The Chris Voss Show The Chris Voss Show Podcast – The Detour CEO: 9 Unexpected Turns on the Road to Leadership Success by Paul Perreault
The Detour CEO: 9 Unexpected Turns on the Road to Leadership Success by Paul Perreault
https://www.amazon.com/Detour-CEO-Unexpected-Leadership-Success/dp/B0F2SR5L8J
Leadership doesn’t follow a straight path, and the most effective leaders know how to make strategic turns. In The Detour CEO: 9 Unexpected Turns on the Road to Leadership Success, former CEO Paul Perreault delivers a funny, engaging, and insightful guide to leading with purpose and resilience. Drawing from decades of experience in the specialized global biopharma industry, Paul provides actionable strategies to:
Identify and prioritize your top performers
Navigate organizational challenges with confidence
Balance strategic decisions with personal values
Cultivate a leadership style that fosters growth and loyalty
Through relatable stories and practical advice, Paul dives deep into the nuances of leadership―how to build trust, develop a pipeline of future leaders, and maintain focus in a world of constant distractions. He also challenges traditional notions of success, encouraging leaders to rethink their approach to prioritize people and values over short-term gains.
Packed with thoughtful reflections and actionable takeaways, The Detour CEO is a must-read for leaders at every level who want to make a lasting impact―on their teams, their organizations, and their own lives. This is more than a leadership guide; it’s a roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern leadership while staying true to your authentic self.
About the author
Paul’s new book, The Detour CEO: 9 Unexpected Turns on the Road to Leadership Success, tells the story of that unlikely journey—and the values that guided him every step of the way.
Raised as the second of eight children and married for over 44 years, Paul built his life on faith, grit, and a strong sense of purpose. Early on, his wife taught school while they worked together to create a future defined not by status, but by service. As Paul puts it: “Being a CEO is a job. It’s not who I am. And it can all go away in a heartbeat.” That belief still grounds him today: whether leading teams, mentoring rising executives, or spending time with his grandkids, Paul’s focus remains on people, not positions.
Throughout his career, Paul has been known for his collaborative leadership style, steady temperament, and values-driven approach. He champions a leadership philosophy rooted in service, integrity, collaboration, humility, and innovation—believing these core principles are what truly drive lasting success. Of course, not every value is boardroom-worthy: one of his more personal (and longstanding) convictions is to politely avoid his mom’s meatloaf whenever possible.
Now in what he calls his “grandkid era,” Paul starts each morning with two cappuccinos (non-negotiable), a workout, and prayer. A good day includes some cardio, maybe a little golf, and the kind of red wine that makes dinner feel like a celebration.
Paul believes great leadership is about helping people thrive—identifying where they can add value at any level, in any role.
Today, Paul is available to speak and advise—not just for healthcare organizations, but for a variety of businesses across industries and continents. His insights span leadership, innovation, legacy-building, and the psychology behind values and influences.
Paul isn’t here to sell success. He’s here to talk about what matters once you’ve reached it. Whether he’s on stage, in a boardroom, or mentoring one-on-one, Paul brings a blend of real-world experience, strategic insight, and authenticity that resonates with leaders navigating today’s fast-paced world.