Leslie Ehm - Swagger: Unleash Everything You Are and Become Everything You Want

Theres the fake it til you make it crowd, and then theres the crowd with real and raw swagger. If you want to show up in the world in a powerful way, read this book.

Todd Herman , author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller The Alter Ego Effect

Leslie Ehms no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach shows you how to embrace your supposed imperfections as your greatest differentiator. Her book will help you get to the heart of your unique swagger, and prove that if you show up as exactly who you are, you will succeed.

Andrea WANERSTRAND , PcC , global coaching programs leader, Microsoft

Like a best friend, Swagger will help you step into your true potential and learn how to make the most of every single opportunity. Leslie Ehm shows you exactly how to lead yourself, tackle the chaos, and embrace the beauty of a life well lived.

Phil M. Jones , bestselling author of Exactly What to Say

Think swagger is about being brash? Think again. Leslie Ehm shows that true swagger unlocks generosity, confidence, focus, and impact and thats everything.

Michael Bungay Stanier , author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller The Coaching Habit

There is a badass inside you, just waiting to take over the world. All you need is a little swagger to release it. Buckle up and get ready for Leslie Ehms no-holds-barred lessons to help you not just find your power but own it, too.

Laura Gassner Otting , author of the Washington Post bestseller Limitless

Tough mother love beautifully wrapped with moving examples, fantastic tips, brilliant storytelling, and wonderfully placed F-bombs. This book is the real deal in the art of being real. Leslie Ehm calls it Swagger. I call it brilliant.

Ron Tite , author of Think. Do. Say.

Some people believe you either have swagger or you dont. As a former rock star, that is exactly what I believed. After reading Swagger, I see that I was categorically wrong. This book will help you shake off whats blocking you, and reveal your one-of-a-kind awesomeness. Your inner rock star is waiting!

Brant Menswar , author of Black Sheep

Warning! Reading Swagger may change the trajectory of your life. Leslie Ehms book will open your heart and mind so you can open your own doors to success. If youre ready to reap the rewards of a more meaningful life, you need Swagger.

Erica Ehm , Canadian media icon and proud sister

When we experience a genuine connection with a real human, we are captivated. When we learn to share it, we are freed. Leslie Ehm provides the key to unlock the cage containing our swagger. And that is f*cking awesome.

JAMES FELL , author of The Holy Sh!t Moment

Its nine oclock on a Tuesday morning and Im standing in a nondescript training room. A group of ten men mill around, darting slightly nervous looks at each other and smiling tentatively at me. A few wander over to introduce themselves, and its firm handshakes all around.

Were about to start one of my presentation skills workshops. But these suited financial services execs have no idea that shits about to get real up in here.

To kick things off, I list my credentials and experience. Former singer, TV host, advertising creative director, now entrepreneur, training professional, and coach. Im the Chief Fire Starter at Combustion, I explain. Its my job to blow shit up. I tell them that this workshop is not just about becoming a better presenter; its about learning to be comfortable with discomfort, finding their authentic voice, and keeping it real.

I ask, Who wants to go first? and imagine testicles shriveling. I smile warmlythe mother part of the tough mother love Im known for. I wait. Ive seen this scenario countless times: a group of senior executives taken out of their natural beige corporate habitat and thrust into the dreaded skills building scenario. By definition and design, this scenario is guaranteed to evoke a fair bit of insecurity. Add to that a small feisty woman who doesnt seem to fit the mold of trainer theyre used to. Little do they know this will be unlike any training experience theyve ever had.

I keep waiting.

Finally, one guys hand goes up. Burly build, salt-and-pepper hair, open suit jacket. Ill go, he offers. His smile does not disguise his reluctance. Straightening his jacket, he heads up front.

Hi, Im Tony.

OK , Tony. Just pull a little paper strip from that cup and use whats on it to start telling us a story while I make some notes on how youre coming across, I instruct.

And hes off to the races.

I dont listen to a word. Instead, I focus on everything hes working incredibly hard not to show me. I watch how his energy and bluster amp up. He clenches his fists and juts one finger out on each hand, pistol style, as he jovially rapid-fires his way through his presentation. The fear around his eyes is in direct contradiction to his wide grin. He struts back and forth as he tells his story, a good-time Charlie all the way, voice booming, wearing his arrogance like a shield. And he doesnt fool me for a second.

Mid-sentence, I put my hand up to cut him off. He smiles expectantly.

What the hell was that? I say.

The smile falters a little.

What was all of this bullshit? I ask, mimicking the finger-pointy gun thing.

The smile droops. The room gets very, very quiet.

Tony, I say, despite you trying to distract from just about everything interesting and human about you, heres what I saw. His breathing hitches and becomes heavy. Youre the kind of guy who might have the cottage next to me up at the lake, I say. One morning at five, I get up to go fishing, only my boat wont start. So, I go next door and wake you up. Are you pissed? Hell, no. You come out in your T-shirt and boxers and get my boat started. You might even come fishing. Am I right?

Bewilderment overtakes Tonys reddening face. How do you know that? he asks. Just from what I did?

Because I see you, I say. Now cut the shit. I want you to talk about something you care about. Look me in the face and tell me the truth. Are you ready? Tony nods. I count him down, 3 2 1. He opens his mouth like a fish a few times and inhales deeply. Finally, he starts talking, his eyes firmly on me.

My mother my mother he says. Then, the most guttural sob imaginable bursts out of him. He clamps his hand over his mouth, looking horrified.

Keep going, I encourage.

My mother was born in Italy and came here before she had me, he continues. His eyes start to fill with tears and, sobbing again, he turns his back.

Tony keep going, I say quietly.

He does. Tony tells us the story of his incredible mother, a tiny Italian immigrant who raised him with ferocity and love and was key in forming him as a man. As his story unfolds, tears stream down his face. One of the other guys gets up and hugs him mid-sentence. Tony goes on to reveal that his mother recently passed away, and now he feels a piece of himself is missing.

When hes done, the room of bankers gives him a standing ovation. Tony looks shocked. I go over and throw my arms around him. He hugs me back and whispers over and over, I dont know what happened I dont know what happened.

I do, I say. You just found your swagger.

Well, after that display, Tony was never again looked at the same by his colleagues. He was mocked, ignored, and undermined, and his leadership prospects went down the crapper, and

Seriously? Did you really think that could happen just from being both brave and vulnerable at work?