[Book Review] The Catalyst Leader
When I was presented with the opportunity to review an early copy of the new book The Catalyst Leader, I jumped from my chair and did a happy dance.
It is a terribly awkward dance that nobody should ever have to see. I am a horrible dancer. But I didn’t care. I was happy.
Why was I so excited? Because when I first cut my teeth in ministry fresh out of Bible college, I didn’t know what I didn’t know about leadership. School had prepped me with Bible training, but little leadership training.
After taking some hard hits, I discovered Brad Lomenick and the Catalyst Podcast. Ever since, Catalyst has been responsible for introducing me to just about everything I know about leadership and every leader I follow and admire.
I am excited to announce that the new book The Catalyst Leader: 8 Essentials for Becoming a Change Maker by Brad Lomenick just released today! Check it out!
Brad, in a walk down memory lane, writes on his growth as a leader and the 8 essentials of leadership he has learned in a lifetime of leadership and over a decade of running one of the largest gatherings of leaders in America.
Brad writes with the same authenticity and humility he describes in the book, sharing stories how he learned many of the 8 lessons the hard way (as most leaders do).
This book is also an incredible wealth of quotes from the many amazing leaders who have graced the Catalyst stage.
Like many of my favorite books, It is a quick but powerful read. I devoured the book in a few days, but my hand cramped from taking so many notes.
Here are some of my biggest takeaways from each chapter:
8 Essentials for Becoming a Change Maker
1. CALLED: Find your uniqueness.
“Leaders who make the biggest impact also have the strongest sense of calling.”
- AUTHENTIC: Unleash the real you.
“Authentic leaders rise to the top in a world of knockoffs, imitations, and counterfeits.”
- PASSIONATE: Live in pursuit of God.
“Your internal passion determines external reach. Your heart will shape the actions of your hands.”
- CAPABLE: Make excellence nonnegotiable.
“Every great organization has a few areas where their standards are so high it’s annoying. This is a good thing. Set standards that scare you, and work to achieve them.”
- COURAGEOUS: Prepare to jump.
“Don’t play it safe. Chase after something so much bigger than you are, there’s no way you could ever accomplish it without God… those who follow a God-sized calling need God-sized courage.”
- PRINCIPLED: Anchor in your convictions.
“Your character will determine your level of leadership and even your legacy. Reputation can’t be delegated, and as we well know, it takes a lifetime to build but only a few seconds to lose.”
- HOPEFUL: Build toward a better tomorrow.
“Catalyst leaders look through the windshield rather than stare in the rearview mirror. They focus on the future and seek to inspire others to help them build it.”
- COLLABORATIVE: Draw power from partners.
“The church working together and unified is an unstoppable force.”
In Summary
The Catalyst Leader is one of those books you read, re-read, and then buy a copy for your entire team to read with them. Definitely the best book I have read so far this year.
Do yourself a favor, invest in your leadership and check it out.
Special Bonus Offer!
Anyone who purchases the book this week, until April 19, scan and send your receipt to catalystleaderbook@gmail.com and you’ll receive over $300 of leadership resources for FREE!
