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My Life in Leadership: The Journey and Lessons Learned Along the Way
Tracing her development as a leader, Frances Hesselbein reveals her remarkable personal story and the principles that have served and guided her well throughout her extraordinary life. Written in an intimate and compelling voice, this book delivers key leadership lessons applicable to leaders in every walk of life. My Life in Leadership offers a look at what shaped Frances Hesselbein personally and as a leader, from her youth in the hills western Pennsylvania to her professional journey with the Girl Scouts of the USA where she went from troop leader to transformational CEO, to how Peter Drucker handpicked her to found and lead the Drucker Foundation, and how she later transitioned the Foundation to the Leader to Leader Institute. With excitement and humility, she relives the key moments that have shaped her life of leadership including the day she received the country’s highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This remarkable book also includes stories about her world travels to deliver her message of leadership and her notable experiences with as well as what she has learned from some of the most distinguished leaders of our time including Peter Drucker, John Gardner, Max DePree, Presidents Clinton and Reagan, General Eric Shinseki, Jim Collins, Warren Bennis and Marshall Goldsmith. As inspirational as it is practical, My Life in Leadership is filled with Frances Hesselbein’s universal leadership lessons that will serve any leader, of any age, in any sector. Frances Hesselbein is the founding president and CEO of the Leader to Leader Institute (formerly the Peter F. Drucker Foundation), editor-in-chief of the award-winning journal Leader to Leader as well as co-editor of 26 Leader to Leader translated into 28 languages. Named the "Best Nonprofit Manager in America" by Fortune magazine, she serves on many nonprofit and corporate boards and has won numerous awards and honors including the United States of America's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The award recognized her exemplary leadership as Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. from 1976-1990, her role as the founding President of the Drucker Foundation, and her service as “a pioneer for women, diversity, and inclusion.” Praise for My Life in Leadership "Leadership is needed more than ever in these challenging times to create the future that we all want. Thank you so much Frances, for your very special gift of a life dedicated to service and continuous improvement!! You inspire us all to be better leaders"
—Alan Mulally, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company “Frances Hesselbein is a national treasure, an inspiration, and a shining light. This diminutive woman stands taller in the eyes of those who know her than any other living leader.
— Jim Kouzes, award-winning coauthor of the bestselling The Leadership Challenge and The Truth About Leadership “Frances’ words ring with the wisdom of experience. On this journey there could be no better guide!"
—Thomas J. Moran, Chairman, President & CEO, Mutual of America “Frances is an American Icon. Deeply influenced by the Master of Management, Peter Drucker, her whole life has been a sacrificial investment in Leadership in all its forms”
—Bob Buford, Chairman, The Drucker Institute, author, Halftime and Finishing Well "Frances Hesselbein is one of the most visionary leaders I have met during my military career -- on or off the battlefield."
—Lloyd J. Austin III, General, United States Army “Through her life story you will touch the marrow of a unique contributor to humanity. This book’s appeal will transcend time and captivate the hearts of leaders around the globe.”
—Margaret Daniels Tyler, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Programs, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Interview with Author Frances Hesselbein
Author Frances Hesselbein Many times you were “the first women who” served in a particular position – i.e., “first woman in 40 years to serve as chairman of the United Way Campaign,” etc. How did this affect your leadership performance in these situations?
Serving as “the first woman” always added a special dimension to my determination to serve in a way that had no emphasis on gender – only on the quality of my performance. I was never a “woman leader,” I was always “a leader who is a woman,” if you want to add gender as a consideration.
Why did your grandmother, Mama Wicks, have such a powerful influence upon your career, your life?
My grandmother had a powerful influence upon my life and work because she was a perfect role model for me growing up. She was an inspiring example of an adult who lived her values. She lived the advice she gave.
How has your family’s long history in the military, from the American Revolution to today, influenced the way you’ve lived your life, the way you choose where and how you volunteer your time, today?
I grew up with deep respect for the military because of the love of country and the sacrifices generations...
—Alan Mulally, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company “Frances Hesselbein is a national treasure, an inspiration, and a shining light. This diminutive woman stands taller in the eyes of those who know her than any other living leader.
— Jim Kouzes, award-winning coauthor of the bestselling The Leadership Challenge and The Truth About Leadership “Frances’ words ring with the wisdom of experience. On this journey there could be no better guide!"
—Thomas J. Moran, Chairman, President & CEO, Mutual of America “Frances is an American Icon. Deeply influenced by the Master of Management, Peter Drucker, her whole life has been a sacrificial investment in Leadership in all its forms”
—Bob Buford, Chairman, The Drucker Institute, author, Halftime and Finishing Well "Frances Hesselbein is one of the most visionary leaders I have met during my military career -- on or off the battlefield."
—Lloyd J. Austin III, General, United States Army “Through her life story you will touch the marrow of a unique contributor to humanity. This book’s appeal will transcend time and captivate the hearts of leaders around the globe.”
—Margaret Daniels Tyler, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Programs, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Interview with Author Frances Hesselbein
Author Frances Hesselbein Many times you were “the first women who” served in a particular position – i.e., “first woman in 40 years to serve as chairman of the United Way Campaign,” etc. How did this affect your leadership performance in these situations?
Serving as “the first woman” always added a special dimension to my determination to serve in a way that had no emphasis on gender – only on the quality of my performance. I was never a “woman leader,” I was always “a leader who is a woman,” if you want to add gender as a consideration.
Why did your grandmother, Mama Wicks, have such a powerful influence upon your career, your life?
My grandmother had a powerful influence upon my life and work because she was a perfect role model for me growing up. She was an inspiring example of an adult who lived her values. She lived the advice she gave.
How has your family’s long history in the military, from the American Revolution to today, influenced the way you’ve lived your life, the way you choose where and how you volunteer your time, today?
I grew up with deep respect for the military because of the love of country and the sacrifices generations...
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 16, 2026
Frances is quite an impressive lady. What’s more impressive than all her leadership positions and success to me is her constant positive attitude, and her courage in the face of pressure. Whenever people dangled money in front of her to try to help the Girl Scouts, she always questioned if the business move fit the mission and vision of the organization. If it didn’t, the answer was no. Simple as that. More leaders can stand to learn a thing or two about backing up their words with actions, and actually standing their ground when times are tough.
November 28, 2020
I listened to the audio book and it is very good. Frances Hesselbein is a professional, classy lady that did wonders for The Girl Scouts.
I recommend this book.
I recommend this book.
August 30, 2013
"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine..."
May 4, 2024
After hearing about France’s Hesselbein in another book I knew she sounded like someone I’d want to know more about however this book didn’t make me like her more. It’s a preachy leadership book which brags and drags basically. Also it is written poorly IMHO! She should’ve had someone write it for her. Very few stories and barely anything interesting aside from a couple quotes. She loves to use the word enterprise and providential as she repeated them far too often. So disappointing as I was hoping this book would offer more of a glimpse of this remarkable womans accompaccomplishments with background and relevant stories.
November 13, 2017
I truly wish this was required reading for the current board of GSUSA and for each of the 113 councils. An amazing, and exciting time for Francis to steer Girl Scouting into, but now, I feel that we have derailed from Juliette Gordon Low's vision - we've changed SO much, we don't recognize ourselves and are failing girls by trying to change too much and be everything to everyone.
February 2, 2018
3.5 Stars
Francis is a strong leader and an inspiring woman. I am thankful for all that she has done for the Girl Scouts and leaders across the globe. I would not say this is an essential book for any leader to read, though it is a fun one. It’s a quick and easy read that will be inspiring for any level of leadership even if the concepts she discusses here are not earth shattering.
Francis is a strong leader and an inspiring woman. I am thankful for all that she has done for the Girl Scouts and leaders across the globe. I would not say this is an essential book for any leader to read, though it is a fun one. It’s a quick and easy read that will be inspiring for any level of leadership even if the concepts she discusses here are not earth shattering.
September 18, 2019
Ms. Hesselbein has had a very interesting career and is clearly very proud of her family and her roots which is to be applauded. However, I skimmed a lot of the book as it did not hold interest for me. There were portions that were interesting including the application of her leadership style. It is worth a skim read.
March 30, 2020
Frances Hesselben is the OG girlboss. This book is somewhat dated in 2020, but it still has words of wisdom and gives you a look into her extraordinary career.
December 1, 2020
Best leadership book ever
January 1, 2026
Frances is one of my inspirational heroes of all time!
March 10, 2023
Interesting insight into an influential leader. The book structure and format leaves a little to be desired, but the underlying stories are engaging. It is interesting how a woman with traditional values did such groundbreaking work around circular leadership, diversity, and empowering girls and women. It is a little disappointing that corporate culture is still struggling with many of the issues that Francis was working to address over 30 years ago. Her approach and insights are relevant in today’s work environment. Any professional will walk away with some reflections a new ideas after reading this book on approaching their career.
February 14, 2012
I went to the book signing for my boss, not knowing who she is and what she did. She was soft spoken but commanded the room with her passion for education, specifically empowering young women for the future.
Her book is no different. She speaks about her experience as the CEO of the Girl Scouts and of the Drucker Institute, using them as lesson in leadership.
The most important take away from the book is her view on leadership.
Leadership is not about what you do, its about who you are. You have to define what that is.
Her book is no different. She speaks about her experience as the CEO of the Girl Scouts and of the Drucker Institute, using them as lesson in leadership.
The most important take away from the book is her view on leadership.
Leadership is not about what you do, its about who you are. You have to define what that is.
March 17, 2012
Skimmed a lot of it. Found the structure confusing, although there were some good nuggets of leadership advice buried in the narrative. Got tired of her refering back to things in other chapters (mentioning the head of DuPont who chaired the fundraising for the Macy Center like 3 different times). I was most interested in her time spent as CEO of Girl Scouts since I'm on the local Girl Scout Board.
March 28, 2015
I had the privilege of meeting Frances Hesselbein herself when I went to West Point. She autographed this book and gave it to me. She is an amazing lady and a lot of the stories she told me were included in the book. Love!
January 20, 2016
Hesselbein never planned to be a leader, but clearly it was her calling.
February 16, 2015
like some of her stories.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews