Book Review: Leading Yourself by Elizabeth Lotardo

We all deserve to feel purpose at work. We deserve to have our expertise valued, to have opportunities to grow, and to work with people we enjoy (most of the time). You have the power to give that gift to yourself.

Elizabeth Lotardo’s Leading Yourself delivers a powerful message: self-leadership is the critical factor that can determine whether we find joy and fulfillment in our work or fall into the trap of monotony and dissatisfaction. The book argues that being an effective leader starts from within, with each of us taking charge of our own development and mindset. Lotardo explains that leading oneself is the difference between thriving in one's role and experiencing authentic satisfaction, versus merely going through the motions, feeling unmotivated and disconnected.

Lotardo provides practical advice on aligning personal values with daily actions, creating a pathway to not only professional success but also deeper personal satisfaction. She emphasizes that the choices we make every day—from setting goals to cultivating resilience—directly impact our ability to enjoy our work and find purpose in what we do.

One standout concept is how self-leadership influences our resilience. Lotardo describes resilience as more than just “bouncing back”—it’s about evolving through challenges, growing in strength and perspective. She argues that those who lead themselves well learn to navigate difficult situations with a positive outlook, using setbacks as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.

Whether you’re looking to excel in a leadership role, find purpose in your career, or simply create more meaning in your daily work, Leading Yourself offers invaluable insights. Lotardo’s ideas are down-to-earth and immediately applicable, making this book a must-read for anyone who wants to escape the trap of boredom and routine, embracing instead a fulfilling, values-driven path to success.

Key Takeaways

1. Hold Yourself Accountable: Being a good leader starts with setting standards for yourself and sticking to them. When you’re accountable, others are more likely to follow your lead.
2. Align Actions with Values: True leadership means that what you do matches your core values. When you consistently act in line with your beliefs, others see you as genuine and trustworthy.
3. Build Resilience as a Skill: Resilience isn’t just a personality trait; it’s a skill you can practice and strengthen. It’s essential for handling challenges in leadership.
4. Set Personal Goals: Personal goals provide focus and confidence. Clear objectives keep leaders motivated and help them stay on track.
5. Adapt with Intention: Good leaders embrace change and see it as a chance to grow. Intentional adaptation means staying open to new ways of doing things, which helps in evolving as a leader.

Who Should Read This Book

• Aspiring Leaders – People who want to understand the essence of leadership from the ground up.
• Managers and Team Leaders – Those in leadership positions who want to reinforce their effectiveness by focusing on self-improvement.
• Professionals in High-Stress Roles – Anyone facing constant challenges will benefit from Lotardo’s resilience and adaptability insights.
• Self-Development Enthusiasts – Individuals dedicated to personal growth and self-mastery will find actionable advice.
• New Entrepreneurs – Start-up founders or new business leaders can apply the principles to build a strong, value-driven leadership style.