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Built on Purpose: Lessons in Leadership and Culture
Discover what makes a leader not just effective, but truly impactful.
In Built on Purpose, seasoned executive Paul Petera shares three decades of real-world leadership experience shaped by culture, humility, and intentionality. This is not a book about abstract theory or quick-fix management hacks. It’s a candid, practical, and inspiring guide for professionals who want to lead with purpose—and build healthier, higher-performing teams along the way.
Through compelling personal stories, strategic frameworks, and actionable insights, you’ll learn:
-Why self-awareness is the cornerstone of authentic leadership
-How to build high-trust, aligned cultures from day one
-When to mentor, coach, and give feedback that truly sticks
-What emotional intelligence looks like in pressure-filled moments
-How to pause, think strategically, and make better decisions
-What it means to lead a life—and career—of personal purpose
Whether you’re a first-time manager or a senior executive, Built on Purpose will challenge you to reflect, grow, and lead with more clarity, character, and impact.
Perfect for readers of Simon Sinek, Brené Brown, Liz Wiseman, and Adam Grant.
Start your journey toward more intentional leadership—because people are always watching.
In Built on Purpose, seasoned executive Paul Petera shares three decades of real-world leadership experience shaped by culture, humility, and intentionality. This is not a book about abstract theory or quick-fix management hacks. It’s a candid, practical, and inspiring guide for professionals who want to lead with purpose—and build healthier, higher-performing teams along the way.
Through compelling personal stories, strategic frameworks, and actionable insights, you’ll learn:
-Why self-awareness is the cornerstone of authentic leadership
-How to build high-trust, aligned cultures from day one
-When to mentor, coach, and give feedback that truly sticks
-What emotional intelligence looks like in pressure-filled moments
-How to pause, think strategically, and make better decisions
-What it means to lead a life—and career—of personal purpose
Whether you’re a first-time manager or a senior executive, Built on Purpose will challenge you to reflect, grow, and lead with more clarity, character, and impact.
Perfect for readers of Simon Sinek, Brené Brown, Liz Wiseman, and Adam Grant.
Start your journey toward more intentional leadership—because people are always watching.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2025
About the author
Paul Petera
1 book1 followerA writer, consultant, mentor, and leadership coach with more than three decades of experience building risk management programs in financial services, Paul Petera is someone who’s spent years thinking deeply about what it means to lead well, and what happens when we don’t.
His belief that people are a company’s greatest asset, and often its greatest risk, led him to devote much of his career to nurturing leadership potential, developing culture, and helping teams align around purpose and trust.
Through his new book, Built on Purpose, he shares the moments that shaped his leadership journey and the lessons that might shape yours.
Paul is a native of Virginia, a graduate of Virginia Tech, and currently resides in Texas.
His belief that people are a company’s greatest asset, and often its greatest risk, led him to devote much of his career to nurturing leadership potential, developing culture, and helping teams align around purpose and trust.
Through his new book, Built on Purpose, he shares the moments that shaped his leadership journey and the lessons that might shape yours.
Paul is a native of Virginia, a graduate of Virginia Tech, and currently resides in Texas.
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September 17, 2025
Full disclosure: I am the author's mom. That said, I assure you that he has written a very readable and practical guide on leadership. It includes relevant experiences from throughout his very successful career in financial services. The book also catalogues his personal successes and "lessons learned", and his determination to mentor others and help them to succeed. I recommend his book without reservation to anyone in a leadership role, whether it be in business, sports or even charitable endeavors. Listen to Paul, he has something useful and powerful to say.
Displaying 1 of 1 review