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Beyond the Sea: Leading with Love from the Nuclear Navy to the White House and Healthcare

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Are you aspiring to create a legendary culture, become an exceptional leader, and lead a fulfilling life?

In his debut book, Beyond the Sea, Robert Roncska offers insights into the transformation of positive cultures that turned sour and negative cultures that became renowned.

When Roncska assumed command of the USS Texas, the ship ranked at the bottom of its squadron and faced recurring safety issues. Through innovative strategies, he successfully transformed the culture, propelling his submarine's ranking and retention from last place to first place in the Pacific Fleet within a remarkable two-year period. Starting with a loving and people-centric approach, Roncska laid the groundwork of trust, standards, and purpose. In this book, he presents a roadmap that leaders can adapt to any industry, empowering readers to create high-quality relationships and elevate their organization's performance beyond expectations.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

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About the author

Robert "Navy Bob" Roncska

1 book2 followers

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
142 reviews18 followers
July 25, 2024
"Beyond the Sea: Leading with Love from the Nuclear Navy to the White House and Healthcare" by Robert "Navy Bob" Roncska is an inspiring masterpiece that transcends traditional leadership books. Roncska's journey from the disciplined world of the Nuclear Navy to the corridors of power in the White House and healthcare sector is a testament to the power of leading with love. His storytelling is compelling, rich with personal anecdotes and invaluable insights that make the book both engaging and profoundly educational. The principles he shares are universally applicable, making this book a must-read for leaders across all industries. "Beyond the Sea" is a heartfelt and transformative guide that will leave readers motivated to lead with empathy, integrity, and a genuine passion for making a difference.
5 reviews
September 16, 2024
Beyond the Sea is a refreshing and transformative take on leadership. This book redefines what it means to lead by introducing a profound yet simple concept: love as a core principle of leadership. The author artfully weaves together theory and practice, offering both reflective insights and actionable steps that can be applied to any leadership context. This book is an empowering read for anyone looking to make a lasting impact, not just as a leader, but as a person who values and uplifts the humanity in others.
Profile Image for Darren Sapp.
Author 10 books23 followers
May 31, 2024
How does the US Navy create the culture to operate complex systems such as nuclear-powered submarines without having any accidents? Roncska provides the answer in his debut book. You won't find a bunch of platitudes or steps on leadership but real stories of how he led with love. He turned one ship, the USS Texas, from worst to first, leaving a legacy for others to follow. This is the leadership book you've been waiting for.
Profile Image for Gillianne.
18 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2024
leadership

I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway- it provided a strong outline of leadership among a variety of stories. A good blend of narrative and learning. I picked it as I enjoy those lessons from military leaders.

I did feel it was a little long and at points it was slow reading. Overall would recommend.
Profile Image for Peter Dunn.
106 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2024
This is a well written book full of "sea stories" from Navy Bob's experiences in the Navy and healthcare about leadership and the lessons applied to show that truly caring for your team can lead to exceptional outcomes and a fulfilling life.
Profile Image for Neil.
1,593 reviews14 followers
July 26, 2024
I received a free copy via Netgalley.

This was very good until very near the end.

It was great to see how he built leadership and trust whilst in the Navy.

Unfortunately I felt it lost it's way when he left the Navy.

It may be I just lost interest, but it was still enjoyable.
Profile Image for Michael Paradise.
31 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2024
Navy Bob exuberantly shares his experiences serving the President and as a submarine commander. I come away from the read inspired to lead my team with love.
1 review1 follower
April 27, 2025
Amazing idea to revolutionize the way we lead. Told through personal stories with a powerful message of love.
Profile Image for skketch.
870 reviews13 followers
October 13, 2024
📚⚓🤍NOVEL THOUGHTS🤍⚓📚

Affectionately given the nickname "Navy Bob" by President George W. Bush while on assignment at the White House, retired Commander Robert Roncska takes the observations and experiences he learned during his career in the nuclear Navy and has turned them into an extremely well thought out practical guide for success while on the job and even in personal relationships. Navy Bob doesn't shy away from the "good, bad or ugly" as he recalls working with some amazing COs and some not so great COs and how their leadership styles were a "make or break" on the nuclear submarines he sailed with. He shares examples of why some subs hummed like a well oiled machine, had high retention and received high praise while others fell abysmally short. What he saw, he complies in a kind of "how to" leadership manual that any organization can use to become a stronger, happier, more productive place to be. When he retired from the Navy, he pivots into healthcare and wonders how that will match his success in a leadership role on a submarine, but, guess what? Those skills can be used anywhere when used with a loving heart. One of my favorite methods for getting people you need to lead to begin to trust that you are there for them, is the "Crew Top Three" which asks employees, what is your biggest complaint or problem or issue? It's one thing to ask but when the issue is addressed, those complaining see that what they have to say matters and suddenly, trust that might have been none existent, begins to evolve. Something so simple can reap amazing results. Roncska offers so many great tools for organizations to go from "whatever productivity" to one much higher as the employees want to do better for those in charge. As he says, it begins to take on a family atmosphere.
Roncska shares the influences that shaped him, starting with his parents, his teachers and then how his time in the Navy helped put all the pieces together. His writing is strong and the research he uses to emphasis his ideas is relevant. Many of the chapters start with a powerful affirmation from others who share his vision to find positivity in relationships. This is a "should read" book for those who would like to make positive changes in the culture of the office or organization they belong to. It is this generation's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
Thank you to Netgalley for the privilege to read this amazing book and offer an unbiased review and to the author for that trust!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews