Unlearning What Worked: Stories About Success, Stagnation, and Change

by Matthew West-James

85 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2026

About the author

Matthew West-James is a professional in information technology, a veteran of the United States Army, and a lifetime learner who has developed his career path through the intersection of technology, leadership, and human systems. His background has included network management, disaster recovery efforts, enterprise network infrastructure, and operational readiness in a manner that has consistently emphasized people and processes over technology and tools.

As a veteran of the United States Army, with experience in Iraq, Mr. West-James’s early understanding of leadership was developed in environments where the outcomes of decision-making were of great consequence. These early influences have stuck with him through a decidedly unconventional career path that has been marked by success, stasis, transformation, and a series of tough turns. Along the way, he has come to recognize that many of the approaches that were thought to be drivers of success have, in actuality, become barriers to it.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Managing Information Technology, is currently pursuing a doctorate, and works in healthcare information technology. As a man of multiple passions, he is also a husband, father, volunteer, and practicing artist in media such as writing and mixed media. He aligns with the notion that development is rarely linear, leadership is often an undoing, and that unlearning is sometimes as valuable as learning.

Reviews

[Michaelanne James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I enjoyed Wrong Bird.

I started reading this book after I had had several sleep deprived nights. I was feeling down. A state uncommon to me. As I finished the first story of Matthew's missteps in life, I realized the fog of unhappiness was lifting.
It's a interesting group of story that speak of the tales that many of us have personally experienced but his are presented to us with great humor.

[Yomi Akinode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regimental
Human struggles have always been about the extent to which one pursues self-improvement, as Matthew West-James observed. Learning and conditioning to the point of reaction are paramount in regimented situations, but they are detrimental when dynamic thinking is required. Thus, a long spell in military situations results in the latter. So, what to do? Great question!

[Stephanie - Books Less Travelled · Rating 4 out of 5]

For being an unassuming and shorter read, this one has a lot to say. I loved the conversational and personal touch, and I enjoyed the way the author pointed out the different lessons he learned along the way. The easy-to-read style also helped me find ways to look at my own life and experiences, and point out the lessons and help to reveal the skills and things that worked, and what can be improved. While not necessarily a motivational or self-help book, it does serve a similar purpose in a way. The reminders and lessons shared in this book might even be a bit more practical and useful in the long term, as the skills in this one aren't about what worked for someone else, but more about discovering what's working for you, and how to find a way to fix what isn't.

*I was given an ecopy of the book. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*