When did you stop leading and start settling?
Most leadership advice tells you to play it safe, follow the playbook, and climb the ladder one careful step at a time. But that's not leadership—that's management. And deep down, you know there's a difference.
The truth is: Real leadership has never been about conformity. It's about the courage to challenge broken systems, the vision to see solutions others miss, and the conviction to choose what's right over what's easy—even when you stand alone.
Maverick Leadership isn't another collection of corporate platitudes. It's a raw, honest exploration of what it takes to lead with unorthodox influence toward positive change. Through 20 powerful chapters from battle-tested leaders—including military officers, CEOs, coaches, and entrepreneurs—you'll discover:
- Why mavericks aren't rebels (and why that distinction could transform your entire approach to leadership)
- How to win the daily battle in your own mind that every maverick leader faces
- The frameworks for leading through chaos, crisis, and complete uncertainty when everyone is watching
- Why standing alone is often the cost of conviction—and why it's worth it
- How to negotiate, communicate, and build culture in ways that create movements beyond yourself
- The power of doing the little things with excellence, especially when no one is looking
This isn't about hacks, shortcuts, or "getting promoted by Friday." Leadership is simple—it's just not easy. As G.K. Chesterton wrote, "True leadership has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried."
Contributing authors include: Kris Yagel, Stefan Andreas Junaeus, Rick McDaniel, Antonio Ignacio, Mark Hattas, Babe Kwasniak, Travis Flateau, Colonel Joe DeAntona, Chris Herndon, Jason Warren, Matt Reardon, Tim Storey, Gabe Smith, Charles Nieman, Ray Resendez, Marshal DeMunbrun, Michael Sonbert, George "Kook" Kryssing Jr., Eric Olsen, and Rob Mallan—each sharing hard-won wisdom from leading in the military, corporate America, ministry, and entrepreneurship.
If you've ever felt the tension between managing and truly leading... if you've recognized that "the way it's always been done" isn't good enough... if you're ready to challenge conformity with good intentions and make meaningful change—this book is for you.
Maverick Leadership is for the unseen leaders in every organization, community, and family who choose courage over comfort and who inspire others through authentic example.
About the Creators:
Kris Yagel is a West Point graduate, former top-rated U.S. Army Military Police officer, and leadership expert. He became a multi-award-winning corporate executive before founding Diligent Plans, a global leader and team development company. From his TEDx Talk at West Point to training Fortune 100 companies, Kris is a sought-after authority on leadership who believes leaders must always "show up."
Stefan Andreas Junaeus is CEO of Signature Message LLC, a pastor, publisher, and entrepreneur who has helped hundreds of leaders share their message with the world. As a millennial entrepreneur who has built multiple successful ventures, Stefan champions visionary leaders who refuse to settle for managing what exists and instead choose to build what could be. As Editor-In-Chief of Thought Leaders Press, Stefan has co-authored many books including leadership experts Tim Storey and David Meltzer.
Your choice is simple: Keep managing around problems, or start leading through them.
