For 15 years—or even more—you’ve carried the responsibility of being a CEO, made tough decisions, and achieved countless milestones. What do you want to be remembered for?
Not your title.
Not the size of your business.
Not last year’s revenue.
When it’s all said and done—when the meetings are over and the board seats are filled by someone else—what remains?
That question, as simple as it sounds, is powerful and thought-provoking enough to cause many leaders to pause, hesitate, or struggle to answer it immediately.
You have founded a company or led one as the CEO, and you’ve guided people. You’ve made decisions that shaped careers, created jobs, and influenced the lives of hundreds—maybe thousands. But how much of that story will survive?
What will your grandchildren know about your leadership?
What lessons could other CEOs learn from your journey?
What values did you fight for that could be passed on?
Most leaders wait too long to reflect on these things. Some never do.
Think about it: What is your legacy?
Legacy isn’t about having your name on a building. It’s about what people remember when your name comes up in conversation—and what others have learned because of you.
That’s what this book is about: inspiring you to write your own memoir, shaped by your experience as a leader.
Not writing your story just for vanity.
But writing because your story is too valuable to be lost.
And if the word “writing” feels intimidating, don’t worry. I use it throughout this book as a synonym for “authoring.” Later, I’ll show you how a ghostwriter can help bring your voice and insights to printed pages: your words, your message, your name on the cover.
Leadership is meant to be passed on.
You’ve already built a legacy through your actions—now it’s time to preserve it in a way that lasts.
As Bob Iger writes in The Ride of a Lifetime, legacy isn’t about authority—it’s about impact:
“One of the most important roles of a CEO—of any leader—is to instill confidence. It’s about projecting your values and shaping culture. You want to leave something behind that helps others succeed after you’re gone.”
So I’ll ask again:
What do you want to be remembered for?
This book is here to help answer that question and to motivate CEOs to preserve their leadership legacy by writing their story, not for ego or nostalgia, but to ensure that the hard-earned lessons, values, and defining moments of their careers are not lost and can serve others.
Whether you’re actively leading a company or have already passed the torch, your story holds value.
No matter where you are in your journey, now is the time to tell your story.
If you’re still active in your leadership role, writing and sharing your memoir can shape your reputation and influence, strengthen your company’s public image, communicate your leadership style, attract media interest, and open doors to new opportunities.
If you’ve already stepped away, writing your story helps define your legacy and better understand it yourself.
The book—Lead, Reflect, Share— I invite you to follow a 3 steps path. It begins with what you already are: a leader. Then I encourage you to reflect on the values that have shaped your leadership and why it’s worth capturing them. And finally, share, because your story only lives if it’s told.