Daniel as a Blueprint for Navigating Ethical Dilemmas: Ethical Leadership Across Time

by Richard French

The Leadership Challenge You Face Every DayYou’ve felt it, haven’t you? That moment when doing the right thing and the expedient thing pull you in opposite directions. The meeting where speaking the truth might cost your career. The decision is where every option seems to compromise something important.

Leaders navigate competing priorities between profit margins and ethical considerations. The real challenge isn’t obvious right-vs-wrong scenarios but tensions between legitimate innovation versus safety, transparency versus confidentiality, short-term results versus long-term sustainability.

This book delivers what you practical frameworks for navigating ethical complexity with both integrity and effectiveness.

What Makes This Book DifferentUnlike many leadership books that offer either rigid rules that ignore real-world complexities or flexible ethics that lead to compromise, this book provides something

A blueprint from someone who mastered the art of principled success in one of history’s most challenging environments.
Daniel stood at the intersection of uncompromising integrity and extraordinary influence, maintaining his principles while rising to unprecedented authority in the courts of Babylon and Persia. His approach offers seven practical strategies that modern professionals can apply

Ethical Decision Paralysis in Complex Situations: Learn how to move from frozen indecision to principled action when facing dilemmas with no clear "right" answer.

Navigating Organizational Pressure to Compromise: Develop practical strategies for maintaining integrity without becoming ineffective or marginalized when facing subtle but persistent pressure.

Balancing Competing Legitimate Values: Master a nuanced approach to conflicts between valid principles (patient care versus resource stewardship, innovation versus safety) without resorting to oversimplified solutions.

Ethical Leadership in Hostile Environments: Discover how to maintain influence while upholding principles in resistant organizational cultures.

Speaking Truth to Power Effectively: Learn specific communication approaches that allow truth-telling while maintaining respect and professional relationships.

Preventing Incremental Ethical Erosion: Recognize and resist the slippery slope where small concessions eventually lead to major breaches.

Integration of Technical Innovation and Ethical Responsibility: Particularly relevant in AI ethics, learn frameworks for harnessing technological advancement while ensuring responsible implementation.

What You’ll Discover InsideThrough compelling stories of modern professionals alongside Daniel’s ancient example, this book transforms abstract ethics into practical leadership

For Corporate and Organizational Leaders: Today’s leaders face an impossible balancing drive results while maintaining integrity. This book shows how ethical clarity creates sustainable success when compromise fails.

268 pages, Paperback

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

Richard French writes at the intersection of technology, transformation, and storytelling. A former executive at Oracle and Nokia, and a serial startup leader, Richard brings decades of leadership experience to his books.

His non-fiction works include Daniel as a Blueprint for Navigating Ethical Dilemmas, The Journaling Mastery Series, and The Journaling Prompts Series. In fiction, his Convergence Series explores quantum physics, high fantasy, and human connection in richly imagined worlds.

Richard lives in the Pacific Northwest, where he writes full time and races GT cars on weekends. He believes in challenging limits—on the track, in business, and on the page.

Reviews

[Julian Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is powerful. Richard French took Daniel’s story and turned it into a modern-day guide for anyone facing ethical challenges. I found the leadership insights so relevant, especially the parts on navigating pressure without compromising values. It’s practical and thought-provoking, not preachy at all. The real-world examples brought everything home for me. If you're in leadership or simply want to strengthen your moral backbone, this is a must-read.

[Alana Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Daniel as a Blueprint" surprised me in the best way. I expected a biblical analysis, but it turned out to be a practical leadership guide. French connects Daniel’s story with today’s challenges in business, healthcare, and tech. The reflection exercises helped me assess my own values more deeply. It’s inspiring, empowering, and incredibly useful if you're making hard decisions. Highly recommend it for anyone seeking to lead with purpose and integrity.

[Sorayah Tolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every page of this book. Daniel’s life, as portrayed by Richard French, becomes a powerful framework for ethical decision-making in today’s complex world. I especially appreciated the case studies and practical applications. Whether you're facing ethical dilemmas at work or in life, this book gives you the tools and courage to act rightly. It’s not just about leadership it’s about becoming a better, more principled person. Truly transformative.

[William M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up out of curiosity and ended up taking notes all the way through. "Daniel as a Blueprint" is rich in wisdom and full of applicable insights. The ethical dilemmas explored here are so relevant to what leaders and professionals face today. Daniel’s story felt alive and fresh. I felt challenged, inspired, and equipped. It’s a guidebook for anyone who wants to make principled choices with confidence.

[Aurelia Hulls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely shifted how I view ethical leadership. Richard French makes ancient wisdom practical without watering it down. I work in tech, and the examples related to AI ethics hit home. The writing is clear and engaging, and the exercises are spot on. I’ll be recommending this to my team. This isn’t just a book it’s a tool for real change. It gave me clarity and courage. Five stars without hesitation.

[Burnett Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard French has written something truly special here. I was immediately drawn in by how he connected Daniel’s experiences to the ethical pressures we face today. This book doesn’t just teach it equips. The personal reflection questions are gold, and I’ve already started using them. If you're struggling with decisions that feel morally complicated, this book helps bring clarity and strength. It’s relevant, powerful, and honestly, a necessary read in today’s world.

[Hart Cohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing take on leadership and ethics. "Daniel as a Blueprint" goes beyond theory to offer solid, actionable guidance. I loved the blend of ancient narrative and current real-world applications. French is a gifted writer and teacher, and his passion for ethical leadership shines through. I appreciated the balance of inspiration and practicality. This book gave me tools I can actually use in my job. Highly recommend for thoughtful professionals.

[Julie Casen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book transformed how I view ethical leadership. Daniel’s story is more relevant than ever, and Richard French makes it accessible and actionable. Loved the modern case studies and the practical decision-making framework. It’s empowering, insightful, and genuinely helpful. Highly recommend for anyone facing difficult choices in their career.

[Caleb Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard French has given us a masterpiece in ethical leadership. Daniel’s story is skillfully used to teach practical, real-world strategies. The mix of history, personal reflection, and organizational insight makes this an essential read. I feel more confident navigating moral complexity now. Deeply moving and intellectually rich. Highly recommended!

[Grayson Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gold! Practical, insightful, and inspiring. French shows how Daniel’s timeless principles still apply in business, tech, and daily life. It’s rare to find a leadership book so grounded and yet so visionary. The step-by-step framework is worth the price alone. I’ll be rereading this regularly!

[Wendy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected history. I got transformation. Richard French doesn’t just tell Daniel’s story he helps you live it in today’s world. This book gave me tools for ethical decisions I face every day. If you're struggling to lead with integrity, read this. It’s the best leadership book I’ve read all year!

[Owen Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning achievement. Daniel’s ethical clarity in chaos offers exactly the kind of leadership we need now. French makes ancient wisdom feel urgently relevant, with real-world case studies and reflective exercises that guide you into action. I’m recommending it to every leader I know. Timeless truths, expertly told. Five stars.

[Treva Harte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that stays with you. French’s insights into Daniel’s life are profound, and he offers real strategies to apply today. The case studies in AI and corporate ethics are eye-opening. I felt empowered to face tough decisions with courage. This book truly delivers on its promise.

[Julian Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me see ethical leadership in a whole new light. Richard French shows how real integrity looks in high-stakes situations. The blend of timeless wisdom and real-world examples made it unforgettable. Every leader needs to read this and reflect on what it really means to lead with character.

[Alana Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

French does an amazing job showing how to lead with integrity even when the pressure’s on. Daniel’s story adds a rich, meaningful layer that ties everything together. If you’ve ever struggled with doing what’s right in complex situations, this book will guide you. It’s insightful, practical, and inspiring.

[Burnett Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just theory it’s a roadmap. French helps you navigate the gray areas with real integrity. Daniel’s example adds spiritual depth that’s missing from most leadership books. The section on preventing ethical erosion especially hit home. I’ll be recommending this to every colleague who wrestles with tough decisions.

[Hart Cohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect a leadership book to be so moving and actionable. French brings Daniel’s wisdom into the workplace like no one else. This book gave me clarity for real-life leadership struggles and helped me act with more courage. Practical, grounded, and inspiring definitely one of my top reads this year.

[Julie Casen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a game-changer for anyone in leadership. It offers realistic tools for navigating ethical gray areas without compromising integrity. Daniel’s story is brilliantly applied to modern dilemmas. I walked away feeling empowered and equipped. Richard French bridges ancient wisdom with today’s challenges like no other leadership book I’ve read.

[Robert George]

I’ve read countless leadership books, but none have dealt with ethical gray zones as honestly as this one. Richard French doesn’t just inspire; he equips. The section on “incremental ethical erosion” hit home. Daniel’s story has never felt more relevant. This book earns its place on my must-read shelf.

[Caleb Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

French masterfully connects ancient integrity with modern leadership dilemmas. This isn’t just another leadership book it’s a guide for making tough decisions with confidence. Daniel’s story brought unexpected clarity to my daily work challenges. I finished it feeling hopeful, not burdened. A profound and practical book every leader should read.

[Grayson Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me reframe ethical challenges not as traps but as opportunities for clarity and courage. The frameworks are clear and usable right away. French's writing is intelligent without being academic. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend for anyone navigating corporate complexity with a conscience.

[Wendy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute gem for professionals wrestling with moral tension in their roles. Richard French delivers more than insight he delivers tools. Daniel’s model is relevant, inspiring, and actionable. The book is thoughtful, challenging, and ultimately empowering. I’ll be re-reading this one regularly. A must-have for the ethically ambitious.

[Adrea Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. Insightful. Impactful. This book helped me name what I was feeling in my role: ethical decision paralysis. French doesn’t just diagnose the problem—he offers a way forward. The frameworks are gold. Daniel’s story gave me hope that principle and progress can coexist. I’m grateful this book exists.

[Favour Creative · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Daniel as a Blueprint for Navigating Ethical Dilemmas is a refreshing guide that bridges timeless wisdom with the real pressures of modern leadership. Richard French makes Daniel’s story feel practical and actionable, offering clear tools for making tough decisions with integrity. A must-read for anyone who wants to lead with both courage and impact."

[Robert George · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional blend of ancient story and modern relevance. French presents Daniel not just as a biblical figure, but as a mentor in ethical resilience. The writing is clear, the lessons are sharp, and it all feels very relevant. This book is a gift for anyone leading in uncertain times.

[Sorayah Tolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for any professional trying to do the right thing in a complicated world. The book gave me real strategies to stay grounded while facing difficult decisions. I loved the part about speaking truth to power so helpful! One of the best leadership books I’ve read in a while.

[John Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! French provides powerful insight into how leaders can make tough decisions without losing their moral compass. The lessons from Daniel are brought to life in today’s context. Loved how practical the advice was. It’s one of those books that sticks with you long after.

[William M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

French nailed the tension leaders face daily results vs. values. I’ve never seen the story of Daniel applied this well to modern ethical challenges. The book is easy to read but packed with useful frameworks. Perfect for managers, executives, or anyone who leads people and wants to do it right.

[Aurelia Hulls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every chapter had something that made me pause and reflect. Ethical complexity is real, and this book doesn’t shy away from it. It gave me tools and language for handling hard choices. I appreciated how balanced and thoughtful it was. It felt less like advice, more like mentorship.

[Owen Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by how practical this book is. It doesn’t shy away from complexity, yet it offers clarity and confidence. French doesn’t preach he guides. Daniel’s example shines as both timeless and timely. Ethical leadership finally feels doable. Five stars without hesitation.