The Seven Games of Leadership: Navigating the Inner Journey of Leaders

by Paolo Gallo

A fresh take on assessing your priorities – both professionally and personally – to ensure you are in the best position to make a positive difference to the people and places around you, and in the process to transform your own life.

The disruptive moment in which we find ourselves living demands that we are our own agents of change. The Seven Games of Leadership is a guide for readers through seven key phases of personal and professional development, with the aim not of climbing a corporate ladder but of finding true and lasting satisfaction in what they do.

It encourages the realization that revolutionary change is not about destroying the current status quo, but about co-designing and rebuilding different paths for individuals to thrive, and go on to have a positive impact on society at large. The objective is to allow people to identify a career that is better aligned not only with their individual values, but with a broader purpose centred on a wider sense of humanity and sustainable prosperity for all.

The Seven Games of Leadership provides the tools and practical advice you need to reassess your priorities and take the steps necessary to refocus your life, your career and the issues of the world around you.

272 pages, Hardcover

Published December 12, 2023

Reviews

[Bruno Bianchini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paolo Gallo's "The 7 Games of Leadership" is a compelling exploration into the core of effective leadership. This book stands out for its deep dive into the essence of purpose, self-discovery, and the transformative power of crisis. Gallo's narrative is enriched by personal stories that add a relatable and human touch to the complex theme of leadership.

The book challenges readers to reflect deeply, blending scientific research with introspective questions. Reading Gallo's interpretation of crisis as not just a hurdle but a catalyst for personal evolution truly resonated with me, offering a fresh perspective on overcoming challenges in my own leadership journey.

What sets this work apart is the inclusion of diverse perspectives from 20 external contributors, adding a multi-faceted dimension to the discourse on leadership. Gallo also makes a thought-provoking distinction between change and transformation, offering a fresh lens through which to view leadership dynamics.

"The 7 Games of Leadership" is not just informative but also transformative. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of leadership and personal growth. Gallo's insights and guidance make this book a must-read for those aspiring to lead with wisdom and authenticity.

[Alessia Magnetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The 7 Games of Leadership' is an inspiring, insightful, and meaningful book that you will keep returning to—each time discovering new answers and a deeper understanding of your own self-improvement journey.

The book is highly engaging, enriched with literary quotes as well as many stories and examples that truly stay with you, reflecting the author’s broad culture, depth, competence, and eclectic thinking. It is full of insight, meaningful questions, and transformative takeaways. Paolo Gallo takes you by the hand and guides you through seven “games” in which each of us can recognize ourselves, feel fully understood in the challenges of each stage, and find clear guidance on how to navigate them in order to live more meaningfully—and, if we choose to, to move on to the next level. This process never feels judgmental but rather like being gently accompanied toward one of the most powerful experiences of self-discovery and self-leadership.

It is a book for anyone curious and willing to challenge themselves, with the desire to grow in awareness and balance. Its insights can be applied to any area of life—whether career or personal.

Also noteworthy is the opening section on megatrends, where the author directly shares the views of authoritative sources on the key trends to consider in order to develop contextual intelligence.

Finally, Gallo’s personal and humorous notes throughout the book make the reading experience even more enjoyable—so much so that you reach the last page wishing the journey were not yet over.

This is the second book by Paolo Gallo I have read, and once again I was very positively impressed. I sincerely hope another book will follow soon!

[Serkan Basaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

After watching his TED talk, I decided to read one of his books. The book is a helpful guide and easy to read. Gallo breaks down life into seven stages, offering advice. The real-life examples make the book relatable and actionable. The personal stories, like his daughter's question and sharing a glass of wine with his departed father, bring a human touch to the narrative. One of the best books I've read in 2023.

I really liked the "Inequality and Trust" part written by Carlos Scartascini.
"We have heard it many times: we are all in the same boat. I respectfully disagree.
I believe that we are in the same storm but in different boats. Very few are pampered in luxury yachts in Mykonos or Portofino; many are surviving by floating along in cheap inflatables, trying to escape war and famine, to find a better future somewhere else other than home. Most are somewhere in the middle."

[Aidan McCullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am biased, I very much enjoyed Paolo's first book. He writes with experience, and wisdom and infuses his writing with his eclectic reading. This is evident from the diversity of quotes and sources that he mentions. He also adds a further dimension with small contributions by various experts.

The best part is the spiral framework and the meaningful questions that he provokes.

Well worth a read in - not a new normal - but what he calls "A New Context".

[Nick Latona]

Inciteful, will have to read or listen again