Lead to Win: How to Be a Powerful, Impactful, Influential Leader in Any Environment

by Carla A. Harris

The author of Expect To Win and Strategize To Win steps out with dynamic strategies for leaders of today and tomorrow.

Work has undergone a sea change, introducing a new matrix of concerns and questions for leaders and potential leaders. What does it take to lead effectively now ? What does leadership even mean?

In this much-needed book, powerhouse Carla A. Harris examines the journey from individual contributor to leader. She targets the essential skills necessary to succeed, such as the importance of taking risks, creating a vision, and leveraging assets like relationships and partnerships. At the heart of this book are the eight things you must be intentional about every day—authenticity, building trust, creating other leaders, clarity, diversity, innovation, inclusivity, and voice—qualities that you need to hone and manifest to become a powerful, impactful leader no matter where you work. She also examines the key traits of being a transformational leader, focusing on the gaps she has seen in leadership that could impede or damage any leader’s effectiveness.

Timely, inspiring, and filled with Harris’s trademark practical advice, Lead to Win will become a touchstone for anyone looking to influence and lead others to make positive change.

Genres: Leadership, Business, Personal Development, Management, Professional Development, Nonfiction, Self Help

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 13, 2022

Reviews

[Becki Mozeleski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good nuggets in this book. Does get a bit repetitive at the end which is typical of any sort of development book.

[Madison Bemis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, but rounded up as I think this is a good toolbox for others further along in their career. Carla is direct and asks specific questions to the reader that makes them think about the kind of leader they want to be. I had many “aha” moments or times when I wanted to write down the quote to help me later. the book did feel more geared towards C-suite employees of smaller companies, and I am not that (lol) so it did feel like a bit of a slog to get through at times, only because I couldn’t relate.

[Langston Clark]

I'm biased toward Carla Harris, so I thought the book was great.

[Robyn C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first peek into the wisdom of Carla Harris. I was not disappointed!! She has a way of conveying her pearls that feels easy to absorb and approachable to apply. I listened to the audio book and loved to hear her convey the stories herself. Though about 1/3 through I went and bought the physical book as I just couldn’t take enough notes! Worthwhile for anyone in a leadership role, perhaps especially for those making a transition (into leadership or expansion). Highly recommend.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carla Harris is a genius. I loved her latest book “Lead to Win.” I recommend it for anyone in or aspiring to be in leadership and ready to accelerate!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carla A. Harris delivers an exceptional guide to leadership with Lead to Win. This book is a rich source of wisdom, offering practical strategies to become a powerful, impactful, and influential leader. Harris's insights are both timely and timeless, addressing the evolving demands of leadership in today’s dynamic world. Her focus on authenticity, trust-building, and creating future leaders is compelling, making this an essential read for anyone striving to lead with purpose and vision. The engaging storytelling and actionable advice equip readers not only to inspire but also to drive meaningful change. Lead to Win is more than a book—it’s a blueprint for transformational leadership.

Drawing from her extensive experience as a Wall Street executive and public servant, Harris introduces "Intentional Leadership," emphasizing practices such as authenticity, trust, and inclusivity. Her "Leadership Gems" are practical tools that resonate with leaders at all levels.

The book emphasizes the critical importance of innovation in leadership, highlighting that those who fail to embrace it risk falling behind in today's fast-paced and ever-changing environment. She argues that innovation is not just about creating new ideas but also about adapting to change, anticipating future challenges, and fostering a culture that encourages creativity and diverse perspectives. Leaders who resist innovation often struggle to keep up with competitors who leverage fresh approaches to drive progress and solve complex problems. Harris underscores that innovation is a key driver of success, enabling organizations to remain relevant, competitive, and prepared for the demands of the future. Her insights serve as a powerful reminder that stagnation can be a leader's greatest obstacle, while innovation opens the door to transformative opportunities.

Through candid anecdotes and strategic insights, Harris provides a roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern leadership. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, Lead to Win delivers invaluable guidance to inspire teams, foster innovation, and lead with purpose. It’s not just a leadership book; it’s a call to action for those ready to make a lasting impact.

[Sharde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Background: : Work has undergone a sea change, introducing a new matrix of concerns and questions for leaders and potential leaders. What does it take to lead effectively now? What does leadership even mean?
In this much-needed book, powerhouse Carla A. Harris examines the journey from individual contributor to leader. In 10 chapters, she targets the essential skills necessary to succeed, such as the importance of taking risks, creating a vision, and leveraging assets like relationships and partnerships. At the heart of this book are the eight things you must be intentional about every day--authenticity, building trust, creating other leaders, clarity, diversity, innovation, inclusivity, and voice--qualities that you need to hone and manifest to become a powerful, impactful leader no matter where you work. She also examines the key traits of being a transformational leader, focusing on the gaps she has seen in leadership that could impede or damage any leader's effectiveness.
Review:
Lead to Win is a book of leadership gems and wisdom. If you are a new, or experienced leader, this is a must have book for you. Carla A Harris allows the reader to receive a wealth of information on emotional intelligence, delegation skills, self-awareness, and strategy for innovation. Carla gives her personal accounts of success, her lessons with mistakes, and where she has seen leaders excel. I listened to the audio version of the book, and she is very engaging and kept my attention. The leadership gems may make you want a hard copy to make sure you are capturing the leadership gems that you would want to revisit and read again. I gave the book a 5/5 stars due to its engaging content, as well as my personal walk with leadership, as well as the success I have seen from the habits she says are extremely important. I will probably gift this book to new and emerging leaders for my future mentee as well as my mentor.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a very good book for learning about different leadership assets and how to develop them as well as the people on your team. I think she did focus a little too heavily on a corporate environment, but I think there are many lessons in this book that are universally applicable. I read this for a book club at work and I was the youngest member of the book club. I think it was probably more applicable to people further on in their careers, but it did give me insight into what I'm looking for in leaders that lead me while I'm at a turning point in my career and have the luxury of choice. I'd recommend to everyone to read this, especially if you need more diverse points of view in your workplace. Carla points out that women and POCs are the oft overlooked members of the workplace but that they are essential to innovation and she talks a good deal about how to effect cultural change, which I thought was very valuable.

10/10 would recommend

[Marissa Corona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Depending on where you are in your career, Carla is straight-talking insightful the mentor, the advisor, or the peer who will drive you to succeed. This book is specific, strategic and actionable. As she says many times through the book “leaders are at all levels”. The first three chapter of this book target a more senior level audience, I feared I might be too junior. Chapter 4 on is where the book began to speak to me. Carla covers a diverse set of leadership topics, from more personal leaning topics, to being an agent of change the post-pandemic “instagram/tik tok” modern era new normal. This book’s mission is personal and collective community success. Highly recommend.

[Parker | simplybibliophiles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate this book because Carla Harris gave solid and, more importantly, actionable advice regarding all things leadership for all different types of leaders, companies, and environments. The comparisons she drew and the anecdotes she shared about people she knew or stories she heard were on point.

My main problem: This book was very repetitive and also very wordy. There were many points that were very tedious to get through. Even down to some of the personal stories or anecdotes she shared, they were consistently long-winded, and it was a struggle to get through at times. One chapter was like 40+ pages, and once I got through it, I was like, "This could have been 20 pages".

[Wilks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mi first leadership book, so I couldn’t really draw a comparison. In general, it’s good. I loved the leadership gems and the 10 pearls presented in the book. The reason this doesn’t get a 5-star rating from me is because too many of the examples are limited to the same theme/topic (you’ll know when you are 50-75% in)

[Gift Maseno · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of inspiring stories and nuggets of wisdom especially regarding navigating the corporate world as a woman of color. There’s a lot to learn from Carla’s personal experiences. This book instilled wisdom and a good sense of courage in tackling work place issues and it’s now almost like a guide book whenever faced with a challenge. In the sense of ‘What would Carla do’

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good messages. A big portion of the book was dedicated to diversity and inclusion. Really enjoyed her personal stories and learnings. But the book seemed to be written for the older generation so did not feel particularly relatable for me.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for an assignment for school. Honestly really enjoyed it. Her insights were practical and felt accurate. She is a BOSS woman who has humility, wisdom, and execution. Glad I chose this book! Underlined a lot!

[Tywauna Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carla Harris gives many practical tips for leaders wanting to excel in mid-level and executive roles. The tips at the end of every chapter were great action items. I will definitely keep this book in my leadership library for routine use.

[Ligia Bonetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Carla’s inspiring ways to remind herself on how to be a great leader. Like someone called it what she came up with can be more described as “pearls of wisdom”. Everything she writes about her experience is worth reading and emulating.

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and necessary insight for those who are new to and aspiring to more influential leadership roles. Carla identifies potential blind spots and pitfalls to avoid as you climb the career ladder. Give this book to anyone you want to succeed in leadership!

[Daniel Astacio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book but I gave it a 5th star because of the perspective shift it helped me with. Carla is definitely professional and provides good corporate leadership perspective, her authenticity and drive bring it home!

[Jessi Fabric · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of this book was catered towards leading during and post pandemic. A lot of it wasn’t applicable. There were good lessons and sentiments in here but overall was repetitive, could have been shorter

[Jessica Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got lots of practical tips to try out. :)

[Paiman Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adjust, adapt and keep going. While embracing the knowledge that uncertainty is the new certainty.

[Chelai Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carla was dropping all the gems in this book. Highly recommended

[Meredith Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy leadership read.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Influential and have good advices for anyone who wants to be a leader even if not a manager.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8/5 Stars. Good book on leadership w/ key takeaways. A little repetitive here and there.

[Lars Farabee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insights throughout, even if it is mostly focused on industries I have little knowledge of based on my career. The lessons are transferable, and I hope to put them into practice!

[Camille-Kay Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Thorough. Insightful.

[Melissa Bucher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the first 7 chapters were fantastic. She started to lose me for the final 3. Definitely some great pearls of wisdom.

[Arlene Beisswenger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gift from work. I gave up 70 pages in (below my 100 page threshold). I think it wasn’t for me, I wasn’t getting anything from it to use.