Leading with Significance: How to Create a Magnetic, People-First Culture

by Joey Havens

Named a Best Book for Transforming Workplace Culture in 2024 by People Matters

Amazon Best Seller in Strategy & Competition, Work Life Balance, Business Health & Stress, and Christian Business & Personal Growth

"If you want to be part of building something bigger than yourself, this book is a great place to start!"—Jon Gordon, 13-time best-selling author of The Power of Positive Leadership and The Carpenter

Become a magnet for success with Joey Havens' transformative insights in Leading with Significance. As managing partner of strategic growth at HORNE LLP, Havens shares his journey of turning a good workplace culture into a magnetic, people-first environment. In today's volatile world, employees crave more than just perks—they seek purpose, belonging, and the chance to unleash their full potential.

Uncover the genuine human emotions that elevate a workplace to greatness. Havens draws on Christian principles of caring and service to guide readers on a journey toward building a culture of significance. Whether you're driven by exponential growth, inclusivity, or attracting top talent, Leading with Significance offers practical strategies and real-life examples to help you create a workplace where people thrive.

Inside, readers will
 
 
The power of purpose-driven leadership and its impact on organizational success Strategies for fostering a culture of belonging and inclusion that drives employee engagement Practical tips for attracting and retaining top talent in today's competitive market Real-life examples and case studies illustrating the transformational power of a people-first culture Insights into leveraging Christian principles of caring and service to build a workplace of significance Actionable steps for aligning organizational values with employee aspirations for meaningful work 
Endorsed by industry experts and thought leaders, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to foster a people-first culture that drives exceptional performance. 

"Learn how a people-first mindset creates a strong sense of belonging where team members connect their purpose, values, and dreams and give discretionary efforts for innovation and high performance. Being anticipatory is threaded throughout this journey to build a powerful magnetic culture. Read this book today!"—Daniel Burrus, author of seven best-selling books, including the New York Times and Wall Street Journal best sellers Flash Foresight and The Anticipatory Organization

Genres: Leadership, Nonfiction, Business, Professional Development, Amazon, Self Help

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2023

About the author

Joey Havens, CPA, is a nationally recognized voice and leading thought leader in workplace transformation and people-first leadership. In his powerful TEDx talk, "From Lonely Jobs to Thriving Teams,” he shares three practical secrets to creating people-first cultures that inspire purpose and create magnetic energy. He is the author of Leading with Significance: How to Create a Magnetic, People-First Culture and his eBook ABC’s to Outstanding. He shares his wisdom weekly on his YouTube channel.

His servant leadership has helped thousands unlock their full potential and build teams where everyone thrives. Leading with his Christian faith, Joey demonstrates the power of Christian principles applied to workplace culture. He is married to Cathy Cole Havens, and they celebrate life with eight grandchildren.

Reviews

[Sherrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

***I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway***

Prior to winning this book, I did not know there was a genre called "Christian Business" and it took me a bit to wrap my brain around that concept. Christianity is innately non-capitalistic at it's core so I was unsure what on Earth this genre could possibly be. At least as far as this book is concerned, it's bringing Christian principles of kindness, fairness, and inclusivity to the workplace. I can get down with that.

So, I want to be clear. The Christian element is not the problem with this book. It's actually a strength as far as I'm concerned. The problem is the business side. The book covers the author's experience in leading HORNE to become a great work culture with their concept of "the wise firm" and as he points out, by focusing on their people they were able to achieve more as a business. That's a great premise for the book! But, like SO many business centered books out there...it tries so hard to be general and not give away specifics to their organization that it is almost entirely useless. It's not helpful to tell people, "focus on inclusivity" if you don't give specific, actionable examples of how to do so. It's just platitudes.

This isn't the worst offender of business book that I've read, but it is a particularly disappointing one since the author clearly has the insights and experiences to write a better book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to ShelfLife for choosing me.

This should be required reading for anyone in a leadership position (honestly, it should be read by anyone who aspires to be a leader too). It focuses on teaching leaders practical, easy-to-follow strategies to build a strong, positive culture within their organizations. The guidance on attracting and retaining employees/talent by aligning company values with what employees actually want is something that can serve all of us well. At its core the books message is that in order to be successful, effective workplaces you have to go beyond surface-level perks by creating real purpose, belonging and meaning for the employees you lead.

I read it in a few hours, definitely worth the read.

[Shannon Pilcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leading with Significance offers a timely and compelling reminder that the strongest organizations are built not on processes alone, but on people. Joey Havens challenges leaders to move beyond creating workplaces that merely function and instead cultivate environments where individuals feel seen, valued, and inspired to contribute their very best.

What immediately stands out is Havens' emphasis on significance over success. Through a thoughtful blend of leadership insights, personal experiences, and practical guidance, he demonstrates that employees are increasingly seeking purpose, belonging, and meaningful work. His message is especially relevant in an era defined by talent shortages, shifting workplace expectations, and an ongoing search for organizational resilience.

I was particularly impressed by the way the book integrates people-first leadership with actionable business outcomes. Havens makes a persuasive case that organizations committed to caring, service, and inclusion are not simply creating better cultures they are building stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable businesses. The practical strategies and real-world examples ensure that readers can immediately begin applying these principles within their own organizations.

Ultimately, Leading with Significance is more than a leadership book, it is a blueprint for creating workplaces where people and performance thrive together. Insightful, inspiring, and highly practical, Joey Havens' work serves as an invaluable resource for leaders committed to building cultures that leave a lasting impact.

[Alisha Self · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads for the giveaway!

*Leading with Significance* by Joey Havens is positioned as a purpose-driven leadership guide that blends workplace culture strategy with Christian values. Recognized as a standout book on transforming workplace culture, it emphasizes moving beyond surface-level engagement to build truly “magnetic” organizations rooted in meaning, service, and belonging. Drawing on more than 40 years of leadership experience and insights shared in his TEDx talk “From Lonely Jobs to Thriving Teams. Havens argues that today’s employees are seeking deeper fulfillment through their work. His central message is that aligning organizational mission with God’s purpose can create energized, people-first teams where individuals feel valued and connected.

The book outlines practical themes such as cultivating a purpose-driven culture, encouraging a “be better” mindset, fostering authentic relationships, and leading with love and service. Havens presents leadership as an act of stewardship, where investing in people leads to stronger performance, resilience, and long-term success. He also highlights how faith-based principles can help attract and retain talent, while turning workplace challenges into opportunities for growth. Overall, the book frames culture as a company’s most sustainable competitive advantage and calls leaders to build environments where individuals can thrive both professionally and spiritually.

[Charlie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Havens wrote an amazing guide for business leaders! Leading with significance is an amazing book for any organizational leader who wants to put people first and create a positive and engaging workplace culture.
What I like about this book is that it is a perfect and useful guide to prioritize the development and well-being of employees focusing on 3 aspects that are: The power of culture, where leaders need to create a strong and positive company culture to retain talent, foster innovation and achieve long-term success. Second, the importance of people, as it is said, people are the most important asset in any organization. And third, creating a sense of purpose, if a company has a shared understanding of purpose with their employees, they’ll feel connected and engaged in fulfilling objectives.
Overall, it is an amazing guide to know that employees are the most important thing to any organization.

[Sam DesRocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.**

I believe this book does an excellent job in describing the author’s assent to becoming executive partner and introducing Christian ideals into the firm without the mindset of being a Christian mandated company. Ultimately the author is pushing that the success of the individuals creates stability and success both for them and the company.

Important note, there are times where it may seem that the author is turning to a prosperity gospel. While in the end I don’t be that to be the case, I think that there are a few times where that inference can be drawn. Ultimately that is a fine line as well in the role of an executive as they are leading the success of the company, questioning even their own direction and motives at times.

If there were a way to sprinkle the final 20 pages throughout the book, I feel like it would be even more the benefit to current or aspiring managers that it already is.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this copy as a Goodreads giveaway winner. I am struggling with what to rate this book. At its core, the book focuses of putting the workers first in a business. A concept that I absolutely love and think there needs to be a shift in mindset in the business world. However, at times it seems like a feel good book that just unfortunately isn’t feasible. I am not familiar with the company HORNE, but did catch that it is a private company. It is much easier to change a small privately owned company’s mindset rather than a large publicly traded company. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s right, but at the end of the day reality is what it is. Overall, the book was an easy read and there is nothing glaringly as this is why I didn’t like the book, but I just can’t rate it more than 3 stars.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are in charge of a company, then you may not spend a lot of time thinking about the culture that you create. However, the reality is that the attitude a business takes toward its workers and how they conduct themselves has everything to do with employee morale and overall success. As the individual in charge, the company’s culture flows through you, and it is your responsibility to lead in the right way.

That is what this book is about. The author, who has plenty of experience teaching leaders the techniques they need to succeed, is ready to pass on his best lessons. He does so in an approachable way that anyone should be able to easily follow. If you implement his teachings in your company, it might shock you how much easier everything should become.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Power of a People-First Workplace...

Joey Havens' "Leading with Significance" offers a fresh approach to creating a people-first workplace culture. Drawing from his experience at HORNE LLP, Havens blends Christian principles of caring and service with modern leadership strategies to present a unique framework for fostering a culture of significance. The book provides practical insights on prioritizing human emotions and potential in the workplace, attracting and retaining talent, and aligning organizational values with employee aspirations. "Leading with Significance" serves as a timely and inspiring guide for leaders aiming to create a workplace that goes beyond perks to foster genuine belonging and purpose in today's complex business landscape.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teamwork is one of the most important tools when we talk about organizational efficiency. Although we all agree that teamwork is important, not everyone realizes the impact it has on a company. But is it possible to generate an optimal work environment after a pandemic, technological advances? The answer is Yes!
Author Havens shares ideas, failures, low points, and lessons learned to move from a traditional culture to one based on people and communication.
Chapter after chapter, the author's motivation is absorbed by the reader, since he conveys a lot in his pages. His desire, and his motive are present, encouraging the reader to become a leader of these times. Certainly, a different book on leadership, with great teachings.

[Marina L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joey Havens, with his clear and accessible style, shares a deep reflection on the need to create genuine and positive work environments. The author's ability to clearly express his ideas was what most impressed me about this book. Havens provides tangible strategies that any leader can implement.

Personally, I'm always looking for material to help me foster more positive environments at work, and "Leading with Significance" has exceeded my expectations. The information the author shares is not only inspiring but also offers practical tools to make a real impact. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their leadership style and also transform their workplace into a space where employees feel valued and motivated.

[Charla Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for any business owner, manager or supervisor that wants to attract and keep good employees while maintaining a successful business. Joey Havens demonstrates how to do this through creating a culture that is magnetic. He believes that people today want a job that pays well, but they also want to feel they are making a difference and that they have a purpose. He says, people’s hunger “for meaning and significance is rampant across the business world.” Personally, I believe he is right. He also brings Christian principles and values into the workplace and again I agree with his views. I would like to see more businesses practice these values and make the wellbeing of their employees a priority.

[Ivan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leading With Significance is a book that puts the worker as a priority, something rarely seen these days. At least in my own experience, most companies are client-orientated, with little regard for the employees and their needs. Joey Havens understands that for achieving excellence, a well-balanced productive team is necessary, and addresses this subject from different angles, giving meaning and universality to the read.

Overall, it was an interesting read. A different approach, I consider it to be meant for a beginner or intermediate level, with real insights and useful experience displayed over the pages. It is recommended for the beginner Leader, as well as for the small entrepreneurs.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book looked very promising as soon as I saw what it was about and I was definitely not wrong; it met every one of my expectations.
Unfortunately, we are living in a hurried world where chaos is part of our everyday life. This is reflected in various aspects of people's lives, sadly we can see how it affects each of them. The workplace is not isolated and we tend to bring this frenetic pace to this area which creates many inconveniences.
The author has extensive knowledge on the subject of leadership in a company, so the information is not only invaluable, but also accurate. I recommend this book to any kind of reader since it’s an enjoyable read.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems to me a completely necessary book for today's leaders, it seeks not only to become a person capable of creating a competitive work environment and focused on business goals, but also to be a leader interested in strengthening all areas of your life in order to be a truly complete and happy person. It is a very interesting book that will empower you to get the best out of your team. I feel it is a much more person-centered approach, which makes it for me a necessary guide for all leaders in any industry. I highly recommend it, it changed my mentality and helped me to improve my results with a much more interested and happy team.

[Camilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I think most of the people have heard the famous phrase “what you attract, is what will come to you”; even though it sounds senseless or very obvious, this phrase itself has a lot of meaning because it is not as simple as it sounds. It is necessary to create an environment that makes you feel positive on what you are attracting. This same situation happens in business, and in the creation of culture. This book is very interesting and the narrative used by the author is great because it shows real cases, good insights and a very simple language. All this makes the reading an enjoyable exercise. For sure, I highly recommend this book.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those in management positions should read this book as it helps us create a healthy environment for the people we manage and also help us work on how we manage people and make them come to us in our problems. I feel like this applies to company settings, but as teachers, we manage people like classes and groups, or even as parents, we manage our families and kids. It is a great skill to manage people and gain their trust quickly and efficiently. If people trust us more, it is easier to help them grow and listen to our advice, which allows these people to succeed, and it’s as a person, too.

[SA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Goodreads, the author and publisher for a copy of this book.

The book provides example of a unique approach to business management, centered around Christian values and putting people first.

It’s unique in that business financial success is the outcome rather than the focus. Unfortunately I don’t think that many corporations would embrace this approach, but I do think it’s aspirational and would be nice if such considerations were made by senior leadership in the workplace.

[Susan Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is No Perfect Culture

A down to earth and vulnerable review of one organization’s drive to shift corporate culture! Joey’s acknowledgement of successes and failures along the way highlights the ebbs and flows of culture growth. His willingness to be vulnerable to himself and those around him have contributed to his organization’s resilience in the face of adversity.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Many of the leadership concepts are good reminders to anyone leading others in large corporations. The focus leans heavily into scripture and faith which at times overshadows the practical strategies and tips. This book is likely to land best for Christians but will be less appreciated by non-Christians due to the heavy focus on God.

[Ashley Reel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent book informing on person first company practices with a bit of faith based practices behind them. The book would have been better if the practices were separated out more clearly from the personal experiences.

[Peggy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey Havens learn and teaches that way to success is to put people first and to work right along with them,

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads giveaway winner. Very informative.

[Brianna Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway.
I enjoyed reading through the authors journey of building a culture at his company that he could be proud of. He is a very religious man which of course was a big part of the book. The biblical stuff will add great value to those who are also religious and for those like myself who are not religious, won't distract or detract.
Many of the ideas presented in the book are things I've heard before, but the format of the book was unique. It read like a story with reflections.

[Seref Gonuller · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is a waste of time.

[Darla Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most open, honest, vulnerable, thorough, and practical books I've ever read on shifting a culture and engaging a team. I recommend it highly!

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

It just wasn’t working with me.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book!

In this incredible book, Joey Havens exposes us to all experiences he had in the field and to his insights or his believes, and the lessons he has learned throughout the years so that we can copy, imitate or improve all this, and also thrive in business in the same way as he has done.
Whether we are an organization or a company who is looking to improve our culture or whether we are just starting and want to begin building this culture, this book is useful in the same way.
His main focus is on the role that leadership plays in business and that we should put our well-being first and foremost in order to achieve the desired goal.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

💯💯💯💯💯