Highest Duty (2009)

My Search for What Really Matters, by Chesley Sullenberger with Jeffrey Zaslow.

Reviewed by Charles R. Thomas, United Airlines Captain (ret.)

Note: Captain Charles “Chuck” Thomas is a 10 year veteran of the Prince George’s
County (Maryland) Fire Department. He retired as an A320 Air Bus Captain in 2023 with
45 years flying experience, having logged 22,000 total flying hours in various aircraft.

Highest Duty reviews the life and experiences of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger
from his teenage years, through military flying and airline career, to safely landing USAir
Flight 1549 in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. The emergency landing,
following failure of both engines due to bird strikes, has been referred to as the “Miracle
on the Hudson”. All 155 people on board survived.

This book is an interesting exploration into developing professionalism and leadership
skills as a lifelong journey, as opposed to just completing specific classes, or reading a
particular leadership publication. Sullenberger recognizes that many life experiences
were crucial in his development. As such, this book does not just focus on the Flight
1549 event but rather highlights many of the experiences and influences throughout his
life that prepared him to be successful when faced with the ultimate test of skill and
leadership. Interestingly, at various points, Highest Duty deviates into subjects such as
the life of an airline pilot, family dynamics, and planning for life after his flying career.
While not directly related to developing leadership skills, this helps the reader
understand and relate to Sullenberger. He is a regular, everyday guy, with typical
problems, but also someone who prepared himself through constant study, attention to
detail, and pursuit of the tenants of professionalism in his chosen field, in this case,
aviation.

Sullenberger explains how an airline captain, as the pilot-in-command and leader of the
crew, which includes other pilot(s) and the flight attendants, sets the tone for the
operation and influences many aspects of a typical flight. The image and confidence
you project as someone who is well-prepared, the things you say, and your actions to
guide and mentor others, are important traits he sought to develop and refine during his
career.

Throughout the book, Sullenberger refers to various aviation incidents that captured his
attention and influenced his own preparation. The lessons learned from tragedies and
the experiences of others were exceptionally valuable as he examined each incident,
how they were handled, and what decisions he might have made to resolve the
situation. He emphasizes that true leaders never stop seeking knowledge, to include
learning from others, even if they are from a different background or perhaps younger
than yourself. This book will encourage the reader to reflect upon their own journey and
perhaps consider different ways to challenge themselves to develop true
professionalism.

YLD Key Leadership Takeaway: Professionalism and leadership require a commitment
to constantly evaluate your own development in terms of personal experiences,
technical competence, and respectfully interacting with people you meet and those you
manage, command, or are responsible for.

ISBN: 9780061924682

ONE SECOND AFTER by William R. Forstchen

Reviewed by CDR Joseph J. Leonard, Jr., CDR, USCG (ret.)

William R. Forstchen’s One Second After is a gripping and thought-provoking post-
apocalyptic thriller that paints an extremely chilling portrait of life in the aftermath of a
catastrophic electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on the United States. The first book in
a compelling three-part series, it explores how society unravels in the blink of an
eye—literally one second—leaving Americans to grapple with a sudden and devastating
return to the Dark Ages.

Set in the town of Black Mountain, North Carolina, the story follows a retired Army
colonel and college professor as he struggles to protect his family and community from
the chaos that ensues after the EMP attack disables all modern technology.  From the
collapse of critical infrastructure like power, communication, and transportation to the
scarcity of food and medical supplies, Forstchen vividly captures the cascading
consequences of a society wholly unprepared for such a calamity.  The book is a
sobering examination of just how dependent we are on the fragile web of modern
conveniences—and how swiftly that web can be torn apart.

What sets One Second After apart from other dystopian novels is its grounding in
reality. Forstchen’s meticulous research lends credibility to the scenario, making it all the
more unsettling.  The EMP weapon, capable of crippling a nation in an instant, is not a
fictional construct but a real threat, as acknowledged by military experts and even
Congress.  The Wall Street Journal has warned of its devastating potential, and
Forstchen’s book has been cited as essential reading for understanding the magnitude
of the danger.  The narrative is as much a study of human resilience as it is a cautionary
tale. Throughout the series, Forstchen explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the
moral dilemmas that arise when resources are scarce, and survival is at stake.  The
main character’s military background equips him to take charge, but his humanity
shines through as he grapples with impossible decisions to protect his family while
fostering hope and unity in a community teetering on the brink of collapse.

In the tradition of On the Beach, Fail Safe, and Testament, One Second After is not just
entertainment; it’s a dire warning.  Forstchen’s portrayal of societal breakdown is so
vivid and plausible that it compels readers to reflect on their own preparedness and the
fragility of the systems they rely on daily.  The book urges us to take the EMP threat
seriously—not just as a theoretical possibility but as an imminent risk requiring national
and individual vigilance.

YLD Key Leadership Takeaway:   In times of crisis, true leaders rise by fostering
resilience, making hard decisions with compassion, and inspiring those around them to
work together toward survival and recovery.  Preparedness, adaptability, and a strong
sense of community are indispensable in facing the unthinkable.

ISBN: 13:9780765356864

RADICAL INCLUSION by GEN Martin E. Dempsey and Ori Brafman

Reviewed by CDR Joseph J. Leonard, Jr., CDR, USCG (ret.)

In Radical Inclusion: What the Post-9/11 World Should Have Taught Us About
Leadership, General Martin Dempsey and co-author Ori Brafman deliver a fresh,
thought-provoking perspective on leadership in the modern era. Rooted in lessons from
GEN Dempsey’s military career and Brafman’s expertise in organizational dynamics, the
book challenges traditional notions of control and power, offering instead a roadmap for
navigating the complexities of leadership in an increasingly interconnected and
scrutinized world. The central theme of the book is the idea of “Radical Inclusion,” which
advocates for an instinctual embrace of inclusivity. GEN Dempsey and Brafman argue
that the fear of losing control—common in today’s fast-paced, information-saturated
environment—often leads leaders toward exclusion. However, exclusion only breeds
mistrust, inefficiency, and missed opportunities. To succeed, leaders must actively
cultivate trust by including diverse perspectives and voices, even when doing so feels
counterintuitive or uncomfortable. The authors introduce the concept of the “Era of the
Digital Echo,” illustrating how the internet and social media amplify and distort
information. This phenomenon, they contend, makes facts vulnerable and undermines
the trust essential to effective leadership. Leaders must address this challenge by being
transparent, communicative, and empathetic, working to restore faith in their leadership
amid swirling doubts and misinformation.

Perhaps the most counterintuitive yet powerful idea presented is the notion of
“Relinquishing Control to Preserve Power.” GEN Dempsey and Brafman argue that the
traditional link between control and power is obsolete. In today’s hyperconnected
environment, leaders who hoard control risk alienating their teams and stifling
innovation. Instead, effective leaders share control, fostering collaboration and
empowering their teams to take ownership of outcomes. The authors reinforce this
principle through compelling stories, such as the Burning Man festival’s reliance on
communal responsibility and a young lieutenant’s surprising encounter during the Cold
War.

What makes Radical Inclusion especially impactful is its ability to connect high-level
leadership concepts to relatable, real-world examples. From the Situation Room to a
Berkeley vegan’s confrontation, the anecdotes breathe life into the principles, making
them memorable and actionable. The book’s conversational tone, infused with humor
and humility, ensures that the lessons resonate with readers across diverse sectors,
including business, academia, government, and beyond.

At its heart, Radical Inclusion is a call for leaders to rethink their approach to power,
trust, and influence. The authors convincingly argue that leadership in the 21st century
is less about asserting control and more about cultivating trust, empowering others, and
embracing the complexity of our interconnected world.

YLD Key Leadership Takeaway: True power in leadership lies not in control but in trust
and inclusion. By embracing diverse perspectives and sharing authority, leaders can
build stronger, more resilient teams that thrive in the face of today’s challenges.

ISBN: 13:9781939714107

THE GREAT DELUGE: HURRICANE KATRINA, NEW ORLEANS, AND THE
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST  by Douglas Brinkley

Reviewed by CDR Joseph J. Leonard, Jr., CDR, USCG (ret.)

In The Great Deluge, Douglas Brinkley delivers a searing and comprehensive account
of Hurricane Katrina, chronicling the storm's devastating physical impact, the resulting
humanitarian catastrophe, and the systemic failures of leadership that compounded the
crisis. As both a New Orleans resident and historian, Brinkley combines meticulous
research with an empathetic narrative, vividly portraying the harrowing experiences of
those who lived through the disaster. The book begins by detailing the ferocity of
Hurricane Katrina, which slammed into the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, with 150-
mile-per-hour winds that obliterated cities and infrastructure. Brinkley recounts how the
storm surge flooded 80% of New Orleans, leaving a half-million homes underwater and
displacing hundreds of thousands of residents. This unprecedented natural disaster,
however, was only the first act in a triple tragedy that revealed profound flaws in
governmental preparedness and response.

Brinkley’s investigation of the storm's aftermath exposes staggering failures at every
level of government. He critiques New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin for his inequitable
evacuation plan that prioritized the affluent, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco for her
indecision during a critical moment of fear and confusion, and FEMA Director Michael
Brown for his apparent detachment from the unfolding chaos. These leadership
shortcomings, Brinkley argues, turned a natural disaster into a human tragedy, leaving
vulnerable communities to bear the brunt of neglect and mismanagement. Amid the
systemic failures, Brinkley highlights stories of heroism that shine a light on the
resilience and humanity of individuals in the face of overwhelming adversity. Coast
Guard Commander Jimmy Duckworth’s tireless rescue efforts and journalist Tony
Zumbado’s unflinching coverage of the crisis emerge as examples of selfless
leadership. Brinkley masterfully weaves survivor testimonials into the narrative, giving
voice to those who endured the unthinkable and emphasizing the importance of their
stories in understanding the full scope of the disaster.

What sets The Great Deluge apart is its blend of rigorous research and deeply human
storytelling. Brinkley uses interviews, official records, and firsthand accounts to dissect
the Katrina crisis, offering insights into the cascading failures that exacerbated the
storm's impact. His critique of leadership is unflinching yet balanced, recognizing not
only the failures but also the potential for meaningful change. Brinkley’s work serves as
both a historical record and a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the critical need for
competent, compassionate leadership in times of crisis. He underscores the importance
of preparation, equitable decision-making, and the ability to act decisively under
pressure.

YLD Key Leadership Takeaway: Effective leadership during a crisis demands
preparedness, clear communication, and an unwavering commitment to equity and humanity.

The failure to prioritize these principles can turn a disaster into an enduring
tragedy.

ISBN: 13: 9780061148491

THE LONG SEPTEMBER:  THE SOCIAL LIFE OF A KATRINA RESPONDER
by LCDR Cheri Ben-Iesau, USCG (ret.)

Reviewed by CDR Joseph J. Leonard, Jr., CDR, USCG (ret.)

Lieutenant Commander Cheri Ben-Iesau’s The Long September: The Social Life of a Katrina Responder offers a deeply personal and evocative account of the chaos, humanity, and resilience witnessed during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Drawing from her own experiences as an emergency responder, LCDR Ben-Iesau provides a ground-level perspective of the disaster, focusing not only on the monumental challenges of disaster relief but also on the emotional and social dynamics of those who stepped up to help. The book stands out for its unique lens on the Katrina disaster: rather than recounting the macro-level failures and successes of governments or organizations, LCDR Ben-Iesau zeroes in on the responders themselves—their struggles, relationships, and moments of triumph and despair. She paints a vivid picture of what it means to work in the trenches of disaster recovery, where logistical nightmares, emotional exhaustion, and moral dilemmas collide with camaraderie, resourcefulness, and the undeniable drive to make a difference.

LCDR Ben-Iesau’s writing is raw and unfiltered, capturing both the physical devastation of the Gulf Coast and the psychological toll on those tasked with its recovery. She shares anecdotes of long, grueling days spent providing aid, the challenge of navigating bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the resilience of communities desperate for help. Yet, the book is not without moments of levity and connection, as Ben-Iesau delves into the relationships formed among responders, whose shared mission fostered a sense of purpose and solidarity amid the chaos. A central theme of the book is the complexity of human behavior in times of crisis. Ben-Iesau doesn’t shy away from addressing the imperfections of responders, including her own. She highlights the emotional highs and lows, the tensions that arise in high-pressure environments, and the moral compromises sometimes made in the pursuit of the greater good. These reflections lend the narrative a deeply human quality, reminding readers that responders are not superheroes—they are individuals driven by compassion but subject to the same vulnerabilities as those they serve.

In addition to its emotional depth, The Long September provides valuable insights into the intricacies of disaster response. LCDR Ben-Iesau critiques the inefficiencies and inequities she observed, offering lessons for improving preparedness and response systems. She underscores the importance of flexibility, communication, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, qualities that are as critical to successful disaster relief as technical expertise. Ultimately, LCDR Ben-Iesau’s book is a testament to the resilience of both survivors and responders, offering a nuanced perspective on the enduring impact of Hurricane Katrina. It is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the human dimensions of disaster response and the leadership it demands.

YLD Key Leadership Takeaway: Leadership in crisis requires empathy, adaptability, and the ability to foster collaboration under pressure. By recognizing the humanity in those they lead and serve, effective leaders can inspire resilience and drive meaningful action, even in the most challenging circumstances.

ISBN: 13: 9781514804278

THE MAKING OF A LEADER (2024) by Josiah Bunting III

Reviewed by CDR Joseph J. Leonard, Jr., CDR, USCG (ret.)

Josiah Bunting III’s The Making of a Leader offers a profound exploration of the formative years of George C. Marshall, one of the most respected leaders of the 20th century. By focusing on the moments that shaped Marshall’s character and leadership, rather than his well-documented accomplishments during World War II and the postwar period, Bunting crafts an intimate portrait of a man whose greatness was rooted in humility, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to learning. The book opens with Marshall’s early days as a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute, where he began to develop the values of perseverance and integrity that would define his career. Bunting provides vivid descriptions of Marshall’s experiences, illustrating how the rigors of military education forged a sense of responsibility and selflessness that would guide him throughout his life.

A key turning point in Marshall’s development came during his time at Fort Leavenworth, where he honed his intellectual curiosity and learned the critical skill of “how to learn.” This period, Bunting argues, was foundational to Marshall’s ability to adapt to new challenges and think strategically, qualities that later became hallmarks of his leadership. The book also delves into Marshall’s tenure as aide-de-camp to General John J. Pershing and his experiences during World War I, which provided him with invaluable insights into the complexities of leadership in times of crisis. Through these experiences, Marshall not only refined his own leadership style but also gained an acute understanding of how to inspire and empower others. Bunting pays particular attention to Marshall’s interwar years, a phase often overlooked in traditional biographies. As a leader at Fort Benning, Marshall revolutionized military education, instilling a culture of innovation and adaptability that prepared the U.S. Army for the challenges of World War II. Bunting’s detailed analysis of this period highlights Marshall’s vision and foresight, demonstrating his ability to recognize and nurture talent in others—a trait that became a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy.

What sets The Making of a Leader apart is Bunting’s ability to humanize Marshall. He goes beyond the myth to reveal the man: his frustrations, doubts, mistakes, and moments of vulnerability. Yet, it is precisely these traits that make Marshall’s leadership all the more inspiring. His brilliance was not a product of innate genius but of relentless effort, moral clarity, and an unwavering belief in the value of service. Bunting’s meticulous research and eloquent prose make this book an engaging and enlightening read, not only for those interested in military history but for anyone seeking to understand what makes a great leader.

YLD Key Leadership Takeaway: True leadership is rooted in humility, a commitment to lifelong learning, and the ability to inspire greatness in others. George Marshall exemplified these qualities, proving that the making of a leader is as much about character as it is about accomplishments.

ISBN: 13: 9781400042586

by Alfred Lansing (1959)

In 1914, explorer Edward Shackleton undertook an expedition to the South Pole. No satellite radio, no GPS, no freeze dried food, no rescue aircraft. Just “guts” and a team of very brave men who trusted and believed in their leader. Although the mission was a
failure, the resulting story of survival in the ice-bound Antarctic seas serves as a guide-post for leaders confronted with adversity.

The book recounts the failure of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Ernest Shackleton in its attempt to cross the Antarctic continent in 1914 and the subsequent struggle for survival endured by the twenty-eight man crew for almost two years.

YLD Leadership Takeaway: Be Real – No one can fake leadership. And, if they can, it won’t last long. Acknowledging fear and vulnerability are far more valuable leadership skills than being cold or shut-off.

[ISBN13: 9780786706211]

By Warren Bennis (1989)

This book provides many fine insights. Perhaps the key one is that true leaders are not interested in proving themselves; they want above all to be able to express themselves fully. A leader is continually seeking his or her fullest expression, and must be willing to engage in periodic reinvention. Structured education and society often get in the way of leadership. Real learning is the process of remembering what is important to us, and becoming a leader is therefore the act of becoming more and more yourself.

Bennis makes the case that becoming a leader involves: Continuous learning and never-dying curiosity; A compelling vision; leaders first define their reality (what they believe is possible), then set about ‘managing their dream’; Developing the ability to communicate that vision and inspire others to follow it; Tolerating uncertainty and taking on risk – a degree of daring; personal integrity: self-knowledge, candor, maturity, welcoming criticism; taking time off to think and reflect, which brings answers and produces resolutions.

YLD’s Key leadership Takeaways: Personal integrity, a compelling vision and the ability to enjoy risk and uncertainty define leadership – To lead, we have to make a declaration of independence against the estimation of others, the culture, the age. Leaders do not just ‘do well’ by the terms of their culture; they create new contexts, new things, new ways of doing and being.

[ISBN-13: 978-0465014088]

by Steven Covey (2004)

Stephen R. Covey presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty and human dignity―principles that give us the security to adapt to change, and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates. This book sold over 15 million copies!

YLD’s Key Leadership Takeaway: Change your mindset in order to embrace an alternative perspective.

[ISBN-13: 860-1405710017]

by John Wooden (2005)

This book provides a compelling look inside the mind and powerful leadership methods of America’s coaching legend, John Wooden. Coach Wooden’s goal in 41 years of coaching never changed; namely, he tried to get the maximum effort and peak performance from each of his players in the manner that best served the team. Wooden on Leadership explains step-by-step how he pursued and accomplished this goal.

YLD Leadership Takeaway: Be at your best when your best is needed – team spirit, loyalty, enthusiasm, determination. Acquire and keep these traits and success should follow.

[ISBN-10: 0071453393]

by Joseph Badaracco (2006)

Badaracco is the John Shad Professor of Business Ethics at Harvard Business School. The author draws on his experience teaching MBA students and uses eight selections from serious fiction to encourage leaders to explore in depth what it really means to “know thyself.”

The stories in the book include Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons, and Sophocles’s Antigone. Each of the eight discussions is preceded by a key question and then by Professor Badaracco’s thumbnail outline of the story and its protagonist. The eight key questions, such as “Do I have a good dream?” and “How flexible is my moral code?” are backed up by subsidiary questions, as the author, in Socratic fashion, rejects easy, superficial responses. He is critical, for example, of the metaphor of the moral compass, arguing that it is useful only for dealing with questions of right and wrong.

YLD Key Leadership Takeaway: Decide something! – Making difficult leadership decisions seldom turns out to be an easy Yes or No pathway. Many, if not most, leadership challenges demand a choice between two “rights” or, worse still, between two “wrongs.” Understanding the tool of critical thinking and self-reflection can help you make the difficult decisions for the better good of the team.

[ISBN-13: 978-1591399681]

by Seth Godin (2008)

Godin shares a winning formula for stepping outside of the status quo to do meaningful work. It’s this kind of work that will inspire others to follow, help you get noticed, and leave a legacy of leadership.

YLD’s Key Leadership Takeaway: Communicate and Motivate – To lead you must inspire others to follow your example or orders. It helps if you’re able to attract, engage, and encourage employees, business partners, and potential clients to get on board with your plan or proposal.

[ISBN: 978-1-59184-233-0]

by James Kouzes and Barry Posner (2010)

In these turbulent times, when the very foundations of organizations and societies are shaken, leaders need to move beyond pessimistic predictions, trendy fads, and simplistic solutions. They need to turn to what’s real and what’s proven. In their engaging, personal book, Kouzes and Posner reveal ten time-tested truths that show what every leader must know, the questions they must be prepared to answer, and the real-world issues they will likely face.

Based on thirty years of research, more than one million responses to Kouzes and Posner’s leadership assessment, and the questions people most want leaders to answer The book explores the fundamental, enduring truths of leadership that hold constant regardless of context or circumstance-leaders make a difference, credibility, values, trust, leading by example, heart, and more Drawing from cases spanning three generations of leaders from around the world, this is a book leaders can use to do their real and necessary work-bringing about the essential changes that will renew organizations and community.

YLD’s Key Leadership Takeaway: There are some things that will always play a role in effective leadership. Trust, credibility, and ethics are among those things.

[ISBN 978-0-470-63354-0]

by Daniel Pink (2011)

Drawing on four decades of scientific research on human motivation, Pink exposes the mismatch between what science knows and what business does—and how that affects every aspect of our lives. He demonstrates that while the old-fashioned carrot-and-stick approach worked successfully in the 20th century, it’s precisely the wrong way to motivate people for today’s challenges. In “Drive,” he reveals the three elements of true motivation: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose. The author takes the reader to companies that are enlisting new approaches to motivation and introduces us to the scientists and entrepreneurs who are pointing a bold way forward.

YLD’s Key Leadership Takeaway: The ability to motivate your team is central to good leadership. Pink’s book is packed with the secrets of motivation. The author suggests we move away from rewards and punishment, opting for meaningful work, mastery, and autonomy instead.

[ISBN: 9781101524381]