The text of the book is excellent. Robert Smith offers excellent lessons from various speeches of Martin Luther King. I found the book inspiring and uplifting, especially in our current climate. It offered the stark reminder, that as much as things have changed, there is much work still to be done in bringing to fruition the promise of the founders that "all men are created equal."

His seven principles aren't the things of rocket science, but they provide an excellent pathway to personal growth and helping people around us move forward. Robert Smith weaves together personal stories of growing up in Denver, traveling to Washington DC for Martin Luther King's famous "I have a dream" speech. And in this day and age, it is imperative that we relearn nonviolent ways of protest, and develop the beloved community. I could go one and on.

The one thing that Smith ignores is how he is now one of the elite, that at times he seems to be deriding. His estimated net worth is $10 billion. How he managed to accumulate that wealth has not always been following the lessons that he exhorts us to follow. While I say that, there is absolutely no doubt of Smith's philanthropic activities. He has done great work in offering a helping hand to many in need. I just wonder if he had a come to Jesus moment that really changed his focus.

Despite that, I highly recommend the book, it is worth reading and wrestling with.

Thanks to Harper Collins Leadership and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

Lead Boldly is a compelling and brilliantly written book that provides valuable insight centered around Dr. King's legacy. Smith skillfully combines Dr. King's timeless speeches and philosophies with his own life story to create an account that is both intensely personal and universally relatable. Smith uses Dr. King's teachings as an example and a guide as he addresses ongoing issues, including racial economic inequities and persistent injustices experienced by communities of color via careful reflection.
This book is a call to action as much as a tribute to the tremendous legacy left by Dr.. King. Lead Boldly is an inspirational work for anyone who wants to lead with conviction, clarity, and compassion because of Smith's poignant and intentional narrative. I strongly suggest it to anyone who is dedicated to creating a more purposeful and equitable future.
Thanks, HCCP & HCF Audio | HarperCollins Leadership for the ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
This one reads like a heartfelt call to action. Smith draws inspiration from Dr. King’s legacy and offers practical insights for how corporate America can address racial inequality. It’s thoughtful, grounded, and optimistic. There’s no sugarcoating the challenges, but the tone remains visionary and constructive. A motivating read for anyone interested in leadership and social change.

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.