In this episode of the podcast "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," Mark interviews Dan Rockwell, author of the upcoming book "The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership."
The interview begins with Mark sharing his personal reaction to the book, noting how it unexpectedly struck a personal chord right from the third page. The conversation delves into the profound nature of leadership as a personal journey, drawing insights from conversations Dan had with influential leaders like Jim Parker, Francis Haine, and Harry Kramer. These conversations led Dan to realize that leadership is about becoming oneself, a transformative and often elusive task for high-performing individuals. Mark also highlights Warren Bennis' quote on the simplicity and difficulty of becoming oneself.
Dan explains the significance of the book's title, "The Vagrant," which refers to being blown off course, both in terms of a bird's migration and an individual's journey in leadership. He shares how high performers can sometimes lose sight of themselves and struggle to find their way back on track.
The interview touches upon Dan's diverse background, including degrees in theology and ministry, as well as construction and design, and how these areas overlap in the realm of leadership. Mark further explores the commonalities among Dan's varied clientele, ranging from Chick-fil-A to the National Institutes of Health and Royal Caribbean.
The conversation then shifts to the creative process behind the book and Dan's collaboration with co-author John David Mann, known for his work on "The Go-Giver." Drawing inspiration from classic parable books, the authors chose a storytelling approach to convey their leadership insights.
Dan expresses his gratitude for working with BenBella Books and their valuable contribution to the project.
The interview concludes with Dan sharing a leadership insight for individuals who may think they are getting promoted but could potentially face termination.
The book will be released in September 2023 and is currently available for pre-order.
Overall, the interview explores the personal and collaborative aspects of leadership and creativity, shedding light on the inner journey of leaders and the importance of self-discovery.
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Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson
