Leading with Joy: Practices for Uncertain Times

by Akaya Windwood, Rajasvini Bhansali

In a time of increasing disconnection and uncertainty, Leading with Joy shows how leaders can reclaim their purpose and embrace joy in service of social transformation.

Leadership that connects people and centers compassion and trust instead of competition and disconnection is needed more than ever before. There are plenty of manuals that show people how to manage organizations, but what is really needed in this moment is a book that shows us how to include kindness and inspiration within leadership. Leading with Joy promotes a courageous and compassionate approach to leadership that can sustain purposeful action and social change.

This book takes the form of a series of vignettes about the authors' insights and stories, with reflection questions at the end of each one. Through these stories-which address topics such as workplace triumphs and lessons, family relationships, and even near-death experiences- Akaya Windwood and Rajasvini Bhansali illuminate different aspects of leadership, such as humility, forgiveness, and kindness, and invite leaders to respond to the current moment.

The book draws on the authors' lived experiences as leaders, including their encounters with oppression, and their wisdom in principled leadership. They demonstrate how leaders can create conditions of abundance and well-being, which are necessary for long-term social transformation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Leadership

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2022

Reviews

[Karen Ashmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I learned that my friends Vini and Akaya had written a book together, I immediately bought a copy. I knew that as longtime leaders and catalysts of social change movements, they would have meaningful perspectives. And I was right!

What an amazing collection of wisdom based on years of lived experience! The book shares those experiences but the two women decided not to disclose which of them was recounting each story. I had fun trying to figure out which one was talking based on what I knew about each woman. But that was a little side game for me. Far more important was the message they conveyed.

Each chapter contained a few stories to illustrate a point, followed up with reflection questions. Then each chapter concluded with action items to further illuminate the message. This is my type of book. I learn so much more from storytelling and practical activities that encourage inner dialogue and reflection than I do from academic, theoretical works.

I revel in their invitation to take bold risks, imagine widely, trust your instincts, honor your people, remember to celebrate (and sometimes mourn), take big leaps of faith, and courageously join with others. As I contemplate retirement, I especially want to re-engage rest, play, relaxation and joy into my life.

I have bought copies of this book and given it to friends. I highly recommend this book to those who want more joy in their lives as they participate in their own way to change the world.

[सरु · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first time, I read a book communal. A work colleague of mine purposed if we could read book together and do the activity. We meet for 4 different time dividing the book into four different halves. I would not have really enjoyed book as much as I enjoyed reading it together with friends. The book is for folks who value friendship/community and nurturing each other. I will hold on some activities and questions. Might use it in workshops too. Thank you authors, Leading with Joy was Joyous experince.

Love and light,
Saru

[Larkin Tackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a gift from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which has supported our team by building our capacity to consult with other mission-driven organizations. Written by two social sector leaders, the book is filled with wisdom to navigate this challenging moment in our country. A few anecdotes that resonated:

- "When the world is harsh and unkind, that one human who shows you that they believe i your makes all the difference."
- "I'm beginning to see how my judgments are taking a toll on me: it's exhausting to constantly monitor who the good people are, who have the wrong ideas, and so on."
- One of the author's reflected on her volunteer hospice work with an elderly women with a much different political perspective, especially about different races. "Vertha invited me to choose our shared humanity over my politics."
- "Choosing to keep our circles whole and healthy takes daily and mindful practice... We invite you to abandon any linear plans for development for just a moment, and wildly and playfully engage in the joyful practice of keeping the circle healthy and whole."
- "An ecosystem approach to leadership, however, means weaving and connecting multiple external relationships. Essentially, you're getting people to work together, which is vastly different from leadership focused on competitive advantage or establishing exclusivity."

[Nausheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved 😍 this book. It's one of those books that you stop and reflect. I wrote out my answers to the reflection questions they asked. It helped me process so much. Now I want to turn my journaling into a book for Muslim women! ☪️

[Stephanie Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super digestible and quick read with lots of lovely nuggets of wisdom.