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Grayscale: A Memoir of an Introverted Leader
An inspiring memoir of a young man who went from being an extreme introvert to becoming the leader of the world's largest youth-led organization: AIESEC. At only 24, this shy introvert became the leader of 40,000 young people across 120 countries and territories and spoke on behalf of youth everywhere.
In a world in which more often the extroverts shine, it is difficult at times to conquer leadership when one is an introvert. This memoir illustrates the struggles and self-doubt that many introverts experience. But it is also a powerful example of how one young man’s ambition doesn’t allow his introversion to stop him from achieving his goals and searching for the grays in a life assumed to be black and white.
This memoir will take you through his personal journey with all its defeats and triumphs. It will show you the non-glamorous side of leadership that is often kept behind closed doors. He reels you in by writing about his triumphs and disappointments in infallible candor and brings his story to life with sheer authenticity. It’s a story of one young man’s ongoing battle with embracing the paradoxes of life while he tries to navigate his way through its many uncertainties.
Heartwarming, intimate, and witty, Grayscale is a hopeful memoir of an individual’s transformation in pursuit of finding meaning and purpose.
In a world in which more often the extroverts shine, it is difficult at times to conquer leadership when one is an introvert. This memoir illustrates the struggles and self-doubt that many introverts experience. But it is also a powerful example of how one young man’s ambition doesn’t allow his introversion to stop him from achieving his goals and searching for the grays in a life assumed to be black and white.
This memoir will take you through his personal journey with all its defeats and triumphs. It will show you the non-glamorous side of leadership that is often kept behind closed doors. He reels you in by writing about his triumphs and disappointments in infallible candor and brings his story to life with sheer authenticity. It’s a story of one young man’s ongoing battle with embracing the paradoxes of life while he tries to navigate his way through its many uncertainties.
Heartwarming, intimate, and witty, Grayscale is a hopeful memoir of an individual’s transformation in pursuit of finding meaning and purpose.
- GenresMemoir
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2020
32 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 10, 2020
This was by far the BEST book I've read in 2020.
This memoir was filled with precious moments and emotions. I could see myself in so many parts of his story. I was able to imagine the moments the writer was going through as he described them in a very amazing way. From childhood memories to different life experiences through AIESEC as well.
This is a REAL leadership story, I could feel a rollercoaster of emotions through reading every chapter of it. As an AIESEC member myself, I could totally relate to this book on a deep level and I would totally recommend it.
This memoir was filled with precious moments and emotions. I could see myself in so many parts of his story. I was able to imagine the moments the writer was going through as he described them in a very amazing way. From childhood memories to different life experiences through AIESEC as well.
This is a REAL leadership story, I could feel a rollercoaster of emotions through reading every chapter of it. As an AIESEC member myself, I could totally relate to this book on a deep level and I would totally recommend it.
July 14, 2020
Such a powerful read: Fadel's story is so relatable and inspiring at the same time. I have always known him as a strong and yet approachable leader in AIESEC. Not only has this memoir shown me how his life built him to be the remarkable person he is today, but also which vulnerabilities hide behind the surface. I related a lot to the difficulties he so openly writes about, whether they were about his introversion, his leadership experiences, or his love life. His stories even paved new ways for my own acceptance of my past experiences and current struggles. I recommend this book to any fellow Millennial. You don't want to miss out.
July 14, 2020
An insightful peek inside a leader's mind:
I got this book today and I couldn't wait to read it as it's about leaders and introvert leaders specifically.
The book is written comprehensively providing diverse accounts which Fadel has had throughout his childhood and leadership journey and how everything has shaped him to be the person he is today.
There were a lot of moments I could relate to personally. And the resilient, tenacious attitude and keeping calm even in the most stressful situations which Fadel has described as a leader, beautifully in the book.
I've been a part of the organisation, AIESEC, which Fadel led as the global head and this book would be a great insight for people who want to know more about AIESEC, for people who want to join it, for members who want to read more how their leadership journey could be shaped, for the alumni to live those cherished days again, for people who want to know more about leadership and management, basically, for everyone.
P.S. I can't wait to visit the British Virgin islands, if it's as beautiful as described in the book.
I got this book today and I couldn't wait to read it as it's about leaders and introvert leaders specifically.
The book is written comprehensively providing diverse accounts which Fadel has had throughout his childhood and leadership journey and how everything has shaped him to be the person he is today.
There were a lot of moments I could relate to personally. And the resilient, tenacious attitude and keeping calm even in the most stressful situations which Fadel has described as a leader, beautifully in the book.
I've been a part of the organisation, AIESEC, which Fadel led as the global head and this book would be a great insight for people who want to know more about AIESEC, for people who want to join it, for members who want to read more how their leadership journey could be shaped, for the alumni to live those cherished days again, for people who want to know more about leadership and management, basically, for everyone.
P.S. I can't wait to visit the British Virgin islands, if it's as beautiful as described in the book.
July 9, 2020
The writer made his book alive; giving us the opportunity to live with him in each part of his life journey where you can easily connect & feel the power of the moments. My emotions were on the same wave with the writer's, feeling excited when he was, feeling happy when he was, feeling sad when he was, even feeling drained when he felt.
By reading this book, you will live in many inspiring stories & you will learn more about: leadership, introvered personality, AIESEC, dealing with uncertainity, challenging the core & most importantly youself!
By reading this book, you will live in many inspiring stories & you will learn more about: leadership, introvered personality, AIESEC, dealing with uncertainity, challenging the core & most importantly youself!
July 14, 2020
It tells the story of one young person out of 1.8bi young people, yet it portraits the shared human experience of the early choices in life, the pursuit of a purpose, and a career. All of that, through overcoming the feeling of inadequacy and shyness, that let him lead the world's largest youth-run organization. A twenty-something journey that will inspire you to overcome your own fears - no matter your age.
July 7, 2020
It is very easy to connect with the author's story and learnings. Introvert or not, you'll be able to identify a lot in many of his challenges and moments of self-doubt. I've enjoyed every single chapter of the book, it made me think a lot about how many unsaid things lie behind everyone's story.
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July 7, 2020“A courageous recount of an exceptional mind”
July 14, 2020
I couldn't put Grayscale down! Mohamed tells his epic and compelling story, intertwining themes of leading as an extreme introvert & uncovering one's passions as a young adult.
I had the opportunity to be led by Mohamed Fadel. I had specifically applied to work for him because of how brilliant and visionary he is. This book, no surprise, shows just that.
He is bold and vulnerable: sharing his dreams, deepest fears, insecurities, and failures.
Fadel's story is chock-full of incredible lessons from his experiences leading teams around the world, culminating in being the President of a global organization at age 24.
A must-read for any young adults (particularly if you're interested in leadership) and any introverts.
As a current career changer, I really appreciated his thoughts around discovering and chasing one's passions, and his reflections in the last chapters.
I had the opportunity to be led by Mohamed Fadel. I had specifically applied to work for him because of how brilliant and visionary he is. This book, no surprise, shows just that.
He is bold and vulnerable: sharing his dreams, deepest fears, insecurities, and failures.
Fadel's story is chock-full of incredible lessons from his experiences leading teams around the world, culminating in being the President of a global organization at age 24.
A must-read for any young adults (particularly if you're interested in leadership) and any introverts.
As a current career changer, I really appreciated his thoughts around discovering and chasing one's passions, and his reflections in the last chapters.
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July 16, 2020This is a great book. A memoir that is a must read. What makes it great is the journey of Mohammed Fadhel. The development from being an extreme introvert to the Leader of over 40,000 young people. It's inspiring, motivating and captivating. And what I loved the most about it, is the fact that it's a story that many can relate to, even if they didn't necessarily join AIESEC. It's a message for those who aren't so going out, telling them that they can shine too. A message of hope, ambition, will and courage. I strongly recommend this book and I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
July 16, 2020
The book presents insights into true leadership, and I'm not talking about the overused term "leadership" that has made people become tone-deaf to it. It's the real deal!
Fadel is one of my favorite leaders that I would most definitely enjoy being led by.
Grayscale raises relatable reflections on topics like life goals, relationships, and work.
It's a story of extreme growth and self-discovery: from his first day as an AIESEC member to being the global president of the organization by 24.
Get this book if you want to partake in the beautiful journey of an extreme introvert.
Fadel is one of my favorite leaders that I would most definitely enjoy being led by.
Grayscale raises relatable reflections on topics like life goals, relationships, and work.
It's a story of extreme growth and self-discovery: from his first day as an AIESEC member to being the global president of the organization by 24.
Get this book if you want to partake in the beautiful journey of an extreme introvert.
July 18, 2020
What must be mentioned at the beginning is that it was a pleasure to read a book written with such a rich vocabulary! Apart from that, I felt the unique writer-reader connection, especially when it’s written directly ‚kind reader’, but also because of the writer’s honesty and vulnerability. Clear structure and interesting stories made me curious about the next chapters and I wasn’t bored at any point in the book. I felt connected to the emotions, felt frustrated and sad but also happy and intrigued while reading these words. I felt the dynamic. There were some funny moments as well, that I even couldn’t help laughing. What I value a lot is that the writer mentioned about many books that he read in the meantime with a brief explanation on how he implemented the takeaways from them in practice. His story and thoughts are inspiring and I believe they would make people be more and trigger their reflections. Overall, I think that this book is a piece of the great work, I felt connected to some events of the story and felt inspired by Mohamed’s thoughts, laughed, and felt emotions. I think it was well invested time to read it and now I feel confident to recommend the same to others
July 18, 2020
Such a good book, at times got to immersed in the reading and found so many coincidences between book and my life, a must read for any AIESECer and still a pretty good read if you don't belong to the organization
July 14, 2020
Once you start reading, you get caught very easily in the story.
As an introvert myself I connected with many of the stories and thoughts shared in this book.
The writer takes you with him on a journey through his life. Sharing thoughts, experiences that seem every day, but portraying this in a way that makes you look at them differently.
The book is very easily written and reading through it gives you the feeling that you're just attentively listening to someone telling you an interesting story.
As an introvert myself I connected with many of the stories and thoughts shared in this book.
The writer takes you with him on a journey through his life. Sharing thoughts, experiences that seem every day, but portraying this in a way that makes you look at them differently.
The book is very easily written and reading through it gives you the feeling that you're just attentively listening to someone telling you an interesting story.
July 14, 2020
This book found it's place in my heart because of such an honest opinion of the world is given there.
It's always hard to be a young person trying to figure out what to do when the world functions so fast and so many people already doing what they're doing.
I really admire Mohamed for sharing his journey, for being so open and for being so in time for me right now. Definitely the most relatable book of this year.
It's always hard to be a young person trying to figure out what to do when the world functions so fast and so many people already doing what they're doing.
I really admire Mohamed for sharing his journey, for being so open and for being so in time for me right now. Definitely the most relatable book of this year.
July 11, 2020
Such an inspirational memoir where the author takes you on his journey of growth, loss, failures, love, and success in full detail that you can’t help but relate to many of the decisions he’s made and the emotions he went through during those years. I loved it!
July 14, 2020
Definitely one of the most interesting books I have read in the biography field, such an inspiration for youth and young leaders. This book has took it to another level in terms of storytelling the life of an introvert leader and how he faced the world and stood up for himself ambitiously in addition to the details inside each stage of Fadel's life which makes the reader imagine the full picture inside his mind.
July 14, 2020
I enjoyed reading the book a lot and I really loved travelling through his journey , AIESEC is an amazing organisation that truly change people
this book thought me that even great leaders have their difficult times and that not everything is either black or white sometimes we should see the gray in between
this book thought me that even great leaders have their difficult times and that not everything is either black or white sometimes we should see the gray in between
July 16, 2020
Leadership is not always taught in universities sometimes it's learnt through the successes and failures which you go through in life. The book vividly talks about what leadership means and needs to be in today's world and how our current world leaders lack such simple qualities which are present in a 20 something year old kid. Hope you have a good time reading the book like I did.
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July 16, 2020Grayscale is the best book I've read in a long time. It's very relatable.
July 6, 2020
Perfect book for introverteds who are looking for taking that step away of boring normal, for introverted leaders who may be holding doubts about their capacity, or to people who are still stuck in black and white vision of the world
July 16, 2020
Quite the inspiring read! A very inspiring story of a young man who challenged himself to overcome his weaknesses to become leader of one of the largest global youth organizations . The book encourages you to believe in yourself, challenge it and realize your dreams. It’s really moving and motivating and very touching. I would definitely recommend this book for aspiring young leaders looking for their rightful place us under the sun.
July 14, 2020
Loved it a lot!
July 7, 2020
Loved it!
July 16, 2020
A book that shows the inner journey of a leader. The process of grow and self knowledge. I really enjoyed reading it.
July 20, 2020
A powerful and inspirational memoir!
It is not only about the author story, readii
ng the memoir you will be able to connect deeply with the author experiences and gain insights on your own life.
I strongly recommend any aspiring young leader to read this!
It is not only about the author story, readii
ng the memoir you will be able to connect deeply with the author experiences and gain insights on your own life.
I strongly recommend any aspiring young leader to read this!
July 28, 2020
This book was a revelation! On so many levels.
It was stark, honest, vulnerable and that’s what made it touching and inspiring.
From a personality perspective, I’m a fellow introvert so I related to all his struggles and was inspired by how he tried to overcome them without changing an innate part of his being. Which seems to be what everybody is asking of me.
I relished reading about his upbringing with its instilled values and beliefs which is so much like mine and a lot of Egyptians (easterners or Arabs). It was nostalgic.
His insecurities confirmed to me that guys aren’t as depthless as I initially led myself to believe. His fear and self-doubt was so intense and oh my god what he had to deal with! I was yearning for relief just as he was. And the way he was always hard on himself. I was always muttering ‘dude chill’. But I know he couldn’t, just as I know I wouldn’t.
As for his journey for leadership in AIESEC an organisation I myself am a member of, is scary if I’m honest. And I admire his courage and will to go through it all.
It was stark, honest, vulnerable and that’s what made it touching and inspiring.
From a personality perspective, I’m a fellow introvert so I related to all his struggles and was inspired by how he tried to overcome them without changing an innate part of his being. Which seems to be what everybody is asking of me.
I relished reading about his upbringing with its instilled values and beliefs which is so much like mine and a lot of Egyptians (easterners or Arabs). It was nostalgic.
His insecurities confirmed to me that guys aren’t as depthless as I initially led myself to believe. His fear and self-doubt was so intense and oh my god what he had to deal with! I was yearning for relief just as he was. And the way he was always hard on himself. I was always muttering ‘dude chill’. But I know he couldn’t, just as I know I wouldn’t.
As for his journey for leadership in AIESEC an organisation I myself am a member of, is scary if I’m honest. And I admire his courage and will to go through it all.
July 22, 2020
As somebody who has just completed a 4.5 years' journey with AIESEC, I was able to relate to Mohamed Fadel's experiences on several different levels. Added to the fact that I am a highly introverted person, this book struck me on a chord very close to my heart. I was able to empathise with many of the incidents written in the book. But more importantly, I was able to empathise with Fadel's lessons in leadership, in his successes, diverse roles, and mostly, in his failures. The stories also sparked off many thoughtful questions in my head. I recommend this book 100% to everybody in AIESEC, and outside of it, who's currently in or has been before, in a leadership role.
Thank you Mohamed Fadel, for sharing your story and reflections, in their most vulnerable details.
Thank you Mohamed Fadel, for sharing your story and reflections, in their most vulnerable details.
September 22, 2020
The journey of an introverted to become leader of the world's biggest youth run organization.
Great read both if you are an AIESECer or not... probably will enjoy it a lot if you are or were.
It brought light to reflections on my AIESEC journey.
Totally recommend.
Great read both if you are an AIESECer or not... probably will enjoy it a lot if you are or were.
It brought light to reflections on my AIESEC journey.
Totally recommend.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews