How to Lead with Purpose
Lessons in life and work from the gloves-off mentor
Liam Black
Description
**Business Book Awards 2024 Finalist**
‘Want to avoid making leadership mistakes and make better decisions? Read this book.’ – James Timpson
No time for wishful thinking when you’re changing the world.
If you’re a leader who wants to get things done in a way that makes the world a better place, you need someone in your corner.
Liam Black has been supporting social entrepreneurs and purpose-driven leaders for decades, and he understands what it takes to do work that goes beyond the bottom line – and what it can take out of you, too.
In this no-bullshit, woo-woo-free book, he reveals how to align purpose and leadership, how to deal with uncertainty, imposter syndrome, anxiety and loneliness along the way, how to exercise authority (even in the face of endemic sexism), and when it’s right to walk away.
‘Liam’s the mentor you want on your side when things get tough.’ – Sue Campbell, FA Director of Women’s Football
‘This book (like his mentoring) will help you get through tough times with grace – a must read.’ – Juliet Scott-Croxford, President North America Brompton Bikes
Liam Black has founded and led a dozen organizations, invested millions in purpose-driven companies and is a mentor to start-up entrepreneurs and leaders in multinational corporations.
Reviews
Does the world really need another book about leadership? Well, it turns out it does. – Dr Craig Dearden Phillips, MBE, LinkedIn
This is a plain speaking and honest guide to the challenges involved in running purpose-led organisations…It is clearly written, honest, brave, entertaining and very, very funny. If you like seeing ego, pomposity and hypocrisy being skewered, you’ll love it. – Amazon 5*
Authentic, no non-sense, and completely inspiring to read. It makes you laugh and cry with so many true leadership stories, relatable challenges, and wisdom. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone! – Amazon 5*
I especially found the discussion on women, their leadership roles in the shadows of the patriarchy the most interesting. Few men have tackled the topic male-dominated power which is often found in the C-Suite in just a candid manner. – NetGalley
One of the most impactful leadership books I have ever read – Amazon 5*
In a world facing extreme change and uncertainty keeping your feet on the ground and focused on your objectives can seem at times very challenging. Liam’s matter of fact, can do, get stuff done approach to life is reassuring and the themes and messages in this book are valuable and timely. An easy and rewarding read. – Amazon 5*
Endorsements
It’s outstanding. It’s commendably brief, very readable and sometimes funny. It has lots of great war stories and it’s full of sound advice about things which are easy to copy and follow and which will make a difference. It’s one of the most authentic things on leadership I’ve ever read.
Sir Martin Narey DL
‘…a must for your reading list in 2023’
Kerry O’Connor, CEO The Conduit
Contents
Foreword by James Timpson, OBE
Introduction
PART 1: MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Chapter 1: So, you want to change the world…
Chapter 2: Courage and clarity
Chapter 3: Purpose and platform
Chapter 4: Authority and agency
PART 2: STAYING ALIVE
Chapter 5: Bullshit and bullying
Chapter 6: Maniac and minder
Chapter 7: Dealing with dickheads
Conclusion
Editions
FORMAT / ISBN / PUBLICATION DATE / RRP
Audiobook / 9781788606943 / May 28, 2024 / £14.99
Paperback / 9781788604079 / January 10, 2023 / £14.99
Ebook / 9781788604093 / January 9, 2023 / £7.99
Paperback and eBook Bundle / £16.99
Authors
Liam Black
Liam Black is Executive Chair of The Conduit, a global network of business leaders and entrepreneurs, and a board member at Togetherall, an online platform for people isolated by anxiety and depression. In 2018 he exited Wavelength, a business he had cofounded ten years previously which runs conferences and masterclasses for leaders and investors all over the world from the rural villages of Bangladesh to the tech titans of Silicon Valley. Before that he was CEO for 15 years of a Liverpool-based social enterprise and then in the Jamie Oliver Group.
He is cofounder of Impact Ventures UK (part of the Lightrock group) which has invested £40 million in purpose driven entrepreneurs, and an associate with the Forward Institute, working with senior leaders in the military, police and private sector.
Liam mentors start-up entrepreneurs and senior leaders in all sectors – including Dyson, the BBC, Unilever, The Guardian and the Eden Project.
