Chief Inspiration Officer: How to Lead the Team Everyone Wants to be On

by Val Ries

Your playbook for building a team that everyone wants to be on.

We all want to lead a team with an inspiring culture — the team that every employee would love to join. When you lead this team, you attract the best talent, get top-producing results and grow individual contributors into future leaders.

In Chief Inspiration Officer, Val Ries shows you how to maximize your team’s potential so you can boost loyalty, engagement and results.

In this leadership playbook, Ries uses dozens of real-life examples to teach critical techniques. Whether you’re new to leadership or a veteran looking for fresh insights, this book will help you:

- Inspire yourself and your people to be the best version of themselves
- Understand what drives your team to be productive, engaged & loyal.
- Drive your team towards your goals and vision
- Know who to hire and when to fire
- Redirect any difficult conversation with confidence and ease

As a Chief Inspiration Officer, you’ll be leading a team that is excited to come to work every day, and you’ll be a leader that gets noticed.

Genres: Leadership, Business

168 pages, Hardcover

First published December 7, 2021

About the author

Author, Culture Expert, Leadership trainer, Coach, Founder of Executive Muse.

Val Ries is the author of the #1 New Amazon Release CHIEF INSPIRATION OFFICER. A passionate catalyst of leadership change, Ries is an expert at getting to the root of challenges to quickly create thriving cultures. She has coached and trained many Fortune 500, start-ups and small businesses to increase employee retention and create environments everyone wants to work in.

Val is also a CHIEF guide and facilitator, a private membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders. She lives in California with her husband, two children and poodle.

Follow Val and visit her website (www.executive-muse.com) to learn more.

Reviews

[Victoria C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completed a training with Val as our facilitator that used a lot of these concepts. The training was extremely valuable and provided me with tools to get out of the “cave” and truly excel as a leader. I couldn’t recommend Val more!

[Anne Janzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only person I actively lead is myself. But I found the book fascinating and applicable in my own life.

My favorite parts:

* The “formula” for difficult conversations. I am writing this down and using it.
* Wise advice on getting out of the “CAVE” of your emotional responses to situations
* Her advice to “be your own Muse”

The overall approach to leadership that Ries embodies in the book is relentlessly inspiring

This would be a fantastic book to give anyone new to, or struggling in, a leadership role. It might also help you figure out how to collaborate more effectively with others.

As a bonus, it’s well-written, concise, and enjoyable to read. No wasted pages or wasted time.

[Donald Keidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start this review by saying I am not a self-help type of person. But after being thrown into a leadership position without any training whatsoever, I soon realized I was in over my head. And that’s when this wonderful book came into my life. Val’s storying telling kept me interested and laughing, it was as if she was my best friend giving me advice over coffee. I was engaged and I was learning. The best part is that her methods are so easy to follow and understand. I learned to stop focusing on changing the people around me and to start making changes in the way I lead and the way I react. I had several “Ah ha” moments and started noticing a transformation in myself. And anytime I struggled, I just took out the book and walked myself through an exercise. Val, I can’t thank you enough for this gem. With your help I will lead the team everyone wants to be on.
Buy this book, it will make you laugh, learn, and shift.

[Julie Giulioni · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the heart of Val Ries' book is the belief that "People are not disposable parts; they are gifts. It's the leader's job to nurture those gifts." And she spends the next ~150 pages offering a comprehensive playbook for making that happen. Chief Inspiration Officer is filled with strategies and stories that allow leaders to elevate their performance - and that of their teams. Her CAVE model is powerful and universal and the idea of microcultures offers leaders in any organization the tools they need to leverage what's within their sphere of influence to make positive change. You can't read Chief Inspiration Officer and not become inspired (and more inspiring)!

[Alissa Quick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our organization is going through challenging times, so I picked up this highly rated book as a way to uncover new opportunities & techniques toward increasing morale and inspiring the team.

The good: easy to read, short, includes anecdotal “real-life” stories, good reminders of how to stay curious and hold difficult conversations

The eh: the first chapter and spots throughout the book read like a sales pitch, there were no real new or big ah-ha! moments, and the book is one-sided in that it focuses on the leader’s team/subordinates but has almost nothing about how to apply these techniques up the chain

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about inspirational! Val uses easy to read, real life experiences to capture the essence of what a great leader looks and sounds like. By sharing her evolution from humble leadership beginnings to the trials of assembling her own team, she reveals specific tools and strategies that you can use today. This is a blueprint for fulfilling the goals of an aspiring, enthusiastic mentor. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I leveraged this book to do a book club with my management team. We narrowed it down to five books, and this one was the winner. Each chapter led to robust discussion and honest self-reflection, and it changed the way we communicate with ourselves and employees. There are 5 major themes, all tying together. #1. Inspire yourself before inspiring yourself first by getting out of the CAVE. A great and easy-to-remember acronym to build resilience and ensure you are not going into conversations worked up and frustrated. #2. Coach your team out of the CAVE. Just like us, they too will have their bad days. This book helps you know how to get the most out of your employees when this happens. #3. Give them what they CRAVE. Another cool acronym that led to excellent discussion around our culture and team dynamics. #4. Know your Real Ideal - a values-based exercise that helped us draw out the ideal behaviors we want from each other and new team members. #5. The " TFH formula" to Master Challenging Conversations. This is by far my favorite communication template. I've used it and it works!!! I like it better than Radical Candor, Crucial Conversations, and the Sandwich method. This book packs a punch if you are willing to be humble, reflect, and apply the tools. Bravo to the author. Thank you for a fantastic blueprint and for helping my team grow.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Val is the "real deal." In her book, she offers essential practical advice chock full of wonderful stories on building, not just exceptional teams, but exceptional people.

I'm working my way through her book, but what I've read so far is helpful and implementable immediately. I'll weigh in on more details in the upcoming weeks. I want to however savor each chapter which is like a book in itself worthy of taking ones time.

[Yb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy and fun read full of useful and actionable information.
This book should be a required reading in every business program. It’s a great resource for current and aspiring leaders.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that inspires leaders to take their leadership to the next level.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book walked me though in clear, practical, and descriptive steps, how to improve my leadership skills and enhance my team. I also really love the idea that no matter your role, you can become a chief inspiration officer and the exercises and tools presented will work in a number of situations. This will be a guide I come back to again and again.

[Kevin T Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Read for Leaders

If you have any interest at all in compassionate and effective modern-day leadership and corporate management, this book will be a welcome addition to your personal development and leadership library.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book and one of my favorite go-tos. I found myself highlighting tons. It's chock-full of applicable nuggets, relatable stories, and examples of how to build better connections with your team. I highly recommend it!

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Val Ries's groundbreaking book is your secret weapon for getting ahead in an ethical and effective way in any work environment, and bringing your team along with you — and doing it all with self-knowledge and heart. It's a quick read, not only because it's a slim and compact 147 pages, but also because it's well-written with compelling storytelling about the author's own journeys through the corporate world as well as those of her coaching clients across many business sectors. She shows you how to free yourself and your team from negative and counterproductive emotions, and how to create your own unique and effective microculture within a larger organization, drawing on everything from the latest neuroscience research to the ancient Greek philosophers. The book also has applications for your personal interactions with friends and family, and for any activity involving group dynamics. I could see myself and my experiences on every page and only wish that I had had access to Val's magic formula for becoming an inspiring changemaker earlier in my career as a communications professional. But it’s never too late, and I’m also giving copies to my young adult children to help guide them as they navigate the world of work and life in general.

[Hussain Abbas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book that covers high impact areas and practices for a new manager. Chances are that if you follow modern management trends, you might recognize all the tactics mentioned in the book as a part of your standard practice. Other than a few mnemonic acronyms for useful concepts, you might not find anything new in this book.

Still, the book is a quick and easy read and it won’t hurt to skim through it even if you feel you already know how to manage with empathy and can communicate effectively. Give it a shot.

[Dori Senger Sonntag · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m inspired after reading! This book is helpful to anyone in a leadership role whether you are a new manager or an experienced leader. There are tips and tools that allow leaders to become even more effective in your engagement of employees and ongoing communication with them. You will walk away with both theoretical concepts and practical tools to help you lead more effectively and inspire team members to achieve more. I am eager to put what I’ve learned into practice.

[Tyson Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the central idea that senior leadership’s primary responsibility isn’t just strategy or decision-making, but to truly inspire their teams to do their best work. Ries makes a strong case that leaders should serve as internal hype people, creating the spark that fuels engagement, innovation, and culture. The book is practical, uplifting, and a great reminder that inspiration isn’t fluff, it’s essential to organizational success. Highly recommend for anyone in leadership or aspiring to be!

[Jennifer Lock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased this book to kick off leadership training as a book club and then hired the author. Our team has been beyond impressed with how much we’ve learned about managing ourselves and others. Our culture has changed for the better. Highly recommend!!

[Stephanie Duerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every boss or ceo or some one that wants be one of those one day should read this book.










I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. All my opinions are my own

[Leisa Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has quickly become my go-to reference for navigating workplace conversations. What sets it apart is how remarkably accessible the content is - the author presents complex communication concepts in a straightforward, digestible manner that makes implementation feel natural rather than forced.

The abundance of practical examples throughout each chapter brings the concepts to life. Rather than vague theoretical advice, Val provides concrete scenarios that mirror real workplace situations, making it easy to envision how these techniques apply to your own team dynamics.

What impressed me most were the interactive exercises scattered throughout the text. They were so compelling and relevant that I found myself repeatedly pausing my reading to immediately try them out with my team. This isn't just a book to read - it's a workshop in print form.

Perhaps the greatest value lies in its utility as an ongoing resource. When facing difficult conversations or communication challenges, I now have a blueprint with specific language and approaches to handle these situations effectively. The author doesn't just tell you to "communicate better" - they show you exactly what to say to achieve your desired outcome.

For anyone in a leadership position looking to improve team cohesion, motivation, and productivity through better communication, this book deserves a permanent spot on your desk (not just your bookshelf). It's an investment that continues to pay dividends through stronger workplace relationships and more productive conversations.

[Hannah LaRiccia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My company paid for this book and the CIO course, which I have been attending for the last few months. Val and her wisdom are instrumental in my growth and progress in this new role. This book is an insightful guide for anyone working to become a better leader. It discusses management principles, an understanding of personality styles, and practical tips for growth. I love that Val gives actionable advice, helping readers navigate complex team dynamics and develop a leadership style rooted in empathy and effectiveness. Whether you're a seasoned manager or just starting your leadership journey, this book is a must-read for fostering growth in yourself and others. Highly recommend!

[Linda Vanbreemen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chief Inspiration Officer goes beyond the typical management book. It offers actionable strategies and insights that you can immediately apply to real-world leadership challenges. If you’re looking to become the kind of leader people admire and want to work for, this book is a must-read! It’s inspiring, practical, and will leave you with the tools to create a team culture that stands out. Can't recommend it enough!

[Damon Gorham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t recommend it highly enough! This book really emphasizes how crucial it is to #inspire your team, foster creativity, and align personal and organizational values for success. Along with the guidance of my #mentors, it has been an incredible resource for me as I transitioned from being an individual contributor to a strategic leader. Truly one of the best leadership tools I've ever come across!

[Sabina Nawaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you create thriving teams - and build a thriving career as a manager? Val Ries guides you through a clear set of steps to ignite creativity, passion, and results - from everyone on your team. What I love most is that Val doesn't hesitate to honestly share her own failures and insights. When we can take a deep look inside, we are ready to do the work of transformation not just for ourselves but for our teams.

[Al-Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book by my Director when she left our company & I was stepping into her role. It's very easy to follow and I can see how my Director shaped much of her leadership from these lessons. I didn't fully vibe with Val, but I appreciate her efforts & insights. I wouldn't/didn't hire her for personal consultations with my team, but the wisdom she imparts did impact me & I implemented some of her ideas as I moved forward in my leadership role.

[Nick S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why would anyone give this book a 2 star rating. It’s applicable, down to earth and helpful for all of us that are trying to empower a hybrid team, influence more effectively and relieve ourselves of the daily stress of managing others. I found this book so helpful. I’m grateful to author for sharing her journey and lessons! Highly recommend!!

[Donna Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-have blueprint for leadership

Chief Inspiration Officer is an easy, thought-provoking, and relatable read.

I highly recommend this book, and Val Ries, if you want to be a better boss, lead a better team, and drive more impact in your organization.

It's full of valuable insights and practical tips to take you and your team to the next level.

[Mary Enrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! Thank you Val! This book taught me many things. The importance of communication, to how being a good example and many tools on how to be a great leader. If you are leader and works with others, this is the book to read and learn from. I highly recommend this book.

[Rachel Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the concept of creating Chief Inspiration Officers. This book gives approachable and relatable guidance on how to bring out the best in others. Highly recommend to any leader, no matter the level.

[Maya Erel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! The stories, the examples, the relatability. I really liked this book. It’s like a blueprint to help you ease into multiple parts of management from emotional resilience, coaching difficult conversations, employee engagement and visionary leadership. Really enjoyed this. Highly recommend.