STORIES

The lessons learned in Great Leaders Live Like Drug Addicts are two-fold. First, Brody-Waite explains how recovery programs uniquely train addicts to systematically live and lead “Mask-Free.” Secondly, he guides the reader through a system that can help any leader leverage what has been working for millions of addicts for over 80 years. Readers will learn to remove the masks hindering their success, embrace who they truly are and gain a rare business competitive advantage in the process.

DON’T start reading this book before bed because you won’t be able to put it down! And, I’m warning you, it touches a nerve… early and often. Here I am thinking I’m living my life authentically when Michael makes me realize I’ve got a trunk full of masks that I wear, each creating barriers to my happiness and my impact in the world. This is a must-read for anyone seeking a “break-through” strategy to be the best version of themselves.

Michael Brody-Waite lived a lifetime before the age of 30 and survived, barely. In his book, Great Leaders Live Like Drug Addicts he exposes his own scarred truth in order to get all of us to release our, as he calls it, masks and live up to our own full potential. I’ve known Michael for many years in many capacities and the one word that describes him best is ‘real’. This book is real, it’s his realness that opens our eyes to our own. It’s time we all got a lot more real and stepped out from the curtains and removed our masks. Michael brings you a full-on rollercoaster ride to help you slow yours down. Dig in and get real.

Michael Brody-Waite authentically shares his wisdom in a captivating and practical way. Anyone who wants to become a better leader will benefit from reading this book.

Eliminating the nonessential masks that hold us back is key to becoming a great leader. This is brilliantly illustrated in this new book from Michael Brody-Waite.

I love the approach Michael’s taken with this book. Just like addiction, he does not say that implementing these 3 principles work as a quick fix, rather it’s something to do every day- even on the days when we don’t feel like it.

There’s a section in the book- that would appeal to most readers on getting the work done and it starts by learning about the Masks we wear…if anyone is patient and honest enough, I believe it’s quite revealing about the struggles we face daily.

Towards the end, Michael asked something that I have never been asked directly but coming from Kenya- I’ve often asked of all the politicians and those in power who’ve stolen public funds or enriched themselves in public offices, he asks “What’s your Enough?” and just like that I am re-evaluating my purpose and goals in life.

Such a neat perspective!! During treatment for drug addiction, Michael Brody-Waite learned three principles that became the difference between life and death: Practice rigorous authenticity, Surrender the outcome, and Do uncomfortable work.

The way he explains the similarities between that and leadership is quite phenomenal and challenges leaders everywhere to rip off the mask and lead ourselves first! I found it to be challenging and inspiring and as a leader in ministry, I was able to draw out many points that I believe would transform the way we lead. Job well done!!

A vulnerable and insightful read about a revolutionary approach to leadership. Michael demonstrates how the “mask-free” principles drug addicts use to recover can give any leader a competitive advantage and reinvent how we think of leadership.

Michael’s story is uncomfortable, provocative and ultimately inspiring. It will encourage you to put aside your own masks and armor, and take the great risk in fully showing up as who you are in your life and your work.