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Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Leadership insights from one of history’s most influential voices.
It has been over 50 years since the death of Martin Luther King Jr. and yet his presence and words continue to influence our culture and impact the lives of millions of people, young and old, of all colors and backgrounds. There is no doubt that he embodied a different kind of leadership in his time and achieved a level of influence few would have thought possible for black man born in Atlanta just before the great depression.
Now, leaders can reflect on carefully curated passages from some of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most recognized speeches and be inspired to learn from them and transform their own leadership journeys. Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Capital provides his own insights and experiences after each passage on how themes like “The Beloved Community”, “Economic Justice”, and “Two Americas” played such a central role in his own leadership journey and why they are so important for leaders to understand today.
It has been over 50 years since the death of Martin Luther King Jr. and yet his presence and words continue to influence our culture and impact the lives of millions of people, young and old, of all colors and backgrounds. There is no doubt that he embodied a different kind of leadership in his time and achieved a level of influence few would have thought possible for black man born in Atlanta just before the great depression.
Now, leaders can reflect on carefully curated passages from some of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most recognized speeches and be inspired to learn from them and transform their own leadership journeys. Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Capital provides his own insights and experiences after each passage on how themes like “The Beloved Community”, “Economic Justice”, and “Two Americas” played such a central role in his own leadership journey and why they are so important for leaders to understand today.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published August 12, 2025
11 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Robert F. Smith
1 book2 followersPhilanthropist and thought leader Robert F. Smith is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners (Vista). Born and raised in Denver, CO, Smith grew up in a home where education and service were core values. His parents, both educators, instilled in him a deep commitment to giving back to the community. As an infant, he was brought by his mother to the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. In August 2023, Smith returned to the same spot to give his own speech in honor of the 60th anniversary, carrying forward Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality.
While in high school, Smith earned a prestigious internship at Bell Labs and studied chemical engineering at Cornell University, graduating in 1985. He later earned his MBA from Columbia Business School in 1994. After graduation, he took a position at Goldman Sachs, where he honed his expertise in investment and business strategy. In 2000, he founded Vista, a leading global investment firm that specializes in enterprise software.
Smith is dedicated to creating equality of opportunity in education, healthcare and more. In 2019, Smith made one of his most notable contributions to education by eliminating the student loan debt of the Morehouse College graduating class and the debt held by their guardians on their behalf. Smith’s contribution to the Morehouse College class inspired the creation of the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) as a scalable solution to the problem of student debt. Smith serves as Chairman of SFI. Smith also co-leads Southern Communities Initiative (SCI), a catalytic consortium to accelerate wealth creation and economic growth in six Southern communities through locally led, measured and sustained initiatives.
Smith is the Chairman of Carnegie Hall and the founding director and President of Fund II Foundation. In 2017, Smith was named one of Forbes’ 100 Greatest Living Business Minds. In 2020, he was named one of TIME100’s “Most Influential People” of the year. In 2024, Smith received the Committee for Economic Development’s Distinguished Leadership Award.
While in high school, Smith earned a prestigious internship at Bell Labs and studied chemical engineering at Cornell University, graduating in 1985. He later earned his MBA from Columbia Business School in 1994. After graduation, he took a position at Goldman Sachs, where he honed his expertise in investment and business strategy. In 2000, he founded Vista, a leading global investment firm that specializes in enterprise software.
Smith is dedicated to creating equality of opportunity in education, healthcare and more. In 2019, Smith made one of his most notable contributions to education by eliminating the student loan debt of the Morehouse College graduating class and the debt held by their guardians on their behalf. Smith’s contribution to the Morehouse College class inspired the creation of the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) as a scalable solution to the problem of student debt. Smith serves as Chairman of SFI. Smith also co-leads Southern Communities Initiative (SCI), a catalytic consortium to accelerate wealth creation and economic growth in six Southern communities through locally led, measured and sustained initiatives.
Smith is the Chairman of Carnegie Hall and the founding director and President of Fund II Foundation. In 2017, Smith was named one of Forbes’ 100 Greatest Living Business Minds. In 2020, he was named one of TIME100’s “Most Influential People” of the year. In 2024, Smith received the Committee for Economic Development’s Distinguished Leadership Award.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 1, 2025
While I didn't think this was bad, it definitely wasn't my cup of tea. Some aspects I really enjoyed, but the majority was a miss for me. Although I was a big fan of the content, I thought the narration was excellent. There are multiple narrators, and they all did a fantastic job.
October 16, 2025
Lead Boldly
Lead Boldly contains seven curated speeches by Martin Luther King, Jr. Having used these speeches as inspiration, Robert F. Smith expounds on transforming King’s words of the past into a modern-day call to action. Whether maintaining a beloved community, fighting for economic justice, or coalition building, Smith uses these, as well as others, as guideposts in shaping his own life and in building a successful career as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Smith challenges us to Lead Boldly using Martin Luther King, Jr.’s moral vision as a frame of reference. Not a bad idea at all.
Lead Boldly contains seven curated speeches by Martin Luther King, Jr. Having used these speeches as inspiration, Robert F. Smith expounds on transforming King’s words of the past into a modern-day call to action. Whether maintaining a beloved community, fighting for economic justice, or coalition building, Smith uses these, as well as others, as guideposts in shaping his own life and in building a successful career as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Smith challenges us to Lead Boldly using Martin Luther King, Jr.’s moral vision as a frame of reference. Not a bad idea at all.
September 24, 2025
Summary: Leadership principles from seven speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. and how they may be integrated into a leadership journey.
The speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr are among the most significant in the history of American oratory. Their lasting value is reflected in the reading of these speeches and how they continue to inspire striving for the Beloved Community, the realization of “the dream”, and the pursuit of our nation’s highest ideals.
This work explores seven of those speeches. Some are familiar, such as the “Dream” speech, the Letter from Birmingham Jail, and “I See the Promised Land,” given in Memphis the night before his assassination. Others are less familiar but no no important. “Justice without Violence” was given at Brandeis University in 1957. In it, King laid out his principles for non-violence and his vision of the Beloved Community. “The Other America,” given at Stanford in 1967 describes the two Americas and also links the civil rights struggle to our nation’s involvement in Vietnam. “The Three Evils of Society,” given in Chicago in 1967, highlight the struggle for economic justice and the evils of racism, materialism, and poverty. Finally, his address to the American Jewish Congress in 1958 extends an invitation to allied action for civil rights that many Jewish leaders accepted.
A reflection by Robert F. Smith follows each speech. Smith is an investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He relates his own experiences to each of King’s themes. He recounts his family’s cross-country pilgrimage to the March on Washington in 1963. Smith reflects on the Beloved Community and the horrible assault on the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa in 1921. He had family there. In response to King’s speech on the two Americas, he recounts his own experience of the differences between himself and white students. Finally, a number of reflections include descriptions of leadership lessons and opportunities Smith has had to practice them.
Another feature of the book is a concluding question for readers to ponder. For example, after the “Dream” speech he asks, “What part of King’s mission resonates most with you? How has persistence and overcoming played a role in your own march?”
Lastly, the book is printed on high quality paper, includes a number of photographs, and a readable font size. It is equally suitable for a reception area in an office or a coffee table. However, it is also suitable for a discussion group. Likewise, it is a great introduction to King’s important speeches. Smith’s reflections challenge us to “walk the talk.” Finally, I think it would make a great graduation gift for a high school or college student.
In an era that is erasing the work of civil rights leaders, it is important to read King’s words afresh. We haven’t yet realized the dream. We still have two Americas. And we are far from the Beloved Community. Likewise, today’s “resistance” needs to understand the philosophy and practice of nonviolent direct action. This is an inspirational book with substance.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers Program.
The speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr are among the most significant in the history of American oratory. Their lasting value is reflected in the reading of these speeches and how they continue to inspire striving for the Beloved Community, the realization of “the dream”, and the pursuit of our nation’s highest ideals.
This work explores seven of those speeches. Some are familiar, such as the “Dream” speech, the Letter from Birmingham Jail, and “I See the Promised Land,” given in Memphis the night before his assassination. Others are less familiar but no no important. “Justice without Violence” was given at Brandeis University in 1957. In it, King laid out his principles for non-violence and his vision of the Beloved Community. “The Other America,” given at Stanford in 1967 describes the two Americas and also links the civil rights struggle to our nation’s involvement in Vietnam. “The Three Evils of Society,” given in Chicago in 1967, highlight the struggle for economic justice and the evils of racism, materialism, and poverty. Finally, his address to the American Jewish Congress in 1958 extends an invitation to allied action for civil rights that many Jewish leaders accepted.
A reflection by Robert F. Smith follows each speech. Smith is an investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He relates his own experiences to each of King’s themes. He recounts his family’s cross-country pilgrimage to the March on Washington in 1963. Smith reflects on the Beloved Community and the horrible assault on the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa in 1921. He had family there. In response to King’s speech on the two Americas, he recounts his own experience of the differences between himself and white students. Finally, a number of reflections include descriptions of leadership lessons and opportunities Smith has had to practice them.
Another feature of the book is a concluding question for readers to ponder. For example, after the “Dream” speech he asks, “What part of King’s mission resonates most with you? How has persistence and overcoming played a role in your own march?”
Lastly, the book is printed on high quality paper, includes a number of photographs, and a readable font size. It is equally suitable for a reception area in an office or a coffee table. However, it is also suitable for a discussion group. Likewise, it is a great introduction to King’s important speeches. Smith’s reflections challenge us to “walk the talk.” Finally, I think it would make a great graduation gift for a high school or college student.
In an era that is erasing the work of civil rights leaders, it is important to read King’s words afresh. We haven’t yet realized the dream. We still have two Americas. And we are far from the Beloved Community. Likewise, today’s “resistance” needs to understand the philosophy and practice of nonviolent direct action. This is an inspirational book with substance.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers Program.
October 18, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Well-respected businessman Robert F Smith was there that day in 1963. His family traveled hundreds of miles from their home in Colorado to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He may have been only a baby, but Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech became woven into the fabric of his upbringing and shaped the man he would become both in his personal life and in business. Now, over 60 years later, Smith is sharing insights into how several of King’s speeches and letters helped him become a leader among leaders in Lead Boldly: Seven principles from Martin Luther King, Jr.
I give Lead Boldly 4 out of 5 stars. There are many things I love about this book including the forward by Dr. Bernice King. The audio version also allows readers to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words in his own voice, utilizing recordings of his speeches, which was a very emotional experience for me. In school, reading these words had an impact, but nothing like hearing Dr. King speak them against the backdrop of the crowd reactions. In the same vein, hearing Smith read his own thoughts had a similar impact. With that said, it did feel as though this book was missing a spark – something to keep readers engaged. Another aspect I appreciate from this book is the leadership lens taken by Smith. Typically, you hear these speeches or read these words in terms of racial injustice or the fight for voting rights, but not in terms of business leadership. It was an interesting way to reframe the discussion and apply Dr. King’s logic to a new subject matter. I found myself thinking of how valuable this would have been as a new leader many years ago to help ground me in what really matters for a servant leader in the workplace.
If you have a new graduate or someone newly promoted to a leadership position, this would be a fantastic congratulations gift to set them on the right path. I would also recommend this book to leaders who are struggling to obtain buy-in from their team or business community – with themes like “Economic Justice” and “Two Americas”, it put certain discussions and requests in perspective for me and allowed me to approach them with a kinder, more holistic viewpoint than I would have before. I would also recommend this book to readers who have read other works recounting Dr. King’s legacy and speeches such as Nine Days: The race to save Martin Luther King Jr’s Life and Win the 1960 Election by Stephen and Paul Kendrick, or The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Coretta Scott King.
Living in Metro Atlanta all of my life, I have been privileged to visit The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change and hear Coretta Scott King and two of their children (Bernice and Martin III) speak at various events over the years. I have also heard from the men and women who attended the rallies, sit-ins, marches, and events and heard King speak these words directly, including John Lewis, CT Vivian, and Joseph Lowery. I am honored to have walked the streets in Atlanta where they marched. If you have not visited The King Center or Atlanta’s National Civil Rights Museum, I would invite to you follow up reading this fantastic book with visits to both either in person or through their virtual galleries.
Well-respected businessman Robert F Smith was there that day in 1963. His family traveled hundreds of miles from their home in Colorado to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He may have been only a baby, but Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech became woven into the fabric of his upbringing and shaped the man he would become both in his personal life and in business. Now, over 60 years later, Smith is sharing insights into how several of King’s speeches and letters helped him become a leader among leaders in Lead Boldly: Seven principles from Martin Luther King, Jr.
I give Lead Boldly 4 out of 5 stars. There are many things I love about this book including the forward by Dr. Bernice King. The audio version also allows readers to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words in his own voice, utilizing recordings of his speeches, which was a very emotional experience for me. In school, reading these words had an impact, but nothing like hearing Dr. King speak them against the backdrop of the crowd reactions. In the same vein, hearing Smith read his own thoughts had a similar impact. With that said, it did feel as though this book was missing a spark – something to keep readers engaged. Another aspect I appreciate from this book is the leadership lens taken by Smith. Typically, you hear these speeches or read these words in terms of racial injustice or the fight for voting rights, but not in terms of business leadership. It was an interesting way to reframe the discussion and apply Dr. King’s logic to a new subject matter. I found myself thinking of how valuable this would have been as a new leader many years ago to help ground me in what really matters for a servant leader in the workplace.
If you have a new graduate or someone newly promoted to a leadership position, this would be a fantastic congratulations gift to set them on the right path. I would also recommend this book to leaders who are struggling to obtain buy-in from their team or business community – with themes like “Economic Justice” and “Two Americas”, it put certain discussions and requests in perspective for me and allowed me to approach them with a kinder, more holistic viewpoint than I would have before. I would also recommend this book to readers who have read other works recounting Dr. King’s legacy and speeches such as Nine Days: The race to save Martin Luther King Jr’s Life and Win the 1960 Election by Stephen and Paul Kendrick, or The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Coretta Scott King.
Living in Metro Atlanta all of my life, I have been privileged to visit The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change and hear Coretta Scott King and two of their children (Bernice and Martin III) speak at various events over the years. I have also heard from the men and women who attended the rallies, sit-ins, marches, and events and heard King speak these words directly, including John Lewis, CT Vivian, and Joseph Lowery. I am honored to have walked the streets in Atlanta where they marched. If you have not visited The King Center or Atlanta’s National Civil Rights Museum, I would invite to you follow up reading this fantastic book with visits to both either in person or through their virtual galleries.
December 1, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.
Robert F. Smith’s Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a thoughtful blend of inspiration, history, and practical guidance, designed to help readers translate King’s moral vision into everyday leadership.
🌟 This book distills seven core principles drawn from Dr. King’s life and work, reframing them as actionable lessons for modern leaders. Rather than presenting King as a distant historical figure, Smith emphasizes his relevance to contemporary challenges—whether in business, community, or personal growth. The narrative is not just about remembering King’s words, but about embodying them in decision-making, resilience, and ethical clarity.
🎙️ The audiobook format adds a powerful dimension. With narration by Robert Smith, Martin King Jr., Percy Bell, and Chante McCormick, the voices bring texture and gravitas to the principles. The varied narrators ensure that the lessons resonate across perspectives, making the listening experience dynamic and emotionally engaging.
🧩 Themes and Resonance
- Courage and Conviction: Leadership requires moral bravery, even when the path is unpopular.
- Service and Responsibility: True leadership is measured not by authority but by the impact on others.
- Vision and Hope: King’s insistence on imagining a better future becomes a call to cultivate optimism in the face of adversity.
- Integrity and Truth: The book underscores that ethical consistency is the foundation of lasting influence.
Smith frames these principles as timeless, yet urgently needed in today’s fractured social and professional landscapes.
📚 The prose is clear, motivational, and accessible, balancing historical reflection with practical application. Smith avoids abstraction, grounding each principle in real-world contexts that encourage readers to act boldly in their own spheres. The audiobook’s pacing and delivery enhance the sense of urgency, making it feel less like a lecture and more like a call to action.
Lead Boldly is a tribute to Dr. King’s enduring wisdom and a practical guide for anyone seeking to lead with courage, compassion, and clarity. Robert F. Smith succeeds in bridging history and modern leadership, offering a book that as inspiring as it is actionable.
Robert F. Smith’s Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a thoughtful blend of inspiration, history, and practical guidance, designed to help readers translate King’s moral vision into everyday leadership.
🌟 This book distills seven core principles drawn from Dr. King’s life and work, reframing them as actionable lessons for modern leaders. Rather than presenting King as a distant historical figure, Smith emphasizes his relevance to contemporary challenges—whether in business, community, or personal growth. The narrative is not just about remembering King’s words, but about embodying them in decision-making, resilience, and ethical clarity.
🎙️ The audiobook format adds a powerful dimension. With narration by Robert Smith, Martin King Jr., Percy Bell, and Chante McCormick, the voices bring texture and gravitas to the principles. The varied narrators ensure that the lessons resonate across perspectives, making the listening experience dynamic and emotionally engaging.
🧩 Themes and Resonance
- Courage and Conviction: Leadership requires moral bravery, even when the path is unpopular.
- Service and Responsibility: True leadership is measured not by authority but by the impact on others.
- Vision and Hope: King’s insistence on imagining a better future becomes a call to cultivate optimism in the face of adversity.
- Integrity and Truth: The book underscores that ethical consistency is the foundation of lasting influence.
Smith frames these principles as timeless, yet urgently needed in today’s fractured social and professional landscapes.
📚 The prose is clear, motivational, and accessible, balancing historical reflection with practical application. Smith avoids abstraction, grounding each principle in real-world contexts that encourage readers to act boldly in their own spheres. The audiobook’s pacing and delivery enhance the sense of urgency, making it feel less like a lecture and more like a call to action.
Lead Boldly is a tribute to Dr. King’s enduring wisdom and a practical guide for anyone seeking to lead with courage, compassion, and clarity. Robert F. Smith succeeds in bridging history and modern leadership, offering a book that as inspiring as it is actionable.
November 1, 2025
I received this book as part of a giveaway on LibraryThing.
This is closer to 3.5/5 stars. The main author here is Dr. King as six full-length speech transcripts and the full Letter from a Birmingham Jail take up 111 pages of 204 total (and a good number of those non-King pages are blank, photos, or breaks with a couple of questions). As such, this is a beautiful and glossy trip through some of King's most famous, and a couple of less famous, writings.
Smith, an accomplished engineer, financier, philanthropist, and activist, provides some autobiographical material to tease out lessons for 2025 from these curated sources. This is interesting but it is only briefly sketched out in any sort of systematic way. The "seven principles" alluded to in the title hint at some manner of King inspired "7 Habits" paradigm, but that never emerges in any sort of repeated or memorable way. Finally, there is a missed opportunity here for Smith to push back on King a little bit--so many of whose economic solutions are based on government actions, whereas so many of Smith's calls to actions are private-sector based, associational, and voluntarist.
Finally, there are odd claims here as well--not the least of which is the notion that Al Sharpton is a "contemporary" of Dr. King. Sharpton, who was a young teenager when King was murdered was no more King's contemporary than my parents. I get that people are friends with characters like Sharpton, but why try to make it appear that he was some manner of coadjutor with Dr. King (as opposed to John Lewis or Jesse Jackson, who actually were)?
Final takeaway--the King speeches and writings are great, but A Testament of Hope is cheaper.
This is closer to 3.5/5 stars. The main author here is Dr. King as six full-length speech transcripts and the full Letter from a Birmingham Jail take up 111 pages of 204 total (and a good number of those non-King pages are blank, photos, or breaks with a couple of questions). As such, this is a beautiful and glossy trip through some of King's most famous, and a couple of less famous, writings.
Smith, an accomplished engineer, financier, philanthropist, and activist, provides some autobiographical material to tease out lessons for 2025 from these curated sources. This is interesting but it is only briefly sketched out in any sort of systematic way. The "seven principles" alluded to in the title hint at some manner of King inspired "7 Habits" paradigm, but that never emerges in any sort of repeated or memorable way. Finally, there is a missed opportunity here for Smith to push back on King a little bit--so many of whose economic solutions are based on government actions, whereas so many of Smith's calls to actions are private-sector based, associational, and voluntarist.
Finally, there are odd claims here as well--not the least of which is the notion that Al Sharpton is a "contemporary" of Dr. King. Sharpton, who was a young teenager when King was murdered was no more King's contemporary than my parents. I get that people are friends with characters like Sharpton, but why try to make it appear that he was some manner of coadjutor with Dr. King (as opposed to John Lewis or Jesse Jackson, who actually were)?
Final takeaway--the King speeches and writings are great, but A Testament of Hope is cheaper.
August 16, 2025
First of all, thank you to Harper Collins Leadership and LibraryThing.com for this copy of "Lead Boldly". The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Each chapter is broken into three parts. The first section recounts one of Dr. King's brilliant speeches. They are still stirring today. I know high school students are using them in class, and so his words still can work their way into the hearts and minds of teenagers today. His ideas are timeless and hopefully will take root and produce fruit almost six decades later.
The second section gives Dr. Smith's response to that speech and how it affected his life at that time. This section relates to the circumstances personally and nationally; a lot of history is found in these pages.
The final section, really a short paragraph, gives a clarion call to all to rise to the occasion and change the world around us.
I do not have the wealth or the education of Dr. Smith, so I have to do it in my way. The way my parents taught me. Both sets of Grandparents were racist. I never knew that until much later in life. My parents taught me to be kind to all and be grateful to others. They took me to a church that taught me to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength." And, "To love others as yourself." If everyone could do that, we could change hearts and minds daily.
Thank you for this book. Hopefully, it will change people's minds and hearts.
Each chapter is broken into three parts. The first section recounts one of Dr. King's brilliant speeches. They are still stirring today. I know high school students are using them in class, and so his words still can work their way into the hearts and minds of teenagers today. His ideas are timeless and hopefully will take root and produce fruit almost six decades later.
The second section gives Dr. Smith's response to that speech and how it affected his life at that time. This section relates to the circumstances personally and nationally; a lot of history is found in these pages.
The final section, really a short paragraph, gives a clarion call to all to rise to the occasion and change the world around us.
I do not have the wealth or the education of Dr. Smith, so I have to do it in my way. The way my parents taught me. Both sets of Grandparents were racist. I never knew that until much later in life. My parents taught me to be kind to all and be grateful to others. They took me to a church that taught me to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength." And, "To love others as yourself." If everyone could do that, we could change hearts and minds daily.
Thank you for this book. Hopefully, it will change people's minds and hearts.
August 28, 2025
Reading Lead Boldly was both inspiring and eye-opening. Robert F. Smith offers a thoughtful and personal look at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most powerful speeches; he shows how Dr. King’s words still matter today and what they can teach us about leadership. I really appreciated how the book pairs Dr. King’s original messages with Smith’s reflections; topics like “The Beloved Community” and “Economic Justice” are presented in ways that feel both relevant and easy to connect with. The foreword by Rev. Dr. Bernice King was especially moving; it reminded me that Dr. King's work is not just history, but personal and ongoing.
What makes Lead Boldly stand out is how it encourages real action. It is not just about honoring the past but about applying those lessons to lead with purpose right now. I finished the book feeling more motivated and more aware of how I lead and how I can serve others. In the final chapters, Smith highlights the importance of creating economic mobility in our communities. He even shares practical ways to support the underbanked and unbanked. I left this book feeling genuinely empowered. Whether you are in business, education, community work, or simply trying to grow as a person, I highly recommend Lead Boldly. It is powerful, honest, and stays with you long after the last page.
A special thanks to NetGalley, the author & the publisher for the opportunity to experience this advanced copy!
What makes Lead Boldly stand out is how it encourages real action. It is not just about honoring the past but about applying those lessons to lead with purpose right now. I finished the book feeling more motivated and more aware of how I lead and how I can serve others. In the final chapters, Smith highlights the importance of creating economic mobility in our communities. He even shares practical ways to support the underbanked and unbanked. I left this book feeling genuinely empowered. Whether you are in business, education, community work, or simply trying to grow as a person, I highly recommend Lead Boldly. It is powerful, honest, and stays with you long after the last page.
A special thanks to NetGalley, the author & the publisher for the opportunity to experience this advanced copy!
July 20, 2025
A Leadership Blueprint Rooted in Justice and Legacy
Robert F. Smith takes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s timeless wisdom and reframes it for modern-day leadership in Lead Boldly. Each chapter unpacks a key principle—like “The Beloved Community” or “Two Americas”—grounded in King’s words and explored through the lens of Smith’s personal and professional experience.
What stood out to me most was the way this book balances reflection with real-world application. It doesn’t just admire King’s legacy from afar—it asks the reader to step into it, to act with integrity, to lead from a place of service and conviction. Smith’s tone is encouraging and clear, making the book feel like both a tribute and a roadmap.
It’s a short read, but rich in ideas. I think it would be particularly useful for students, professionals, and anyone seeking to lead with more humanity and impact in today’s world. My only minor wish? A deeper dive into more of Smith’s own leadership experiences would’ve added an even more personal dimension.
4/5 stars. Uplifting, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in the kind of leadership our world truly needs.
Robert F. Smith takes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s timeless wisdom and reframes it for modern-day leadership in Lead Boldly. Each chapter unpacks a key principle—like “The Beloved Community” or “Two Americas”—grounded in King’s words and explored through the lens of Smith’s personal and professional experience.
What stood out to me most was the way this book balances reflection with real-world application. It doesn’t just admire King’s legacy from afar—it asks the reader to step into it, to act with integrity, to lead from a place of service and conviction. Smith’s tone is encouraging and clear, making the book feel like both a tribute and a roadmap.
It’s a short read, but rich in ideas. I think it would be particularly useful for students, professionals, and anyone seeking to lead with more humanity and impact in today’s world. My only minor wish? A deeper dive into more of Smith’s own leadership experiences would’ve added an even more personal dimension.
4/5 stars. Uplifting, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in the kind of leadership our world truly needs.
November 17, 2025
The text of the book is excellent. Robert Smith offers excellent lessons from various speeches of Martin Luther King. I found the book inspiring and uplifting, especially in our current climate. It offered the stark reminder, that as much as things have changed, there is much work still to be done in bringing to fruition the promise of the founders that "all men are created equal."
My biggest concern for the audio book was the choice of readers. Robert Smith did an excellent job in reading his written words, the challenge was the voice actor who read Dr Martin Luther King's various speeches. Dr King had such a distinct style that added the punch to his speeches and that was lacking in this version. The passion and the emphasis were just not there. I understand, as a public speaker, how hard it is to imitate another's style, and I assume that the producers decided to go in another direction and not even attempt to be Dr King. In my mind, it was a poor decision and it didn't work.
The actual book I would give 5 stars, but for the audio version only 3. It is worth reading and wrestling with.
Thanks to Harper Collins Leadership and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My biggest concern for the audio book was the choice of readers. Robert Smith did an excellent job in reading his written words, the challenge was the voice actor who read Dr Martin Luther King's various speeches. Dr King had such a distinct style that added the punch to his speeches and that was lacking in this version. The passion and the emphasis were just not there. I understand, as a public speaker, how hard it is to imitate another's style, and I assume that the producers decided to go in another direction and not even attempt to be Dr King. In my mind, it was a poor decision and it didn't work.
The actual book I would give 5 stars, but for the audio version only 3. It is worth reading and wrestling with.
Thanks to Harper Collins Leadership and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
September 30, 2025
If it had just been MLK Jr's speech, it would have been five stars. The author assumes the reader must be black, so asks reflection questions of the reader's black experience. The author also doesn't address other contributing factors to disportionate equity in the black community, including absentee fathers, single moms, revenge and gang culture, violent music, crime, incarcerated parents, drugs, entitelment mentality, victim mentality, and more. He mentioned in his childhood, neighborhoods hung out together, bbq-ed, while the kids ran around. I believe that no longer having traditional family values, has been the greatest tragedy to all people, regardless of skin color. Now, kids are absorbed in their phones, and have poor communication skills as well as academic success. I do agree this is a major barrier to educational success.
October 13, 2025
I appreciated the premise of Lead Boldly and the use of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches, especially hearing the original “I Have a Dream” recording. It was a good listen overall, but it didn’t quite meet my expectations. I felt the author assumed the reader was Black and didn’t fully explore other social and cultural factors that contribute to inequality, such as family structure, education, and values.
While I value the message about leadership and reflection, I think the issues discussed affect everyone, regardless of race. The decline of traditional values and the disparity in generational wealth impact people from many backgrounds — something I relate to personally as a Romanian living in Italy who grew up in a single-parent household.
While I value the message about leadership and reflection, I think the issues discussed affect everyone, regardless of race. The decline of traditional values and the disparity in generational wealth impact people from many backgrounds — something I relate to personally as a Romanian living in Italy who grew up in a single-parent household.
October 20, 2025
I really appreciated this non-fiction which breaks down the key points and lessons contained within seven of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's speeches. I have to admit this was the first time I heard his 'I Have a Dream' speech in its entirety. This book speaks to the many forms of systemic racism that are still thriving throughout North America more than 55 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's death, from education to health care, insurance to home ownership, and literally everything in between. Racism in America is so deeply seated that it is the main theme of its founding. Unfortunately with DT as POTUS rather than making amends and trying to eliminate systemic racism it is instead being blown up to epic proportions. It feels as though their main identity right now is centered around racism.
I hope individuals can find hope within these passages, and that it will enlighten those who are somehow unaware, or unwilling to admit, how deeply ingrained racism is in American society.
Thanks @netgalley and @harpercollinsca and @harperaudio for an audiobook version of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I hope individuals can find hope within these passages, and that it will enlighten those who are somehow unaware, or unwilling to admit, how deeply ingrained racism is in American society.
Thanks @netgalley and @harpercollinsca and @harperaudio for an audiobook version of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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November 23, 2025WOW... I was recommended this book by a friend and was able to grab in on NetGalley and man am I happy I did. I'm not rating this one as I cannot rate a book that is based on MLK's life and legacy. But I really enjoyed the book.
This audiobook is a short read, but rich in ideas. I think it would be particularly useful for students, professionals, and anyone seeking to lead with more humanity and impact in today’s world. Personally, I think everyone should listen or read this one. I loved the uplifting, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in the kind of leadership that this book encouraged. Our world truly needs it.
Thank you NetGalley for this audiobook.
This audiobook is a short read, but rich in ideas. I think it would be particularly useful for students, professionals, and anyone seeking to lead with more humanity and impact in today’s world. Personally, I think everyone should listen or read this one. I loved the uplifting, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in the kind of leadership that this book encouraged. Our world truly needs it.
Thank you NetGalley for this audiobook.
August 22, 2025
I really enjoyed the audiobook. I liked that it began with a Speech from Martin Luther King Jr. and that it also included letters written from the Birmingham jail. I learned a lot from this audiobook and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for ways to be a leader in helping close the racial gap. It has a run time of 4 hours and 43 minutes, yet, it manages to teach powerful lessons in this short amount of time.
Thank you to HarperCollins Leadership, the author Robert F. Smith, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to HarperCollins Leadership, the author Robert F. Smith, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
November 18, 2025
This book gives speeches that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said. It shows how the author was influenced by him and the principles he now has. It also asks how you can take these principles and apply them to your life. Lead Boldly makes you think about what is going on and how you can help. It’s a 4 hour and 43 minute audio which can easily be listened to quickly. I enjoyed the audio and how they executed the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2025
Lead Boldly is an honorable dedication to a realistic dream by one of the greatest Americans known to black people. Robert F. Smith sees eye-to-eye with the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and inspires a generation of successful entrepreneurs with his thesis and wit.
Through a highly detailed, secured research team, the complete information, which had previously been unknown to a man in his 30’s, brings color to a previously black and white and gray education. Be sure to read it with an intention to think, process, and develop those around you.
Through a highly detailed, secured research team, the complete information, which had previously been unknown to a man in his 30’s, brings color to a previously black and white and gray education. Be sure to read it with an intention to think, process, and develop those around you.
August 18, 2025
*Thank you for the ARC!*
OK marking this as read right now and will keep on my kindle - unfortunately making speeches attractive in writing proves difficult and my attention wasn’t caught. The ALC allowed for a better experience but even then, I didn’t connect with the person actually writing the book so a bit of a miss for me.
OK marking this as read right now and will keep on my kindle - unfortunately making speeches attractive in writing proves difficult and my attention wasn’t caught. The ALC allowed for a better experience but even then, I didn’t connect with the person actually writing the book so a bit of a miss for me.
October 25, 2025
I'm so proud of my dad for this phenomenal collection of personal essays and reflections. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the legacy of Dr. King, presented in a modern context. There's wisdom and guidance here about being a man, a father, a businessperson, and a community leader. Best book of 2025!!!
September 29, 2025
The context was great, the narration was great, but it didn’t speak to me. Not really my normal listen or read, but I do appreciate what MLK Jr did, and it was an interesting read. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book.
October 27, 2025
Using selected speeches by Dr king, with historical context the author bring Dr King’s message to today’s complicated realities. Inspiring and challenging. In a time of cacophonous noise and division, this presentation in very much needed.
Currently reading
June 25, 2025I received a NetGalley widget for this book.
September 1, 2025
Lead Boldly was honestly a poignant, inspiring, and eye opening book. I think it made me appreciate King all the more.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book.
maybe-one-day
November 11, 2025Paused at 17%
Definitely plan to come back to this at some point, right now I'm just not feeling it and I really want to be in the right mindset to absorb it properly.
Definitely plan to come back to this at some point, right now I'm just not feeling it and I really want to be in the right mindset to absorb it properly.
September 23, 2025
Lead Boldly is a compelling and brilliantly written book that provides valuable insight centered around Dr. King's legacy. Smith skillfully combines Dr. King's timeless speeches and philosophies with his own life story to create an account that is both intensely personal and universally relatable. Smith uses Dr. King's teachings as an example and a guide as he addresses ongoing issues, including racial economic inequities and persistent injustices experienced by communities of color via careful reflection.
This book is a call to action as much as a tribute to the tremendous legacy left by Dr.. King. Lead Boldly is an inspirational work for anyone who wants to lead with conviction, clarity, and compassion because of Smith's poignant and intentional narrative. I strongly suggest it to anyone who is dedicated to creating a more purposeful and equitable future.
Thanks, HCCP & HCF Audio | HarperCollins Leadership and NetGalley for the ARC! #LeadBoldly #NetGalley
This book is a call to action as much as a tribute to the tremendous legacy left by Dr.. King. Lead Boldly is an inspirational work for anyone who wants to lead with conviction, clarity, and compassion because of Smith's poignant and intentional narrative. I strongly suggest it to anyone who is dedicated to creating a more purposeful and equitable future.
Thanks, HCCP & HCF Audio | HarperCollins Leadership and NetGalley for the ARC! #LeadBoldly #NetGalley
December 18, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and HCCP and HCF Audio for a gifted audiobook of Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Robert F. Smith
Lead Boldly is a powerful and timely reminder that Dr. King’s words and leadership philosophy are just as vital today as they were decades ago.
Drawing directly from Dr. King’s speeches, sermons, and writings, Smith frames seven leadership principles that feel both inspirational and deeply practical. Themes of courage, moral clarity, service, and collective responsibility resonate throughout, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not about position or power, but about purpose and action. So many of the lessons explored here feel urgently relevant in our current moment, underscoring how enduring Dr. King’s vision truly is.
The audiobook elevates the experience even further. Hearing Dr. King’s own voice alongside Robert F. Smith’s thoughtful narration creates a profound emotional impact.
This is a book to savor slowly, returning to often. Lead Boldly doesn’t just honor Dr. King’s legacy, it challenges listeners to live it, reminding us that bold, principled leadership is something we are all capable of practicing every day.
Lead Boldly is a powerful and timely reminder that Dr. King’s words and leadership philosophy are just as vital today as they were decades ago.
Drawing directly from Dr. King’s speeches, sermons, and writings, Smith frames seven leadership principles that feel both inspirational and deeply practical. Themes of courage, moral clarity, service, and collective responsibility resonate throughout, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not about position or power, but about purpose and action. So many of the lessons explored here feel urgently relevant in our current moment, underscoring how enduring Dr. King’s vision truly is.
The audiobook elevates the experience even further. Hearing Dr. King’s own voice alongside Robert F. Smith’s thoughtful narration creates a profound emotional impact.
This is a book to savor slowly, returning to often. Lead Boldly doesn’t just honor Dr. King’s legacy, it challenges listeners to live it, reminding us that bold, principled leadership is something we are all capable of practicing every day.
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