examples and anecdotes adds realm and authenticity to their teachings. As a result, the book feels like a genuine conversation with mentors who genuinely care about the reader's growth and well-being. I love this reading; it is really easy to understand and helped me a lot with the journey of finding my wellbeing.
The reading is engaging and relatable, making complex concepts accessible to all types of people. The inclusion of real-life examples and anecdotes adds realm and authenticity to their teachings. As a result, the book feels like a genuine conversation with mentors who genuinely care about the reader's growth and well-being. I love this reading; it is really easy to understand and helped me a lot with the journey of finding my wellbeing.
August 29, 2023
Interesting and inspiring
This is a very readable and interesting book about following your passion and making the most of your career. It's more of an autobiography than a business advice book, which actually made for a more enjoyable read for me. The author tells the story of how he was a success in the marketing world in Silicon Valley, but realized it didn't really fulfil him and he would get more satisfaction from helping and coaching people to live up to their full potential. He also talks about his childhood and his personal life. I think this would be a good book to read if you're interested in how someone got to where they are as a successful life coach, including all the twins and turns involved, both in his professional and personal life.
This is a very readable and interesting book about following your passion and making the most of your career. It's more of an autobiography than a business advice book, which actually made for a more enjoyable read for me. The author tells the story of how he was a success in the marketing world in Silicon Valley, but realized it didn't really fulfil him and he would get more satisfaction from helping and coaching people to live up to their full potential. He also talks about his childhood and his personal life. I think this would be a good book to read if you're interested in how someone got to where they are as a successful life coach, including all the twins and turns involved, both in his professional and personal life.
September 1, 2023
Step Back and LEAP by authors Patrick Mork and Richard Beynon delves with the 9 indispensable keys to overcome challenges, unlock them and make change happen, with the final goal of becoming the person each one wants to be, of having the life each reader really wants.
Here, the writing is clean and lean, making the goal message understandable for the aimed readers. Each key is clearly explained and also supported by helpful exercises that will enable readers to immediately put into practice and start not only managing, but also embracing change in their life.
All in all, this reading offers an interesting and powerful message to get the change each one needs.
Here, the writing is clean and lean, making the goal message understandable for the aimed readers. Each key is clearly explained and also supported by helpful exercises that will enable readers to immediately put into practice and start not only managing, but also embracing change in their life.
All in all, this reading offers an interesting and powerful message to get the change each one needs.
September 1, 2023
Step Back and LEAP is one of the most hopeful and motivational stories I have read in recent years. I always say that to become an expert and successful at something you have to be in that position and have lived through the darkest parts of your personal life. This is the case of the author, who after going through one of the hardest stages in life, has come out stronger and is helping others by sharing his experiences, his achievements and his defeats.
This book helped me a lot when I started my working career. I felt very vulnerable and I really had no desire to get ahead. This book has given me a lot of encourage
This book helped me a lot when I started my working career. I felt very vulnerable and I really had no desire to get ahead. This book has given me a lot of encourage
November 14, 2023
Change your trajectory
This book is for those people whose lives have thrown them a curveball. Reevaluating where you want to go in terms of careers can be daunting, but the author's use of personal anecdotes and examples that highlight the 9 key steps to take in unlocking your inner potential and choosing your new life. I found it to be interesting as well as worthwhile. The insights from Mr. Morks' time at Google was very interesting. I think that the lessons in here will be able to help many people especially after covid has prompted many to reassess their priorities.
This book is for those people whose lives have thrown them a curveball. Reevaluating where you want to go in terms of careers can be daunting, but the author's use of personal anecdotes and examples that highlight the 9 key steps to take in unlocking your inner potential and choosing your new life. I found it to be interesting as well as worthwhile. The insights from Mr. Morks' time at Google was very interesting. I think that the lessons in here will be able to help many people especially after covid has prompted many to reassess their priorities.
September 2, 2023
"Step Back and LEAP" is a compelling and inspiring book that resonates with anyone grappling with life's fundamental questions. Patrick Mork, drawing from his own transformative journey, offers a refreshing perspective on reinvention and personal growth. The candid storytelling, spanning diverse experiences and geographies, creates an authentic connection with readers. His vulnerability in sharing setbacks, from startup failures to personal struggles, makes the book relatable and humanizes the path to success.
The nine keys presented in the book provide practical guidance for navigating life's complexities, making it accessible to a broad audience. What sets this book apart is the inclusion of actionable exercises, ensuring readers don't just read but also take concrete steps toward change. I totally recommend reading it.
The nine keys presented in the book provide practical guidance for navigating life's complexities, making it accessible to a broad audience. What sets this book apart is the inclusion of actionable exercises, ensuring readers don't just read but also take concrete steps toward change. I totally recommend reading it.
September 2, 2023
Step Back and LEAP by Patrick Mork and Richard Beynon is a guide much needed in this fast-paced world. The guide is equipped with 9 key framework that not only motivate you to make a change in life but essentially take charge too. The guide is brilliant wherein each chapter deals with a critical topic. From finding a purpose to unlocking goals and being accountable to asking for help where needed, the author has covered every topic with understanding and a drive to provide readers with clear insight. What drew me in was the author's willingness to share his own raw journey, providing motivation through his very own challenges the lessons he gained.A must-have!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews