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Leadership Is Worthless…But Leading Is Priceless: What I Learned from 9/11, the NFL, and Ukraine
Practical leadership for difficult times, from a crisis management expert who has led response teams through the 9/11 Pentagon attack, NFL on-field medical emergencies, and the war in Ukraine.
Dr. Thom Mayer knows first-hand that true leadership stems from our actions, not our positions, especially in times of crisis.
Drawing on his experiences heading the 9/11 Pentagon rescue efforts, dealing with on-field emergencies in the NFL (he was at Damar Hamlin’s bedside after his injury), training mobile response medical teams in Ukraine, and more, Mayer covers such topics
Why trust is vital for innovationThe critical role of failure in devising new ways of leadingHow questions fuel innovative actionWhy every leader should have the title Chief Story TellerThe importance of distinguishing between data, knowledge, and wisdomEach chapter begins with a provocative and seemingly contradictory statement, like the book’s title, and includes stories, historical examples, and literary lessons selected to guide pragmatic and practical solutions.
Leadership is worthless because it is something you say, a noun. But leading is priceless because it is a verb—it is the things we do that make a difference. From Pentagon generals to corporate CEOs to football players on the field to parents driving their kids to school, Mayer shows how leaders ensure that their actions will help others to succeed.
Dr. Thom Mayer knows first-hand that true leadership stems from our actions, not our positions, especially in times of crisis.
Drawing on his experiences heading the 9/11 Pentagon rescue efforts, dealing with on-field emergencies in the NFL (he was at Damar Hamlin’s bedside after his injury), training mobile response medical teams in Ukraine, and more, Mayer covers such topics
Why trust is vital for innovationThe critical role of failure in devising new ways of leadingHow questions fuel innovative actionWhy every leader should have the title Chief Story TellerThe importance of distinguishing between data, knowledge, and wisdomEach chapter begins with a provocative and seemingly contradictory statement, like the book’s title, and includes stories, historical examples, and literary lessons selected to guide pragmatic and practical solutions.
Leadership is worthless because it is something you say, a noun. But leading is priceless because it is a verb—it is the things we do that make a difference. From Pentagon generals to corporate CEOs to football players on the field to parents driving their kids to school, Mayer shows how leaders ensure that their actions will help others to succeed.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 8, 2024
Dr. Mayer’s passion is palpable in everything he does and is most brilliantly evident when he writes, teaches a group, or mentors an individual. He always inspires and captivates. He brings energy, creativity, humor, and heartfelt enthusiasm. I have read several of his books and have had the privilege of many times witnessing him give keynote addresses. And now, I have read and am re-reading “Leading,” taking diligent notes, and working to “find where [my] great passion intersects with the world’s great needs.”
While each chapter speaks to me, I am particularly moved by, The Healing Power of the Story. Dr. Mayer compellingly shares his experiences…the Star Thrower, Roosevelt Richmond, Damar Hamlin, 9/11, stories of his family, and so many others. As a result, I am first focusing on becoming a better communicator by using authentic stories and “figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and why.”
Tom Peters (In Search of Excellence) wrote of Dr. Mayer’s writing, “laserlike in its aim...[and] a terse, complete, focused, readable, at times amusing guide…” Nelson Mandela once said, "After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more great hills to climb." Dr. Mayer is indefatigable, in writing, teaching, and mentoring. As you can see, I am one of Dr. Mayer’s innumerable fans. There are so many lessons that “Leading” will quickly become a dog-eared guide for my improvement.
Robert Strauss
While each chapter speaks to me, I am particularly moved by, The Healing Power of the Story. Dr. Mayer compellingly shares his experiences…the Star Thrower, Roosevelt Richmond, Damar Hamlin, 9/11, stories of his family, and so many others. As a result, I am first focusing on becoming a better communicator by using authentic stories and “figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and why.”
Tom Peters (In Search of Excellence) wrote of Dr. Mayer’s writing, “laserlike in its aim...[and] a terse, complete, focused, readable, at times amusing guide…” Nelson Mandela once said, "After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more great hills to climb." Dr. Mayer is indefatigable, in writing, teaching, and mentoring. As you can see, I am one of Dr. Mayer’s innumerable fans. There are so many lessons that “Leading” will quickly become a dog-eared guide for my improvement.
Robert Strauss
May 10, 2026
What separates this book from most leadership reads is that it's earned. The author didn't theorise
from a corner office — he commanded rescue operations on 9/11, led health and safety for the NFL,
and trained doctors in war zones. The lessons follow. Chapter 2's distinction between a team of
experts versus an expert team changed how I look at hiring and collaboration. Chapter 7's equation
— Culture = Actions = Leading — is deceptively simple but deeply true. The writing is warm, the
stories are gripping, and the ideas are immediately applicable. Broad in range, honest in tone, and
packed with insights that stay with you well after you've turned the last page.
from a corner office — he commanded rescue operations on 9/11, led health and safety for the NFL,
and trained doctors in war zones. The lessons follow. Chapter 2's distinction between a team of
experts versus an expert team changed how I look at hiring and collaboration. Chapter 7's equation
— Culture = Actions = Leading — is deceptively simple but deeply true. The writing is warm, the
stories are gripping, and the ideas are immediately applicable. Broad in range, honest in tone, and
packed with insights that stay with you well after you've turned the last page.
June 27, 2024
Always appreciate insights from Dr. Mayer. Very affirming book for those servant leaders! Thanks
November 25, 2024
2024 BIBA Winner!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews