This was another good book that contributes much to the theory of servant leadership, but I don't think it stands up to many of the egos we must account for in business.

Soooo many books on leadership, so little time. (That's what I thought when I opened the book. But it's easy reading and helpful information.)

If you are inspired by real-life stories of leadership development, this one's for you. Beginning with moving beyond naysayers, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the role of pure hard work, Jessup tells of his journey of business leadership with an attitude of purposeful learning, including when he made mistakes and had failures.

The author shows how leaders are shaped by their past, their worldviews, and core values. He examines the role of perseverance and resilience, learning from others by listening, and adapting to change. This book is a story of integrity, friendships and mentors, and paying forward all the investments made by others as his leadership developed.

There's so much more here. If you're discouraged, wondering if you have the guts and ability to lead, or need encouragement for the upcoming season, you'll find it in the story and the "Self-less Lesson"s offered in each chapter. I recommend it for young leaders, leaders in crisis, and those seeking to advance themselves or their organization.

**Thank you to NetGalley and ForbesBooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

This book isn't exactly what I thought it was going to be. He sees leadership as mostly leading through organizational change, so that is what the book is about. As someone who is looking for more information on servant leadership, I wanted to know how he builds up his teams, coaches them, and helps them learn and develop professionally.

He talks about how leaders need to make work more meaningful for their teams, but doesn't really elaborate on how he thinks this should be done, which is what I would have been more interested in. He also doesn't discuss anything to do with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Beyond this, there are basic things mentioned such as how your childhood shapes you, being a servant leader means thinking about other people, and how you should learn from your mistakes because they help you grow.

One thing I loved about this book is the format of writing, drawing from first hand experiences to bring to light aspects about life, leadership and service.
I believe most readers would relate to it.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC. What I found new and interesting personally was the GAS method- which has become a practice and every morning I get to: G- practice gratitude, say the things I am grateful for, A-ask for help, not shying away from asking for help and guidance when I need it, S- setting intentions of the day.

"Self Less" by Len Jessup is a compelling blend of autobiography and leadership manual that stands out for its profound narrative on selfless leadership. In this book, Jessup takes readers on a journey through his life, from his formative years influenced by his ancestors and childhood experiences to the pinnacle of his career leading transformative changes in academic institutions. His story is not just a recount of personal and professional achievements but a testament to the power of serving others above oneself.

Jessup's engaging first-person narrative immerses readers in the experiences that shaped him into a leader devoted to making a difference. He shares insights from pivotal moments and relationships with mentors that helped solidify his core values and drive towards continuous self-improvement. The challenges and obstacles Jessup faced are presented not as barriers but as opportunities for growth, emphasizing resilience, patience, and the importance of staying true to one's purpose.

What sets "Self Less" apart is Jessup's advocacy for "selfless leadership," a philosophy that prioritizes the needs of others and collective goals over personal accolades. His successful tenure at various universities serves as a case study for this approach, highlighting achievements in academic innovation, facilities upgrades, research expansion, and community engagement—all achieved through inclusive leadership and stakeholder collaboration.

Jessup's narrative is both inspirational and practical, offering readers actionable insights into ethical governance, effective team building, and the importance of lifelong learning. His vision for leadership is grounded in humility and the desire to leave a lasting, positive legacy that transcends individual accomplishments.