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The Leadership Harvest: A Farmer’s Wisdom for Cultivating Leadership, Purpose, and Life
Leadership Doesn't Happen By Accident. Every Season Shapes A Leader.
What began as a series of letters from a father to his son became a lifelong lesson in ethical leadership, purpose, and living with intention.
The Leadership Harvest is both a heartfelt tribute and a practical guide for leaders who want to cultivate strong workplace relationships, lead with integrity, and build teams rooted in shared core values.
Drawing wisdom from the North Dakota wheat fields and translating it into real-world business insight, Leif Hemstad explores how meaningful leadership relationships are formed—not through position or power, but through purpose, human connection, and belief in others.
Along the way, he shows how clear values, thoughtful communication, and intentional strategic planning work together to guide leaders through uncertainty and long-term decision-making.
This book offers a grounded perspective on leadership approaches that prioritize trust, gratitude, and responsibility, making it especially relevant for leaders navigating complexity, change, and competing demands.
Inside The Leadership Harvest, you’ll discover insights
Leading ethically through adversity, transition, and uncertainty
Why workplace culture is built through relationships and everyday actions
How strong leadership and team building begin with trust, shared purpose, and disciplined strategic planning
The importance of time, storytelling, and presence in leadership
What it means to believe in yourself, believe in others, and instill belief across your team
Whether you are an emerging leader, a seasoned executive, or someone responsible for shaping culture and connection at work, The Leadership Harvest offers timeless wisdom for cultivating leadership that lasts—one relationship, one season, and one decision at a time.
What began as a series of letters from a father to his son became a lifelong lesson in ethical leadership, purpose, and living with intention.
The Leadership Harvest is both a heartfelt tribute and a practical guide for leaders who want to cultivate strong workplace relationships, lead with integrity, and build teams rooted in shared core values.
Drawing wisdom from the North Dakota wheat fields and translating it into real-world business insight, Leif Hemstad explores how meaningful leadership relationships are formed—not through position or power, but through purpose, human connection, and belief in others.
Along the way, he shows how clear values, thoughtful communication, and intentional strategic planning work together to guide leaders through uncertainty and long-term decision-making.
This book offers a grounded perspective on leadership approaches that prioritize trust, gratitude, and responsibility, making it especially relevant for leaders navigating complexity, change, and competing demands.
Inside The Leadership Harvest, you’ll discover insights
Leading ethically through adversity, transition, and uncertainty
Why workplace culture is built through relationships and everyday actions
How strong leadership and team building begin with trust, shared purpose, and disciplined strategic planning
The importance of time, storytelling, and presence in leadership
What it means to believe in yourself, believe in others, and instill belief across your team
Whether you are an emerging leader, a seasoned executive, or someone responsible for shaping culture and connection at work, The Leadership Harvest offers timeless wisdom for cultivating leadership that lasts—one relationship, one season, and one decision at a time.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2026
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6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 2, 2026
Good for Grades: Adult
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: None
Recommended for a school library: No - this title covers audience, so lets outline the audience of a school library and why it doesn't necessarily fit here.
High School Students - there are some high school students who may already be showing leadership potential that could learn from the lessons, but at this age my belief it is through mentorship and observation that students can learn the most.
Teachers - this title does focus significantly on communication and building relationships which are huge skills for the educator; however, I fear that the anecdotes and framework may not necessarily relate to many educators. Many teachers seek out practical, immediate applicability.
Administrators - My hope is that school administrators will pick up this title - especially for Leif's learnings surrounding metrics and AI. I love how Leif approaches those metrics in red. We do not ignore, but discover the story. We do not make excuses, we make a plan. I remember my very first supervisor at Great Plains Software. Each review we would discuss my metrics, but it always came back to our core mission - what does this score on this metric tell me about how you improved the lives and business success of our customers and partners during this period?
As for AI - again how do we leverage it within our core mission. How can it enhance us to provide more of that precious commodity of time to build relationships and tell our story. Forcing teachers to use AI for tasks that they already do well can actually suck time forcing them to use a new tool. How can we instead leverage it where they are struggling. For students, how do we teach the teachers how it works or even better, let students lead the way exploring what can happen next?
Reason(s) for choosing the book: Leif Hemstad was my manager at Microsoft, and helped me move on writing my letters of recommendation for my PhD program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Upon entry when the committee met with me for the first time on campus - each and every one mentioned how I was the only student that year (and indeed in years) who made that one significant gesture - a handwritten thank-you (a lesson and practice Leif discusses in the book!)
Review:
Abstract and Mini-Review
Using letters from his father, Leif reflects on how these careful and learned reflections on life and happenings on the prairie display the best qualities in what I might call quiet but inspired leadership. Leif then ties these lessons to concrete examples and learnings from his leadership career at Microsoft.
I am not the typical reader nor audience for this type of book as I digest mainly fiction with the majority of my non-fiction as biography. Sure, I have read the big titles that everyone has read like Who Moved My Cheese?, Now, Discover Your Strengths: The revolutionary Gallup program that shows you how to develop your unique talents and strengths, and The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. Indeed Leif has the easy readability and readily applicable lessons of these titles that appeal to the widest of audiences.
I don't necessarily see myself as the type of leader described or aspiring to be as outlined by this title either. Upon reading, though, I learned so much. I tried for years to get on Leif's rock star team at Microsoft and even went through at least three interviews. Persistence is typically not my strong suit. What made the difference - Leif. Each time the answer was no - it was a not at this time - here is what I would like you to work on. Leif was able to coach me into considerable growth while he was NOT my manager - this is the impact that such global leaders can have. As I read, I learned even more and chuckled as more was revealed providing insight into my own career growth.
I think what else this title may reveal to some leaders is how and why this leadership style works. Leif outlines near the end the importance of a team with varied skills, expertise, and ways of thinking - calling out especially the neurodivergent. Indeed, we can be difficult to coach, but wow - what problems we can solve. Building an environment of safety and diversity is a process, but the rewards can be remarkable.
Finally, the best leaders are always learning and have your back in times of crisis. I so appreciated Leif's posts on LinkedIn about being a leader during layoffs and leading with empathy and humanity. He touches on this on the book. He also admits how he missed the hurt of his team members after George Floyd's murder. A leader can say they are sorry and make a change.
There is so much more I could say, but so much is more personal connection. I think more of the intended audience may want to wait a bit, as Leif indicates the audiobook is forthcoming and I do believe it will lend best to this format. In print, I found some of the repetition a bit strange - but normal for this style of book and definitely more leaning toward the audio medium. I think more leaders and organizations will benefit even more though from inviting Leif to speak as that in-person connection and learning with be unmatched.
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: None
Recommended for a school library: No - this title covers audience, so lets outline the audience of a school library and why it doesn't necessarily fit here.
High School Students - there are some high school students who may already be showing leadership potential that could learn from the lessons, but at this age my belief it is through mentorship and observation that students can learn the most.
Teachers - this title does focus significantly on communication and building relationships which are huge skills for the educator; however, I fear that the anecdotes and framework may not necessarily relate to many educators. Many teachers seek out practical, immediate applicability.
Administrators - My hope is that school administrators will pick up this title - especially for Leif's learnings surrounding metrics and AI. I love how Leif approaches those metrics in red. We do not ignore, but discover the story. We do not make excuses, we make a plan. I remember my very first supervisor at Great Plains Software. Each review we would discuss my metrics, but it always came back to our core mission - what does this score on this metric tell me about how you improved the lives and business success of our customers and partners during this period?
As for AI - again how do we leverage it within our core mission. How can it enhance us to provide more of that precious commodity of time to build relationships and tell our story. Forcing teachers to use AI for tasks that they already do well can actually suck time forcing them to use a new tool. How can we instead leverage it where they are struggling. For students, how do we teach the teachers how it works or even better, let students lead the way exploring what can happen next?
Reason(s) for choosing the book: Leif Hemstad was my manager at Microsoft, and helped me move on writing my letters of recommendation for my PhD program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Upon entry when the committee met with me for the first time on campus - each and every one mentioned how I was the only student that year (and indeed in years) who made that one significant gesture - a handwritten thank-you (a lesson and practice Leif discusses in the book!)
Review:
Abstract and Mini-Review
Using letters from his father, Leif reflects on how these careful and learned reflections on life and happenings on the prairie display the best qualities in what I might call quiet but inspired leadership. Leif then ties these lessons to concrete examples and learnings from his leadership career at Microsoft.
I am not the typical reader nor audience for this type of book as I digest mainly fiction with the majority of my non-fiction as biography. Sure, I have read the big titles that everyone has read like Who Moved My Cheese?, Now, Discover Your Strengths: The revolutionary Gallup program that shows you how to develop your unique talents and strengths, and The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. Indeed Leif has the easy readability and readily applicable lessons of these titles that appeal to the widest of audiences.
I don't necessarily see myself as the type of leader described or aspiring to be as outlined by this title either. Upon reading, though, I learned so much. I tried for years to get on Leif's rock star team at Microsoft and even went through at least three interviews. Persistence is typically not my strong suit. What made the difference - Leif. Each time the answer was no - it was a not at this time - here is what I would like you to work on. Leif was able to coach me into considerable growth while he was NOT my manager - this is the impact that such global leaders can have. As I read, I learned even more and chuckled as more was revealed providing insight into my own career growth.
I think what else this title may reveal to some leaders is how and why this leadership style works. Leif outlines near the end the importance of a team with varied skills, expertise, and ways of thinking - calling out especially the neurodivergent. Indeed, we can be difficult to coach, but wow - what problems we can solve. Building an environment of safety and diversity is a process, but the rewards can be remarkable.
Finally, the best leaders are always learning and have your back in times of crisis. I so appreciated Leif's posts on LinkedIn about being a leader during layoffs and leading with empathy and humanity. He touches on this on the book. He also admits how he missed the hurt of his team members after George Floyd's murder. A leader can say they are sorry and make a change.
There is so much more I could say, but so much is more personal connection. I think more of the intended audience may want to wait a bit, as Leif indicates the audiobook is forthcoming and I do believe it will lend best to this format. In print, I found some of the repetition a bit strange - but normal for this style of book and definitely more leaning toward the audio medium. I think more leaders and organizations will benefit even more though from inviting Leif to speak as that in-person connection and learning with be unmatched.
February 13, 2026
Great personal story and leadership insights
I had the privilege to work with Leif and while not directly on one of his teams did know him and the teams he lead and know that they had influence over not just their team, but other teams and company wide initiatives, some being ones created by his team. I enjoyed the letters from his Dad and find many similarities as I also grew up on a farm and ended up in the computer industry so know both worlds well. Leif is right in that while AI is the new in thing in the industry that it still takes people to guide using it and that at the end of the day how we are working with others is what counts regardless of what kind of technology is used. Good wisdom and advice is given and written about in this book!
I had the privilege to work with Leif and while not directly on one of his teams did know him and the teams he lead and know that they had influence over not just their team, but other teams and company wide initiatives, some being ones created by his team. I enjoyed the letters from his Dad and find many similarities as I also grew up on a farm and ended up in the computer industry so know both worlds well. Leif is right in that while AI is the new in thing in the industry that it still takes people to guide using it and that at the end of the day how we are working with others is what counts regardless of what kind of technology is used. Good wisdom and advice is given and written about in this book!
January 20, 2026
A grounded, human guide to leadership that actually lasts
The Leadership Harvest is one of those rare leadership books that doesn’t try to impress you — it steadies you.
Through stories rooted in farming, family, and real-world leadership, Leif Hemstad reminds us that leadership is not about titles, speed, or short-term wins. It’s about decency. Belief. Relationships. Showing up — day after day — even when the season is hard.
What makes this book especially powerful is its foundation: letters written by the author’s father over nearly a decade. These reflections bring a quiet wisdom that feels increasingly rare in today’s leadership landscape. They’re not theoretical or trendy. They’re lived. Earned. Tested over time.
For corporate executives and seasoned managers, this book offers perspective — a chance to step back and examine not just what you’re building, but how and why. For leaders in transition, it offers reassurance that growth doesn’t stop when things slow down — it simply changes form.
Each chapter blends personal story with practical insight, making the lessons applicable both in business and in life. You’ll find yourself reflecting on your communication, your culture, your relationships, and the legacy you’re creating — whether you intend to or not.
This isn’t a book you rush through. It’s one you return to, especially when leadership feels heavy or unclear.
If you believe leadership is something to be cultivated — patiently, intentionally, and with humanity — The Leadership Harvest belongs on your shelf.
The Leadership Harvest is one of those rare leadership books that doesn’t try to impress you — it steadies you.
Through stories rooted in farming, family, and real-world leadership, Leif Hemstad reminds us that leadership is not about titles, speed, or short-term wins. It’s about decency. Belief. Relationships. Showing up — day after day — even when the season is hard.
What makes this book especially powerful is its foundation: letters written by the author’s father over nearly a decade. These reflections bring a quiet wisdom that feels increasingly rare in today’s leadership landscape. They’re not theoretical or trendy. They’re lived. Earned. Tested over time.
For corporate executives and seasoned managers, this book offers perspective — a chance to step back and examine not just what you’re building, but how and why. For leaders in transition, it offers reassurance that growth doesn’t stop when things slow down — it simply changes form.
Each chapter blends personal story with practical insight, making the lessons applicable both in business and in life. You’ll find yourself reflecting on your communication, your culture, your relationships, and the legacy you’re creating — whether you intend to or not.
This isn’t a book you rush through. It’s one you return to, especially when leadership feels heavy or unclear.
If you believe leadership is something to be cultivated — patiently, intentionally, and with humanity — The Leadership Harvest belongs on your shelf.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews