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The Leadership Route: How Different Approaches to Management Can Shape a Leader
A new and inspiring take on leadership from a recognized expert
In The Leadership How Different Approaches to Management Can Shape a Leader, Alex Cummins—one of Malaysia's top business trainers—delivers a practical and eye-opening guide to leadership that takes a close look at both “traditional” and “evolved” styles of leadership, including what sets them apart and the benefits that flow from adopting an evolved approach to leading others.
From developing a new and resilient mindset to creating a workspace of psychological safety, the author walks you through how to design and implement a workplace environment that your followers truly want to work in. You'll also
Strategies for directing others, delegating responsibility, and motivating your followers to reach their full potential Ways to have difficult conversations in a way that directly addresses points of conflict without being adversarial Techniques for role modelling the behaviour you hope to see in your employees Perfect for new, aspiring, and seasoned managers seeking to navigate contemporary workplaces and lead effectively in all sorts of environments, The Leadership Route is a must-read guide for working professionals at every level of the corporate hierarchy.
In The Leadership How Different Approaches to Management Can Shape a Leader, Alex Cummins—one of Malaysia's top business trainers—delivers a practical and eye-opening guide to leadership that takes a close look at both “traditional” and “evolved” styles of leadership, including what sets them apart and the benefits that flow from adopting an evolved approach to leading others.
From developing a new and resilient mindset to creating a workspace of psychological safety, the author walks you through how to design and implement a workplace environment that your followers truly want to work in. You'll also
Strategies for directing others, delegating responsibility, and motivating your followers to reach their full potential Ways to have difficult conversations in a way that directly addresses points of conflict without being adversarial Techniques for role modelling the behaviour you hope to see in your employees Perfect for new, aspiring, and seasoned managers seeking to navigate contemporary workplaces and lead effectively in all sorts of environments, The Leadership Route is a must-read guide for working professionals at every level of the corporate hierarchy.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published March 17, 2025
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 30, 2026
What makes The Leadership Route stand out is how deliberately it slows leadership down.
Instead of jumping straight to performance or strategy, the book begins with beliefs, safety, and empowerment—things that are often treated as “soft,” but clearly aren’t. By the time you reach chapters on directing and delegating, you realise how much those early foundations shape everything else.
The Singapore and Southeast Asia setting adds texture and global relevance, and the two central characters give the book narrative momentum. Rather than abstract examples, you’re watching leadership choices play out across culture, hierarchy, and pressure.
The later chapters—Coaching, Influence, Thinking Big, and Role Modelling—shift the focus inward. Leadership here isn’t framed as authority or charisma, but as consistency and responsibility. That message feels timely in a world where workplaces are changing faster than leadership habits.
This is a calm, confident book that trusts the reader to think. And that might be its greatest strength.
Instead of jumping straight to performance or strategy, the book begins with beliefs, safety, and empowerment—things that are often treated as “soft,” but clearly aren’t. By the time you reach chapters on directing and delegating, you realise how much those early foundations shape everything else.
The Singapore and Southeast Asia setting adds texture and global relevance, and the two central characters give the book narrative momentum. Rather than abstract examples, you’re watching leadership choices play out across culture, hierarchy, and pressure.
The later chapters—Coaching, Influence, Thinking Big, and Role Modelling—shift the focus inward. Leadership here isn’t framed as authority or charisma, but as consistency and responsibility. That message feels timely in a world where workplaces are changing faster than leadership habits.
This is a calm, confident book that trusts the reader to think. And that might be its greatest strength.
February 3, 2026
The Leadership Route, Alex Cummins comes across as someone who has actually worked inside organisations, not just studied them.
There’s a calm authority to the way he writes. He doesn’t oversell ideas or pretend leadership is simple. Instead, he walks you through beliefs, safety, empowerment, and only then moves into directing and delegating. That pacing alone told me this wasn’t a generic leadership manual.
By the time I finished the book, it felt less like I’d “learned a system” and more like I’d clarified how leadership really functions in modern workplaces.
There’s a calm authority to the way he writes. He doesn’t oversell ideas or pretend leadership is simple. Instead, he walks you through beliefs, safety, empowerment, and only then moves into directing and delegating. That pacing alone told me this wasn’t a generic leadership manual.
By the time I finished the book, it felt less like I’d “learned a system” and more like I’d clarified how leadership really functions in modern workplaces.
February 4, 2026
Most leadership books start with outcomes.
The Leadership Route starts with causes.
Alex Cummins’ book is quietly radical in that way. Instead of asking how leaders can get better results, it asks a more uncomfortable question: what are you unconsciously creating around you every day as a leader? That shift alone places this book in a different category from most leadership literature.
The structure of The Leadership Route is its first signal of intent. Beginning with Beliefs, Safety, and Empowerment is not accidental. Cummins is essentially arguing that leadership is not a set of techniques layered on top of personality, but a behavioural system built on assumptions. If the assumptions are flawed, everything downstream — directing, delegating, motivating — becomes performative or brittle.
This is where the book starts doing something rare: it explains why so many leaders think they are empowering people while actively discouraging initiative. The chapters on safety are especially sharp. Psychological safety here is not framed as emotional softness, but as cognitive permission — the freedom to think, challenge, and act without fear of unpredictable consequences. That distinction matters, and it’s one many books gloss over.
The use of narrative through Mango Bank and the contrasting leadership styles of Kelly and Sofia adds weight rather than distraction. These aren’t hero or villain characters. They are recognisable professionals making logical decisions based on their beliefs — and living with the results. The book never mocks traditional leadership; it shows why it once worked and why it now increasingly fails in complex, fast-moving environments.
As the book progresses into Directing, Delegating, and Motivating, the payoff of the earlier chapters becomes clear. Cummins doesn’t offer motivational tricks. He explains why clarity feels controlling to some leaders, why delegation feels risky, and why motivation collapses when people don’t feel safe to own outcomes. These chapters are practical, but not mechanical. They ask leaders to tolerate short-term discomfort for long-term trust.
The most confronting sections arrive with Difficult Conversations, Coaching, and Influence. Here, the book strips leadership of its most common excuse: good intention. Cummins is explicit that impact matters more than intent, and that avoiding hard conversations doesn’t make leaders kind — it makes them unclear. This is where many readers will feel resistance, because the book quietly removes places to hide.
By the time you reach Thinking Big and Role Modelling, leadership is no longer presented as authority or charisma. It is presented as consistency. People don’t follow vision statements; they follow behavioural patterns. Culture, in this framing, is not what leaders promote — it’s what they permit and model under pressure.
Highly recommended!
The Leadership Route starts with causes.
Alex Cummins’ book is quietly radical in that way. Instead of asking how leaders can get better results, it asks a more uncomfortable question: what are you unconsciously creating around you every day as a leader? That shift alone places this book in a different category from most leadership literature.
The structure of The Leadership Route is its first signal of intent. Beginning with Beliefs, Safety, and Empowerment is not accidental. Cummins is essentially arguing that leadership is not a set of techniques layered on top of personality, but a behavioural system built on assumptions. If the assumptions are flawed, everything downstream — directing, delegating, motivating — becomes performative or brittle.
This is where the book starts doing something rare: it explains why so many leaders think they are empowering people while actively discouraging initiative. The chapters on safety are especially sharp. Psychological safety here is not framed as emotional softness, but as cognitive permission — the freedom to think, challenge, and act without fear of unpredictable consequences. That distinction matters, and it’s one many books gloss over.
The use of narrative through Mango Bank and the contrasting leadership styles of Kelly and Sofia adds weight rather than distraction. These aren’t hero or villain characters. They are recognisable professionals making logical decisions based on their beliefs — and living with the results. The book never mocks traditional leadership; it shows why it once worked and why it now increasingly fails in complex, fast-moving environments.
As the book progresses into Directing, Delegating, and Motivating, the payoff of the earlier chapters becomes clear. Cummins doesn’t offer motivational tricks. He explains why clarity feels controlling to some leaders, why delegation feels risky, and why motivation collapses when people don’t feel safe to own outcomes. These chapters are practical, but not mechanical. They ask leaders to tolerate short-term discomfort for long-term trust.
The most confronting sections arrive with Difficult Conversations, Coaching, and Influence. Here, the book strips leadership of its most common excuse: good intention. Cummins is explicit that impact matters more than intent, and that avoiding hard conversations doesn’t make leaders kind — it makes them unclear. This is where many readers will feel resistance, because the book quietly removes places to hide.
By the time you reach Thinking Big and Role Modelling, leadership is no longer presented as authority or charisma. It is presented as consistency. People don’t follow vision statements; they follow behavioural patterns. Culture, in this framing, is not what leaders promote — it’s what they permit and model under pressure.
Highly recommended!
January 20, 2026
This book doesn’t try to impress you with buzzwords or inflated theory, and that’s exactly its strength.
The Leadership Route feels like it was written by someone who has actually sat in leadership rooms, watched things go wrong, and figured out what actually works with people. Alex Cummins cuts straight to the tension most managers feel but rarely admit: the old “command-and-control” style might get short-term results, but it quietly drains trust, initiative, and engagement.
What stood out most is how clearly the book contrasts traditional leadership with evolved leadership without shaming either. It doesn’t moralise. It explains. You can see why certain habits exist, where they fail in modern workplaces, and how to move forward without losing authority. That balance is rare.
The sections on psychological safety and difficult conversations are especially strong. Instead of vague encouragement to “be empathetic,” Cummins shows how to address conflict directly without turning the workplace into a battleground. The advice on role-modelling behaviour lands hard because it reminds you that culture isn’t what you announce in meetings; it’s what people watch you do when things get uncomfortable.
This isn’t a motivational pep talk, and it’s not academic fluff either. It’s practical, grounded, and quietly challenging. You’ll recognise yourself in parts of it, sometimes uncomfortably so. And that’s a good thing.
If you’re a new manager, this book can save you years of trial and error. If you’re a seasoned leader, it holds up a mirror and asks whether your methods still serve the people you lead. Either way, it earns its place on a working professional’s shelf.
The Leadership Route feels like it was written by someone who has actually sat in leadership rooms, watched things go wrong, and figured out what actually works with people. Alex Cummins cuts straight to the tension most managers feel but rarely admit: the old “command-and-control” style might get short-term results, but it quietly drains trust, initiative, and engagement.
What stood out most is how clearly the book contrasts traditional leadership with evolved leadership without shaming either. It doesn’t moralise. It explains. You can see why certain habits exist, where they fail in modern workplaces, and how to move forward without losing authority. That balance is rare.
The sections on psychological safety and difficult conversations are especially strong. Instead of vague encouragement to “be empathetic,” Cummins shows how to address conflict directly without turning the workplace into a battleground. The advice on role-modelling behaviour lands hard because it reminds you that culture isn’t what you announce in meetings; it’s what people watch you do when things get uncomfortable.
This isn’t a motivational pep talk, and it’s not academic fluff either. It’s practical, grounded, and quietly challenging. You’ll recognise yourself in parts of it, sometimes uncomfortably so. And that’s a good thing.
If you’re a new manager, this book can save you years of trial and error. If you’re a seasoned leader, it holds up a mirror and asks whether your methods still serve the people you lead. Either way, it earns its place on a working professional’s shelf.
April 17, 2025
I never thought a leadership book would take me back to a personal moment with my brother. A couple of years ago, we were planning a surprise anniversary party for our parents. I took charge of everything — from the guest list to the food to the playlist — because I believed I could make it perfect. I wasn’t trying to be bossy; I just thought I was helping. But my brother pulled me aside and said, “You don’t leave space for anyone else.” That comment stung. I brushed it off then, but reading The Leadership Route, especially the part where Rupert reflects on how his overworking impacted his daughter, brought it all back. It was like Alex was holding a mirror up to my actions. I realized that in trying to do it all myself, I unintentionally pushed others out, and that’s not leadership — that’s control.
The book helped me understand that true leadership means trusting others enough to let them contribute, even if it’s not done your way. Rupert’s story made me reflect on the cost of trying to be “perfect” all the time — it can damage relationships and stop people from growing. Since then, I’ve started to ask for input more, even in simple things like family plans or group projects. I try to pause and ask, “What do you think?” It’s not always easy, but it’s a small way of showing people that their ideas matter.
The book helped me understand that true leadership means trusting others enough to let them contribute, even if it’s not done your way. Rupert’s story made me reflect on the cost of trying to be “perfect” all the time — it can damage relationships and stop people from growing. Since then, I’ve started to ask for input more, even in simple things like family plans or group projects. I try to pause and ask, “What do you think?” It’s not always easy, but it’s a small way of showing people that their ideas matter.
April 15, 2025
There was a time in my career when I was drowning in delegation disasters, confused motivations, and awkward conversations I kept avoiding. Reading The Leadership Route felt like someone had reached through the noise and handed me a lifejacket—no, a full-fledged leadership compass.
What struck me was the holistic arc of this book. From beliefs to delegation, coaching, influence, and thinking big—it’s not a jumble of random concepts. It’s a clear progression, almost like a video game where you level up through reflection and heart. Every chapter builds on the previous one, gently guiding you toward a more conscious, grounded leadership self.
And let’s talk about the writing—Alex Cummins knows how to write human. His tone is warm, witty, and wise. The fictional interludes with Rupert, Sofia, and Kelly? They didn’t feel like side stories—they were soul stories. Watching Rupert grow into his own wisdom made me teary. It reminded me of my own manager-turned-mentor, who once told me, “You don’t need to be the loudest to be the most respected.”
Honestly, I’d recommend this to anyone overwhelmed by leadership. This book doesn’t just tell you what to do. It shows you who to become.
What struck me was the holistic arc of this book. From beliefs to delegation, coaching, influence, and thinking big—it’s not a jumble of random concepts. It’s a clear progression, almost like a video game where you level up through reflection and heart. Every chapter builds on the previous one, gently guiding you toward a more conscious, grounded leadership self.
And let’s talk about the writing—Alex Cummins knows how to write human. His tone is warm, witty, and wise. The fictional interludes with Rupert, Sofia, and Kelly? They didn’t feel like side stories—they were soul stories. Watching Rupert grow into his own wisdom made me teary. It reminded me of my own manager-turned-mentor, who once told me, “You don’t need to be the loudest to be the most respected.”
Honestly, I’d recommend this to anyone overwhelmed by leadership. This book doesn’t just tell you what to do. It shows you who to become.
April 15, 2025
A Must-Read for the Future-Focused Leader
The Leadership Route is more than just a book on leadership—it’s a journey through what leadership could and should look like in the evolving world of work. Set in a not-so-distant future, the narrative brilliantly blends storytelling with real insight, making complex leadership ideas both relatable and actionable.
What stood out to me most was the contrast between the “controlled” and “evolved” leadership styles, personified through two powerful women leaders. Kelly and Sofia are not just characters—they’re reflections of many leaders we’ve encountered (or been) in real life. Their stories challenged me to think about my own leadership style, and the subtle yet powerful message about lifting others really resonated.
The futuristic setting—with human and robot dialogue—adds a layer of creativity while raising important questions about relevance, adaptability, and what it means to truly lead with impact.
This is not a dry leadership manual. It’s engaging, inspiring, and at times, deeply moving. If you’re a leader, aspiring leader, or someone interested in where leadership is heading, The Leadership Route is your guidebook. I’ll definitely be rereading this and recommending it widely.
The Leadership Route is more than just a book on leadership—it’s a journey through what leadership could and should look like in the evolving world of work. Set in a not-so-distant future, the narrative brilliantly blends storytelling with real insight, making complex leadership ideas both relatable and actionable.
What stood out to me most was the contrast between the “controlled” and “evolved” leadership styles, personified through two powerful women leaders. Kelly and Sofia are not just characters—they’re reflections of many leaders we’ve encountered (or been) in real life. Their stories challenged me to think about my own leadership style, and the subtle yet powerful message about lifting others really resonated.
The futuristic setting—with human and robot dialogue—adds a layer of creativity while raising important questions about relevance, adaptability, and what it means to truly lead with impact.
This is not a dry leadership manual. It’s engaging, inspiring, and at times, deeply moving. If you’re a leader, aspiring leader, or someone interested in where leadership is heading, The Leadership Route is your guidebook. I’ll definitely be rereading this and recommending it widely.
May 15, 2025
There are plenty of leadership books that offer useful ideas, but most of them feel like homework. The Leadership Route is different. From the very first chapter, I felt like I was being told a story not lectured. The setting of Mango Bank is so vivid, and the characters so relatable, that I forgot I was even learning. I was just following along, feeling what the characters felt.
But that’s what makes it powerful. You’re not just reading about leadership principles; you’re experiencing them. When Sofia tries to lead with vision, or Rupert struggles with balancing family and professional life, it doesn’t feel theoretical it feels real. You see the stakes. You feel the tension. And that makes the lessons stick.
What really impressed me was how practical the advice is. Whether it’s how to navigate tough conversations, how to delegate without losing control, or how to keep a big-picture mindset in the middle of chaos it’s all in there, and it all works. I’ve already started sharing ideas from the book with my team, and I can tell they’re resonating.
It’s rare to find a leadership book that feels this honest, this grounded, and this well-crafted. This is more than a guide it’s a leadership companion I’ll be coming back to again and again.
But that’s what makes it powerful. You’re not just reading about leadership principles; you’re experiencing them. When Sofia tries to lead with vision, or Rupert struggles with balancing family and professional life, it doesn’t feel theoretical it feels real. You see the stakes. You feel the tension. And that makes the lessons stick.
What really impressed me was how practical the advice is. Whether it’s how to navigate tough conversations, how to delegate without losing control, or how to keep a big-picture mindset in the middle of chaos it’s all in there, and it all works. I’ve already started sharing ideas from the book with my team, and I can tell they’re resonating.
It’s rare to find a leadership book that feels this honest, this grounded, and this well-crafted. This is more than a guide it’s a leadership companion I’ll be coming back to again and again.
April 22, 2025
The chapter about Beliefs shocked me. I realized I was being that annoying person who's always checking up on others, not because they're lazy, but because I didn't trust them enough. The book showed me something cool - when you actually believe in people, they often surprise you by doing better. Like how teachers who expect more from students actually get better results.
The Safety part was super eye-opening too. I used to think ""I'm nice, so everyone feels comfortable around me."" Nope! The book taught me that real safety is about the little things - like actually listening instead of just waiting for your turn to talk, or making sure no one feels dumb for sharing ideas.
What's awesome is the book doesn't make you feel bad for these mistakes. It's like having a wise friend explain things in stories and examples that actually make sense. Whether you're a team captain, class president, or just want to get along better with friends/family, you'll find something useful here.
Best part? It's short and easy to read, but you'll keep thinking about it long after you finish. Totally worth it!
The Safety part was super eye-opening too. I used to think ""I'm nice, so everyone feels comfortable around me."" Nope! The book taught me that real safety is about the little things - like actually listening instead of just waiting for your turn to talk, or making sure no one feels dumb for sharing ideas.
What's awesome is the book doesn't make you feel bad for these mistakes. It's like having a wise friend explain things in stories and examples that actually make sense. Whether you're a team captain, class president, or just want to get along better with friends/family, you'll find something useful here.
Best part? It's short and easy to read, but you'll keep thinking about it long after you finish. Totally worth it!
April 22, 2025
I have a confession: I’m a sucker for books that make me feel. And this one? It’s pure emotion, wrapped in elegant insight. I picked up The Leadership Route expecting some neat frameworks. What I got was a journey that made me weep, nod vigorously, and scribble notes like my life depended on it.
What made this book poetic was how it treated leadership not as a job, but as a sacred relationship—with others, and with ourselves. The chapter on Difficult Conversations broke me open. I remembered the friend I lost because I avoided a hard truth. Reading Rupert’s story about his falling out with Graham made me cry. It gave me the nudge I needed to reach out and rebuild a bridge.
Alex’s genius lies in the quiet spaces between concepts. The way he talks about growth mindset, feedback, trust—it’s not preachy, it’s personal. And the practical tools like the GROW model or the process approach to directives? Absolute gold. But what really stays with me is the tone: kind, curious, unflinchingly human.
To anyone who’s ever had to make a hard call, to lift someone up, or to forgive themselves—this book is a balm. Thank you, Alex, for writing something so brave and tender.
What made this book poetic was how it treated leadership not as a job, but as a sacred relationship—with others, and with ourselves. The chapter on Difficult Conversations broke me open. I remembered the friend I lost because I avoided a hard truth. Reading Rupert’s story about his falling out with Graham made me cry. It gave me the nudge I needed to reach out and rebuild a bridge.
Alex’s genius lies in the quiet spaces between concepts. The way he talks about growth mindset, feedback, trust—it’s not preachy, it’s personal. And the practical tools like the GROW model or the process approach to directives? Absolute gold. But what really stays with me is the tone: kind, curious, unflinchingly human.
To anyone who’s ever had to make a hard call, to lift someone up, or to forgive themselves—this book is a balm. Thank you, Alex, for writing something so brave and tender.
May 9, 2025
This book shows the two sides of leadership one that lifts people up, and one that burns them out. In The Leadership Route, Alex Cummins tells a powerful story using two characters: Kelly and Sofia. It’s not just a story it’s like a lesson about what works in leadership, and what doesn’t.
Sofia is the kind of leader we all wish we had. She listens, trusts her team, and sees mistakes as chances to learn. Reading about her made me think of the best managers I’ve ever had. It made me want to thank them for creating safe, supportive spaces.
Then there’s Kelly organized, controlling, and stressed out. Her way of leading isn’t evil, but it’s broken. She’s trying hard, but it’s not working and I’ve seen that kind of leadership in real life. I’ve even done it myself.
What’s amazing is how Alex writes all this in such a fun, honest, and smart way. He talks about real ideas like the Pygmalion and Golem effects (which are about how our expectations of people shape their behavior), but he explains them in a way that makes total sense. And he’s not just preaching he shares his own story too, which makes the book feel real.
Sofia is the kind of leader we all wish we had. She listens, trusts her team, and sees mistakes as chances to learn. Reading about her made me think of the best managers I’ve ever had. It made me want to thank them for creating safe, supportive spaces.
Then there’s Kelly organized, controlling, and stressed out. Her way of leading isn’t evil, but it’s broken. She’s trying hard, but it’s not working and I’ve seen that kind of leadership in real life. I’ve even done it myself.
What’s amazing is how Alex writes all this in such a fun, honest, and smart way. He talks about real ideas like the Pygmalion and Golem effects (which are about how our expectations of people shape their behavior), but he explains them in a way that makes total sense. And he’s not just preaching he shares his own story too, which makes the book feel real.
May 13, 2025
I’ve read more leadership books than I can count. And while many offer solid ideas, most leave me feeling like I just finished a lecture I didn’t ask for. The Leadership Route is different. It’s reflective. It’s gentle. And somehow, it still manages to be practical and deeply moving.
What sets it apart are the stories. Kelly and Sofia don’t just illustrate concepts they live them. Their challenges, their growth, and even their missteps are presented with such authenticity that I felt like I was sitting in the room with them.
The book walks through leadership as a kind of route, with chapters like “Beliefs,” “Safety,” “Empowerment,” and “Motivating” acting like rest stops along the way. Each chapter made me reflect on my own behavior times I built trust, times I failed to, and how those moments shaped my team’s culture.
Alex Cummins doesn’t try to impress you with jargon or overcomplicate things. His writing is warm, clear, and dare I say poetic. This is a leadership book with heart, and in a time when burnout and disconnection are everywhere, that matters more than ever.
What sets it apart are the stories. Kelly and Sofia don’t just illustrate concepts they live them. Their challenges, their growth, and even their missteps are presented with such authenticity that I felt like I was sitting in the room with them.
The book walks through leadership as a kind of route, with chapters like “Beliefs,” “Safety,” “Empowerment,” and “Motivating” acting like rest stops along the way. Each chapter made me reflect on my own behavior times I built trust, times I failed to, and how those moments shaped my team’s culture.
Alex Cummins doesn’t try to impress you with jargon or overcomplicate things. His writing is warm, clear, and dare I say poetic. This is a leadership book with heart, and in a time when burnout and disconnection are everywhere, that matters more than ever.
May 14, 2025
As a team leader, I’ve always wrestled with delegation. Not because I don’t trust my people, but because it always seemed faster to just do it myself than to explain it, coach it, and watch it unfold. It felt like “empowerment” was just a buzzword consultants threw around. Then I read The Leadership Route.
The section on the SCARF model lit up something in my brain. Suddenly, delegation wasn’t just a vague ideal it was a map. A roadmap grounded in neuroscience and real-life human behavior. It helped me understand what makes people feel threatened when you shift tasks around, and more importantly, how to avoid that tension and build trust instead.
I used Alex Cummins’s approach for just one week, and the results were immediate. People stepped up with more confidence, and I stopped micromanaging without even realizing it. Our workflow improved, and our team meetings became way more collaborative. It didn’t just change how I work it changed how my team feels at work.
This book is the real deal. No fluff. No vague inspiration. Just smart, heartfelt, actionable insight that actually works in the trenches.
The section on the SCARF model lit up something in my brain. Suddenly, delegation wasn’t just a vague ideal it was a map. A roadmap grounded in neuroscience and real-life human behavior. It helped me understand what makes people feel threatened when you shift tasks around, and more importantly, how to avoid that tension and build trust instead.
I used Alex Cummins’s approach for just one week, and the results were immediate. People stepped up with more confidence, and I stopped micromanaging without even realizing it. Our workflow improved, and our team meetings became way more collaborative. It didn’t just change how I work it changed how my team feels at work.
This book is the real deal. No fluff. No vague inspiration. Just smart, heartfelt, actionable insight that actually works in the trenches.
May 15, 2025
I didn’t expect a leadership book to be this... human. I picked up The Leadership Route thinking I’d skim through another dry corporate manual, but what I found instead was a journey. A journey of two women, two leadership styles, and a world of difference in how we can choose to lead not with ego, but with empathy.
Set in Singapore and Southeast Asia, the setting adds a rich layer of cultural relevance. It doesn’t feel like the typical Western-centric leadership narrative. It feels global. Real. Lived-in. Kelly and Sofia, the two central characters, don’t just represent different approaches they feel like real people you’ve worked with, worked for, or are yourself. Through their experiences, Alex Cummins reveals the power (and the pitfalls) of our beliefs, how safety fosters growth, and why empowerment matters more than control.
It’s not just stories either. There are self-tests, reflection points, and surprisingly sharp insights into the psychology of leadership. But it never feels preachy. Never robotic. Just thoughtful and compassionate. I finished the book feeling more grounded and, honestly, more excited to lead again.
Set in Singapore and Southeast Asia, the setting adds a rich layer of cultural relevance. It doesn’t feel like the typical Western-centric leadership narrative. It feels global. Real. Lived-in. Kelly and Sofia, the two central characters, don’t just represent different approaches they feel like real people you’ve worked with, worked for, or are yourself. Through their experiences, Alex Cummins reveals the power (and the pitfalls) of our beliefs, how safety fosters growth, and why empowerment matters more than control.
It’s not just stories either. There are self-tests, reflection points, and surprisingly sharp insights into the psychology of leadership. But it never feels preachy. Never robotic. Just thoughtful and compassionate. I finished the book feeling more grounded and, honestly, more excited to lead again.
April 17, 2025
Let me tell you a secret: I was this close to quitting my job. Leadership had become exhausting, like I was climbing a ladder that never ended. Then someone gifted me The Leadership Route, and it was like a reset button for my soul.
The structure of the book is like a journey — and it feels like one. “Beliefs” to “Safety” to “Empowerment”… each chapter is like a rest stop on the route toward meaningful leadership. And when I hit the “Motivating” chapter? Tears. The bit about “praise and growth” took me back to a moment where I’d dismissed someone’s win as “just part of the job.” I realized how much damage that moment did — to them and to me.
What I adore about Alex Cummins’s writing is how non-preachy it is. He’s not handing out commandments. He’s telling you stories. And these stories sneak into your heart. Kelly and Sofia don’t just teach — they inspire.
There’s poetry in this prose. There’s warmth in the structure. There’s clarity in the chaos. If you’ve ever felt like leadership is crushing your spirit, this book will show you how to lead with love — and how that can be your superpower.
The structure of the book is like a journey — and it feels like one. “Beliefs” to “Safety” to “Empowerment”… each chapter is like a rest stop on the route toward meaningful leadership. And when I hit the “Motivating” chapter? Tears. The bit about “praise and growth” took me back to a moment where I’d dismissed someone’s win as “just part of the job.” I realized how much damage that moment did — to them and to me.
What I adore about Alex Cummins’s writing is how non-preachy it is. He’s not handing out commandments. He’s telling you stories. And these stories sneak into your heart. Kelly and Sofia don’t just teach — they inspire.
There’s poetry in this prose. There’s warmth in the structure. There’s clarity in the chaos. If you’ve ever felt like leadership is crushing your spirit, this book will show you how to lead with love — and how that can be your superpower.
April 17, 2025
Most leadership books put me to sleep or make me feel stupid with all their fancy words. But The Leadership Route is different—it actually helped me become a better leader in real life. I used to think being a good leader meant having all the answers, so I’d constantly tell my team what to do. Then I read the chapter on coaching and learned the GROW model, which taught me that asking the right questions works way better than giving orders. The story about Sofia and Lucy was like looking in a mirror—I suddenly realized I was that annoying boss who couldn’t stop micromanaging. What I love most is how practical this book is. It doesn’t just talk about leadership ideas; it gives you actual tools you can use right away.
I’m thinking of buying copies for my whole team because the lessons are too good not to share. Soon, we’ll all understand each other better, and whenever someone starts over-managing, we’ll just say, “Don’t be a Lucy!” and laugh about it. This book won’t just change how I lead—it’s going to transform how my whole team grows together.
I’m thinking of buying copies for my whole team because the lessons are too good not to share. Soon, we’ll all understand each other better, and whenever someone starts over-managing, we’ll just say, “Don’t be a Lucy!” and laugh about it. This book won’t just change how I lead—it’s going to transform how my whole team grows together.
April 24, 2025
Reading The Leadership Route brought back memories of my father. He was a man who lived by duty—quiet, always focused on spreadsheets, always punctual. We lost him two years ago to a heart attack at 58. When I read about Rupert’s heart problems, it hit me hard. It felt like a painful reminder that could’ve been my dad.
But what Alex does in this book is not just leave you in that space of hurt. He offers tools to heal, to grow. He reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles or numbers—it’s about the people whose lives you touch. That really shifted something inside me.
When I got to the chapter on feedback and praise, I couldn’t help but think of all the times I longed for a “Well done” that never came. But as I read, I realized—maybe my dad never heard that either. Maybe he didn’t feel safe enough to open up, to show what he was feeling.
And that’s why this book feels like a gift. It bridges gaps, connecting different generations. It gave me the space to forgive my dad, to finally let go of some of that pain. It even made me call my mom and say, “I understand now.”
But what Alex does in this book is not just leave you in that space of hurt. He offers tools to heal, to grow. He reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles or numbers—it’s about the people whose lives you touch. That really shifted something inside me.
When I got to the chapter on feedback and praise, I couldn’t help but think of all the times I longed for a “Well done” that never came. But as I read, I realized—maybe my dad never heard that either. Maybe he didn’t feel safe enough to open up, to show what he was feeling.
And that’s why this book feels like a gift. It bridges gaps, connecting different generations. It gave me the space to forgive my dad, to finally let go of some of that pain. It even made me call my mom and say, “I understand now.”
May 9, 2025
In The Leadership Route, Alex Cummins creates a story that feels like it came straight out of real offices I’ve worked in. The characters like Kelly, who’s all about perfection and control, and Sofia, who leads with kindness and honesty felt so real, I could see people I’ve worked with in them. Honestly, I could see myself in them too.
Reading this felt like looking in a mirror I didn’t know I needed. I saw the good stuff, like caring for my team the way Sofia does. But I also saw the times I messed up like when I got too focused on little details and forgot about the people part of leadership. (Yes, I really did once send out a "strategy" email that was just a bunch of formatting rules. Cringe.)
What makes this book great is that Alex doesn’t just talk about leadership in boring ways. He uses fun examples and stories (there’s even a cat show metaphor that made me laugh). But at the same time, the lessons hit hard. He makes big ideas like how to truly support your team feel simple, clear, and super important.
Reading this felt like looking in a mirror I didn’t know I needed. I saw the good stuff, like caring for my team the way Sofia does. But I also saw the times I messed up like when I got too focused on little details and forgot about the people part of leadership. (Yes, I really did once send out a "strategy" email that was just a bunch of formatting rules. Cringe.)
What makes this book great is that Alex doesn’t just talk about leadership in boring ways. He uses fun examples and stories (there’s even a cat show metaphor that made me laugh). But at the same time, the lessons hit hard. He makes big ideas like how to truly support your team feel simple, clear, and super important.
May 10, 2025
The Leadership Route by Alex Cummins isn’t just theory. It shows what leadership really looks like, with all the tough moments, mistakes, and growth. It felt like Alex was holding up a mirror to my own leadership journey good and bad.
The stories in the book are super real. I saw parts of my old bosses in the characters one was super controlling, another was kind and open. And I realized I’ve acted like both. That hit me hard. It made me think about how often I’ve tried too hard to control things instead of trusting my team.
What makes this book really useful is how Alex explains leadership with real examples, science, and tools you can actually use. Like the SCARF model it helps you understand what motivates people and how to lead without making them feel scared or small. He also talks about psychological safety, which basically means creating a space where people feel safe to speak up. That’s not just nice it’s necessary if you want a strong team. And Theory Y? It’s all about believing people want to do good work if you trust them. That changed how I see my team.
The stories in the book are super real. I saw parts of my old bosses in the characters one was super controlling, another was kind and open. And I realized I’ve acted like both. That hit me hard. It made me think about how often I’ve tried too hard to control things instead of trusting my team.
What makes this book really useful is how Alex explains leadership with real examples, science, and tools you can actually use. Like the SCARF model it helps you understand what motivates people and how to lead without making them feel scared or small. He also talks about psychological safety, which basically means creating a space where people feel safe to speak up. That’s not just nice it’s necessary if you want a strong team. And Theory Y? It’s all about believing people want to do good work if you trust them. That changed how I see my team.
May 14, 2025
I picked up The Leadership Route expecting another checklist-style book with jargon and overused buzzwords. What I got was something closer to a novel layered, emotional, and honestly, kind of beautiful. The author brings such life and detail to the setting of Mango Bank. The warmth of the tea breaks, the quiet presence of old photos on the walls, the energy of Sofia and Rupert’s contrasting leadership styles it all felt incredibly human.
And yet, woven through that atmosphere is some of the most practical leadership insight I’ve ever encountered. The “Thinking Big” chapter in particular stopped me in my tracks. I realized how much of my so-called “ambition” was really just frantic busyness. That section helped me see that real progress comes from clarity, not constant motion and from reconnecting with what actually matters, not just reacting to everything.
Alex Cummins has written a book that doesn't just teach you how to lead it reminds you why you want to in the first place. This is easily one of the most unexpectedly moving and useful books I’ve read in years.
And yet, woven through that atmosphere is some of the most practical leadership insight I’ve ever encountered. The “Thinking Big” chapter in particular stopped me in my tracks. I realized how much of my so-called “ambition” was really just frantic busyness. That section helped me see that real progress comes from clarity, not constant motion and from reconnecting with what actually matters, not just reacting to everything.
Alex Cummins has written a book that doesn't just teach you how to lead it reminds you why you want to in the first place. This is easily one of the most unexpectedly moving and useful books I’ve read in years.
May 14, 2025
I didn’t expect a leadership book to touch a personal nerve, but that’s exactly what happened when I read the chapter on “Difficult Conversations.” It reminded me of a falling out I had with a friend years ago. We both tiptoed around the real issue, avoided the truth, and eventually just… drifted apart. Reading about Rupert and Graham’s dynamic in the book brought back that entire season of my life with startling clarity.
But what I appreciated most wasn’t just the emotional parallel — it was the insight. Alex Cummins breaks down why hard conversations are so scary, and how avoidance masquerades as politeness when it’s really just fear in a nice suit. That truth hit me square in the chest. For the first time, I could see where I went wrong — and how I might do better next time.
This book goes far beyond boardrooms and performance reviews. It’s about becoming a better communicator, a braver human, and a more honest version of yourself. I never thought I’d say this about a book on leadership, but this one helped me start healing something I didn’t even realize I was carrying.
But what I appreciated most wasn’t just the emotional parallel — it was the insight. Alex Cummins breaks down why hard conversations are so scary, and how avoidance masquerades as politeness when it’s really just fear in a nice suit. That truth hit me square in the chest. For the first time, I could see where I went wrong — and how I might do better next time.
This book goes far beyond boardrooms and performance reviews. It’s about becoming a better communicator, a braver human, and a more honest version of yourself. I never thought I’d say this about a book on leadership, but this one helped me start healing something I didn’t even realize I was carrying.
May 16, 2025
I used to think being a good leader meant doing everything yourself and making sure it was all done perfectly. I learned the hard way that it actually pushes people away. That lesson came back to me while reading The Leadership Route, especially during the parts where Rupert starts to see how his well-meaning control was keeping others small including his own daughter.
It reminded me of something personal planning a big event with my brother where I totally took over, thinking I was “helping.” Looking back, I can see how much space I took up, how little I trusted others to contribute. That realization hit different reading this book.
Alex Cummins gets it. He doesn’t preach or lecture he tells real-feeling stories that sneak up on you with their truth. This book helped me understand that leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being open. I’ve started changing the way I show up asking for opinions more, creating space for others to step in. Small changes, big difference.
It reminded me of something personal planning a big event with my brother where I totally took over, thinking I was “helping.” Looking back, I can see how much space I took up, how little I trusted others to contribute. That realization hit different reading this book.
Alex Cummins gets it. He doesn’t preach or lecture he tells real-feeling stories that sneak up on you with their truth. This book helped me understand that leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being open. I’ve started changing the way I show up asking for opinions more, creating space for others to step in. Small changes, big difference.
May 17, 2025
I used to believe that leadership books weren’t meant for people like me. I’m not a CEO, I don’t manage a department, and I don’t have a fancy title. But The Leadership Route completely changed my mind.
This book is for anyone who interacts with people coworkers, classmates, family, even friends. Because at its core, leadership is about understanding yourself and others better. That’s something we all need.
The part about the SCARF model blew my mind. For the first time, I understood why certain interactions would make me feel shut down or defensive. The chapter on difficult conversations helped me stop waiting for the “perfect time” and start approaching those moments with curiosity instead of fear.
Alex Cummins writes in a way that makes you feel safe to admit, “Yeah, I’ve done that. I’ve made that mistake.” He doesn’t scold he guides. He shares stories, not lectures, and gives you practical tools you can use right away. I’ve already applied what I learned in a team meeting and a family disagreement. And it made a real difference.
This book is for anyone who interacts with people coworkers, classmates, family, even friends. Because at its core, leadership is about understanding yourself and others better. That’s something we all need.
The part about the SCARF model blew my mind. For the first time, I understood why certain interactions would make me feel shut down or defensive. The chapter on difficult conversations helped me stop waiting for the “perfect time” and start approaching those moments with curiosity instead of fear.
Alex Cummins writes in a way that makes you feel safe to admit, “Yeah, I’ve done that. I’ve made that mistake.” He doesn’t scold he guides. He shares stories, not lectures, and gives you practical tools you can use right away. I’ve already applied what I learned in a team meeting and a family disagreement. And it made a real difference.
May 27, 2025
This book didn’t just change how I lead. It changed how I talk to people friends, coworkers, even my partner.
I used to be the kind of person who always tried to fix everything. If someone came to me with a problem, I’d jump into solution mode right away. I thought I was helping. But the chapter on coaching helped me understand how powerful it can be to just ask the right question and listen.
One line from the book really stuck with me: “People don’t grow from answers—they grow from insight.” That hit me hard. Since then, I’ve been trying to listen more deeply and trust that people can find their own way.
What makes this book so special is the way it mixes real-life stories with super practical tools. The characters Rupert, Sofia, Kelly they aren’t perfect, and that’s what makes them believable. Watching their growth made me want to grow, too.
If you’re looking for a book that will actually change the way you work with people not just in theory, but in practice this is it. I already bought a copy for a friend, and I’ll probably gift more. It’s that good.
I used to be the kind of person who always tried to fix everything. If someone came to me with a problem, I’d jump into solution mode right away. I thought I was helping. But the chapter on coaching helped me understand how powerful it can be to just ask the right question and listen.
One line from the book really stuck with me: “People don’t grow from answers—they grow from insight.” That hit me hard. Since then, I’ve been trying to listen more deeply and trust that people can find their own way.
What makes this book so special is the way it mixes real-life stories with super practical tools. The characters Rupert, Sofia, Kelly they aren’t perfect, and that’s what makes them believable. Watching their growth made me want to grow, too.
If you’re looking for a book that will actually change the way you work with people not just in theory, but in practice this is it. I already bought a copy for a friend, and I’ll probably gift more. It’s that good.
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April 17, 2025I’ve always believed that leadership was about being at the front, making decisions, and carrying the weight. But reading The Leadership Route made me realize how much I’d missed. I remember a time when my team faced a project deadline, and I took it all on myself — convinced I was the only one who could pull it off. I didn’t delegate. I didn’t trust my team. And the result? Exhaustion, frustration, and a sense of failure. The chapter on 'Delegating' in the book felt like a mirror to my own behavior, and I could almost hear Alex Cummins saying, 'It’s okay. This is your opportunity to grow.' I felt a weight lift off my shoulders as I began to see leadership not as control, but as collaboration and trust.
What struck me most was how Alex didn’t just teach concepts; he shared the emotional undercurrent of leadership. I could feel the vulnerability in his words — the way he described how Kelly and Sofia faced their challenges, the fear, the doubt, and eventually, the triumph.
What struck me most was how Alex didn’t just teach concepts; he shared the emotional undercurrent of leadership. I could feel the vulnerability in his words — the way he described how Kelly and Sofia faced their challenges, the fear, the doubt, and eventually, the triumph.
April 22, 2025
I thought it would be another boring school book, but wow - it actually made me stop and think. The main character Rupert? The way he worries about being a good dad while trying to do his job? That hit different. Felt real, like someone I might know.
Most books about leadership are full of complicated junk, but this one's different. It's just normal stories with good advice mixed in. Like how to talk to people without making them defensive - I used it with my project group and BOOM, suddenly everyone was actually listening to each other.
It's short (thank god), easy to read, and full of stuff that works in real life. Group projects at school? Check. Dealing with annoying siblings? Check. Just trying to be better at life? Double check.
Never thought I'd actually enjoy a book like this, but here we are. 5 stars, would read again. Teachers should make all school books this good.
Most books about leadership are full of complicated junk, but this one's different. It's just normal stories with good advice mixed in. Like how to talk to people without making them defensive - I used it with my project group and BOOM, suddenly everyone was actually listening to each other.
It's short (thank god), easy to read, and full of stuff that works in real life. Group projects at school? Check. Dealing with annoying siblings? Check. Just trying to be better at life? Double check.
Never thought I'd actually enjoy a book like this, but here we are. 5 stars, would read again. Teachers should make all school books this good.
April 24, 2025
This book was like a living mirror—it didn’t just show me who I am right now as a leader, but it also showed me who I could become.
Reading about Rupert Wong felt like watching my future self. He was constantly working long hours, always trying to prove he was good enough, and carrying the unspoken pressure of it all. I recognized myself in that—it was like looking at my own life. But then came a moment that really shook me. Rupert had a photo of Carmen on his desk, and that made me stop and think. It reminded me of my own daughter, and how I missed so many of her big moments, like her first science fair and her dance recital, all because I was caught up in “important meetings.”
I suddenly asked myself, “Am I pushing myself too hard? Am I so focused on climbing the leadership ladder that I’m missing out on the things that matter most in life?” It made me question whether I was chasing success in work at the cost of losing the life I really want to live.
Reading about Rupert Wong felt like watching my future self. He was constantly working long hours, always trying to prove he was good enough, and carrying the unspoken pressure of it all. I recognized myself in that—it was like looking at my own life. But then came a moment that really shook me. Rupert had a photo of Carmen on his desk, and that made me stop and think. It reminded me of my own daughter, and how I missed so many of her big moments, like her first science fair and her dance recital, all because I was caught up in “important meetings.”
I suddenly asked myself, “Am I pushing myself too hard? Am I so focused on climbing the leadership ladder that I’m missing out on the things that matter most in life?” It made me question whether I was chasing success in work at the cost of losing the life I really want to live.
May 10, 2025
This book helped me see how I was leading more like Kelly focused on control and results without even realizing it. The amazing part? Alex didn’t make me feel bad about it. He just gently showed a different way Sofia’s way. Her style is all about trusting others, learning from mistakes, and giving people a chance to shine.
There’s one part where Sofia lets a junior team handle a big presentation. That shocked me not because it was wrong, but because I knew I never would’ve done that. And that made me ask, “Why not?” That moment alone was a big wake-up call.
This isn’t just a book full of tips. It makes you feel things. It helps you stop and think about how you treat people, and how you lead not just at work, but in life. It gave me new tools, yes, but more than that, it gave me the okay to slow down, rethink things, and build leadership on trust and connection instead of just checklists.
There’s one part where Sofia lets a junior team handle a big presentation. That shocked me not because it was wrong, but because I knew I never would’ve done that. And that made me ask, “Why not?” That moment alone was a big wake-up call.
This isn’t just a book full of tips. It makes you feel things. It helps you stop and think about how you treat people, and how you lead not just at work, but in life. It gave me new tools, yes, but more than that, it gave me the okay to slow down, rethink things, and build leadership on trust and connection instead of just checklists.
May 10, 2025
There was a moment in The Leadership Route—the section on beliefs as the invisible compass of leadership where I actually had to close the book, stare out the window, and just breathe. Because I realized how many years I spent trying to be the “fixer” instead of the “lifter.” Always solving. Always directing. Never truly empowering.
This book dismantled me. Gently. Respectfully. But completely. It showed me that I wasn’t alone in thinking that competence should automatically lead to control. That fear of losing your edge because someone younger or bolder might outshine you? It’s real. And Alex names it. He doesn't shame you for it he gives you a map out of it.
What makes this book different is that it isn’t preachy. It’s deeply felt. Every lesson, whether on difficult conversations, coaching, or empowerment, feels lived-in. And that, my friend, is the mark of a guide, not a guru. Alex doesn’t sit on a pedestal. He walks beside you, helping you unlearn as much as you learn.
This book dismantled me. Gently. Respectfully. But completely. It showed me that I wasn’t alone in thinking that competence should automatically lead to control. That fear of losing your edge because someone younger or bolder might outshine you? It’s real. And Alex names it. He doesn't shame you for it he gives you a map out of it.
What makes this book different is that it isn’t preachy. It’s deeply felt. Every lesson, whether on difficult conversations, coaching, or empowerment, feels lived-in. And that, my friend, is the mark of a guide, not a guru. Alex doesn’t sit on a pedestal. He walks beside you, helping you unlearn as much as you learn.
May 10, 2025
Most leadership books fall into two camps: they're either heavy on theory or packed with surface level advice. The Leadership Route is something else entirely. What grabbed me from the beginning was the emotional undercurrent running through Rupert’s story. You’re not just reading about leadership principles you’re watching someone slowly unpack who they are, what kind of leader they've been, and who they want to become. It’s introspective, personal, and grounded in the kind of quiet self-awareness that most books never touch.
There were moments where I found myself genuinely reflecting on my own journey decisions I made years ago that still ripple today. The book doesn't preach or shame; it simply invites you to see clearly. That kind of storytelling is powerful. It’s the kind of book you finish and immediately want to reread, because you know you’ll catch even more the second time around. Easily one of the most emotionally intelligent leadership books I’ve ever read.
There were moments where I found myself genuinely reflecting on my own journey decisions I made years ago that still ripple today. The book doesn't preach or shame; it simply invites you to see clearly. That kind of storytelling is powerful. It’s the kind of book you finish and immediately want to reread, because you know you’ll catch even more the second time around. Easily one of the most emotionally intelligent leadership books I’ve ever read.
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