Foreword by Jim Collins vii Introduction: Being Called Forward 1 Part One Roots 9 1 Stories of Family, Lessons of Love 11 2 Embrace the Defining Moment 27 3 Defining Yourself with the Power of No 39 Part Two My Leadership Journey 47 4 My Management Education 49 5 New York Calls 71 6 Challenging the Gospel 83 7 Becoming a Change Agent 93 8 Finding Out Who You Are 107 9 My Journey with Peter Drucker 115 10 The Indispensable Partnership—Governance and Management, Board and Staff 131 11 Strengthening the Leadership of the Social Sector 141 12 Adventures Around the World 153 Part Three Concerns and Celebrations 167 13 To Serve is to Live 169 14 Seeing and Listening 183 15 Leaders of the Future 193 16 Conclusion: Shine a Light 205 About the Author 219 Index 221

The Extraordinary Life of an Extraordinary Leader Tracing her development as a leader, Frances Hesselbein reveals her remarkable personal story and the principles that have served and guided her well throughout her extraordinary life. Written in an intimate and compelling voice, this book delivers key leadership lessons applicable to leaders in every walk of life. My Life in Leadership offers a look at what shaped Frances Hesselbein as a person and as a leader, from her youth in the mountains of western Pennsylvania to her professional journey with the Girl Scouts of the USA where she went from troop leader to transformational CEO, and to how Peter F. Drucker chose her to found and lead the Drucker Foundation, now the Leader to Leader Institute. With excitement and humility, she relives the key moments that have shaped her life of leadership including the day she received our country's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This remarkable book also includes stories about her world travels to deliver her message of leadership and her notable experiences with, as well as what she has learned from, some of the most distinguished leaders of our time including Peter Drucker; John W. Gardner; Max DePree; Presidents Clinton, H.W. Bush, and Reagan; General Eric Shinseki; Jim Collins; Warren Bennis; and Marshall Goldsmith. As inspirational as it is practical, My Life in Leadership is filled with Frances Hesselbein's universal leadership lessons that will serve any leader, of any age, in any sector. "Through her life story you will touch the marrow of a unique contributor to humanity. This book's appeal will transcend time and captivate the hearts of leaders around the globe." — MARGARET DANIELS TYLER, senior program officer, U.S. Programs, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation