Drew Dudley - This Is Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership That Matters

I have a problem with most leadership books. They scream from mountaintops. They quote superstars. And the authors play the role of preacher on a pedestal. But Drew Dudley is different. The pedestal has been kicked away. The superstars replaced by everyday people. And what shines through? The magical wisdom of life-changing stories on how we can be better people and live better lives. This isnt a why book. Its a how book. You already know leadership matters. Now heres how to do it.

Neil Pasricha, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation

This Is Day One is a gem of a book! Not only does Drew Dudley show us how we are all leaders in our own way, he outlines how to help ourselves and others recognize and operationalize leadership abilities. Most importantly, Dudley shows us how, in a few steps, we can make this world a much better place in which to live. This Is Day One is interesting, profoundly thoughtful, chock full of personal stories, and, above all, a pleasure to read. It will change you forever.

Major General Erika Steuterman, USAF (retired)

Drew Dudley is one of the greatest leadership experts of our time. If you care about accomplishing your goals and unleashing your fullest potential, this book is written for you. Dudley provides true stories, genuine insights, and clear strategies that will allow you to reach new levels of success and impact. Whether youre a CEO or recent graduate, youll uncover incredible lessons that could transform your life.

Shane Feldman, CEO, Count Me In

If youre looking for a refreshing and new take on leadership, look no further than This Is Day One. It provides the reader with opportunities to implement its systems in everyday situationsfrom your interactions with a barista at your coffee shop to a meeting with your CEO. Dudley provides the reader with easy-to-understand stories, offering us tools we can adopt immediately. I recommend this book to everyone, from those just starting out their career to those in the C-suite.

Melody Khodaverdian, VP Partnerships, Forbes

This book is a game-changer. Drew Dudley cuts through the noise and explains what leadership really should be. His thought-provoking stories and candor will change the way you view your leadership, life, career, and relationships. Whether youre leading an executive team to an IPO or an elementary school class to pursue their dreams, This Is Day One will guide you through a leadership framework you can use to change your life forever.

Derrick Fung, CEO, Drop Technologies, Inc.

A deeply personal and inspiring guide for how to live and lead in a whole-hearted way. Drew Dudley offers practical but profound advice on how to live our best lives. He speaks to the emotional courage and honesty required to live in a meaningful way and to bring out the best in others.

Annie Simpson, Assistant Director, Institute for Leadership Education in Engineering, University of Toronto

After three decades spent in the fitness and franchise industry, Ive had a courtside seat to personal leadership, and Drew Dudley has provided the blueprint in This Is Day One. Whether its your business, your family, or your health, you cant lead others until you lead yourself. Start building a better life right now by reading this book on your Day One!

Chuck Runyon, CEO, Self-Esteem Brands: Anytime Fitness & Waxing in the City

Drew has a talent for making leadership accessible to everyone. His writing leaves you feeling empowered to lead in the simple moments by using personal strengths and values to navigate the spaces where you live and work. The relatable stories and insightful leadership lessons throughout This Is Day One make it a pleasure to read. It would be a perfect addition to any personal, educational, or organizational leadership curriculum.

Dr. Amy C. Barnes, Senior Lecturer, Higher Education and Student Affairs, College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University

This Is Day One focuses on the leaders within each of us and reminds us that each interaction, each accomplishment, and each day is paramount in growing as a leader, both now and in the future. Drew Dudley provides the essential steps to not bask in the virtues of a chosen few elite leaders but rather celebrate the influence and impact each person has as a leadertoday! A must-read for those looking for how to lead in a way that inspires hope and change.

Dr. Matthew Ohlson, Taylor Leadership Institute, University of North Florida

Your leadership journey starts here. Practical, inspiring, and raw, Drew Dudley provides honest stories and concrete mental models that are valuable for everyone. This Is Day One will redefine how you think about leadership and provide you with the essential tools to feel and act like a better leadertoday and every day.

Satish Kanwar, VP of Product, Shopify

This Is Day One is for anyone who wants to improve their practice of leadership. Dudley is a wonderful storyteller as he walks you through a process that achieves in a book what I hope my students glean in a semester: how to be a reflective leadership practitioner. I appreciate how Dudley does not confuse leadership (the process) with leader (the person), for when we only focus on the latter we forget the most important part of the former: the others involved. Dudley is constantly reflecting on his impact on others, and I hope this book encourages others to do the same.

Dr. Tara Widner-Edberg, Lecturer of Leadership Studies, Iowa State University

The stories in This Is Day One show that leadership is a daily commitment. Its not about extraordinary accomplishments or intimidating job titles, but a consistent reinforcement of what we believe in. We need to choose to be leaders on a daily basis, every day, for the rest of our lives. Drew Dudleys own story illustrates the power of such choices, day in, day out. This Is Day One will help you be principled, consistent, and surprise you with just what youre capable of.