Bourbon and Books: Leading from Within
In a landscape saturated with leadership manifestos, Leading From Within emerges not as another prescriptive guide, but as a deeply human and profoundly resonant collection of narratives that redefine what it means to lead. This book distinguishes itself sharply from conventional leadership literature by eschewing formulaic advice in favor of raw, vulnerable, and often spiritual reckonings with personal transformation.
What makes Leading From Within truly exceptional is the rich tapestry woven by its diverse authors. This isn't a book penned by a singular voice of authority, but a chorus of experiences from mixed-race, neurodivergent, queer, and Black men and women navigating masculinity, legacy, and confronting life-threatening illnesses, professional disruptions, and profound grief. Each chapter offers a unique lens on leadership—from Dyana Langley-Robinson’s "Rough Truths & Smooth R&B" exploring identity and truth-telling through a sonic experience, to Carl Mosby III’s "There’s a Rhythm, Measured Power" reframing leadership through emotional intelligence after a life-threatening incident. Darci L. Graves’s "I Don’t Have Cancer and My Dog Isn’t Dead" masterfully reframes disruption, while Jackie B.'s "Thoughtful Leadership" navigates transformation from near-collapse. Our VP of Consumer Relations, Dionne Galloway invites readers to embrace "The Beautiful Paradox of Purpose" by living your values, and Jen P.'s "The Quiet Power of Turning Inward" forges leadership through the private trials of cancer survival. James Harris’s "From Legacy to Leadership" reflects on unspoken lessons from his father, while Dominique Hollins’s "To Play or Not to Play the Game" boldly explores authentic leadership as a Black queer woman in the corporate world. Ashley B. Stewart’s "From Performance to Presence" offers a sacred account of moving from performing to embodying leadership, and Minetta Minor’s "The Gift of Disruption" profoundly explores identity and spiritual redirection after a layoff. Marquise McCoy’s "Reignite Your Light" recounts a personal evolution catalyzed by disruption and realigned through faith and “Suddnelly… Shift Happens” by Chantée Christian looking at obedience as a catalyst for personal breakthroughs and making impact.
These varied perspectives are not just intellectually stimulating; they are emotionally resonant. The book thrives on the authenticity of authors who grapple with real-world challenges—code-switching, imposter syndrome, racial microaggressions, caregiving, burnout, and profound personal losses. This allows the reader to see themselves reflected in the struggles and triumphs, making the guidance offered feel earned and deeply relatable, rather than preachy or theoretical.
Leading From Within is a quick read, and in my opinion best read out of order to find the nugget that will resonate most in the moment, designed for those seeking genuine guidance without the jargon or rigid frameworks often found in business books. It's a resource for anyone looking for inspiration, not instruction; for permission to lead authentically, not prescriptions for how to perform. By embracing the full spectrum of human experience as the foundation for leadership, this collection provides not just insights, but also a profound sense of connection and understanding, proving that the most impactful leadership truly does begin within.
A book on leadership naturally pairs with our “Boss Lady” 10-year old Wheated Whiskey. Crafted to catch those boss moments, those celebrations, those accomplishments as well as the times when you need a reminder of the leadership within. Not into sipping neat? Then mix up a Havana Nights Old Fashioned also known as Dawn’s favorite Old Fashioned - not so we can hold on to old ways of thinking but so we can reimagine and reclaim the future.
