Legacy Meets Leadership: A Timely Guide for Today’s Changemakers

Lead Boldly is an inspiring and thoughtful guide for emerging and established leaders alike. Robert F. Smith skillfully weaves his own leadership journey with powerful excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most iconic speeches, extracting actionable principles rooted in compassion, courage, and justice.

This isn’t just a history lesson or another leadership manual—it’s a call to lead with conscience. Smith’s reflections on economic justice, community, and moral leadership give fresh weight to King’s vision in a time when modern leaders often struggle to balance values with results. It’s grounded and digestible without ever feeling simplified, and it makes Dr. King’s message feel just as urgent today as it did in the 1960s.

My only critique is that I occasionally wished for more depth or personal anecdotes from Smith to further personalize the experience. Still, the strength of King’s words, paired with Smith’s insight, make this a compelling and motivating read.

4/5 stars – A powerful reminder that true leadership starts with heart, history, and a deep sense of purpose.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'm always very happy about an ARC and being able to give it a review! <3

As a Black woman, reading this book wasn’t just important; it was personal. You can never soak up enough of your own history, and honestly, the more I learn, the more I realize how much pain, resilience, and power runs through it.

I had goosebumps. And when Dr. King's “I Have a Dream” speech came up? Yep, the tears came too. That speech isn’t just words in a history book.. it hits. It’s emotion, truth, and timeless hope. I felt every single sentence like it was being said today, just for us.

This book doesn’t sugarcoat how hard things were (and still are) for Black communities in America. It walks you through segregation, injustice, and the strength it took and still takes to fight it. The Green Book, which I also happen to have a copy of at home (yes, proudly displayed, thank you very much), was mentioned too. That part hit me hard. It was more than a travel guide; it was survival.

Dr. King stood up for so many, and he remains a true hero. Then and now.

BLM isn’t just a hashtag. It’s a movement, a daily fight, and a celebration of our lives and stories. I’m proud to be part of this community, and I truly recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand our history.. not just the pain, but the strength and soul behind it all.