Promotional Information

The Inspired Leader provides a unique opportunity to explore what inspiration really means for leaders themselves.

Table of Contents

Introduction Part One: How leaders can discover inspiration 1. The alchemy of inspiration 2. Internal motivations 3. Engaging mindsets 4. External Triggers Part Two: How leaders can experience inspiration 5. The inspiration timeline 6. Future purpose 7. Present enjoyment 8. Past achievement 9. Illumination beyond time Part Three: How leaders can maintain inspiration 10. Sources of resilience 11.Inspiration over a lifetime 12. Inspiring others References Index

About the Author

Andy Bird is an independent leadership consultant, coach and author who began his career over 30 years ago working for Unilever in the UK, South East Asia and India. He set up and led their pioneering Marketing Academy before moving on to become a Co-Founder of Brand Learning. Widely recognised for its distinctive client work and company culture, Brand Learning has since grown into a global capability consultancy and recently became part of Accenture.

Reviews

An excellent and uplifting book that provides genuine insight into how leaders of all types can understand what truly motivates them and how they can use this to inspire others. Given the intense personal pressures facing so many people in business today, I recommend it as a highly relevant and compelling read whatever your level of experience.
*Director-General, Confederation of British Industry*

Andy Bird's uncommon combination of intellect, experience and values has created a powerful, timely and unique work. Insightful and actionable frameworks illuminated by inspiring leadership stories invite us to reflect deeply on how we can inspire ourselves to become more effective leaders – not just of our own organizations, but in the world at large.
*CEO & Chairman, Beam Suntory Inc.*

This is a wonderful book – I am falling in love with it. I read it, and I feel better about humanity, about being a member of this funny old thing called the ‘human race’. Why ‘race’? The people Andy Bird writes about become more human by stopping still, by getting to know themselves better. They give up on racing and become who they are. It is a celebration of humanity, and if that isn’t inspirational I don’t know what is.
*Henley Business School*

Unlike other books I've read in the genre, this one offers a realistic and relatable way to improving leadership qualities. The ideas and evidence provided show how, by being proactive in seeking the right sources of motivation, it's possible to become inspired to realise your potential. As a young professional, this book has also made me question my own perception of 'success' – something invaluable when setting my long-term personal and career-related goals at this stage in my life.
*Associate, PwC*

Inspiration is at the heart of strong leadership, but where does it come from? This book unlocks our thinking about how we can find the drive in ourselves consistently to inspire others. I wish I had read it 40 years ago.
*former Chief of the General Staff, British Army*

Inspiring and bold. Andy Bird demonstrates how we can be at our best more of the time and motivate others to do the same. Leadership at its best.
*Chief Executive, The Marketing Society*

When leaders know their purpose, when they are inspired, the human spark in them is ignited. This leads to a greater sense of wellbeing for them and their teams, better business performance and ultimately a better world. I am happy to see that this book focuses on helping leaders do just that. I highly recommend this essential, purposeful work.
*Chief HR Officer, Unilever*

Combining the ancient art of story-telling with cutting edge insights from behavioural science, this book provides a powerful roadmap for connecting more with what inspires you. The practical reflective exercises at the end of each chapter give the book a real feel that you are sitting in on a masterclass. Inspirational reading.
*Leadership Coach & Coaching Supervisor, UK Civil Service*

To inspire others you first need to BE inspired…and this book does exactly that. Packed with inspiration, wisdom, tools and insight, it's like having your own personal leadership guru on hand at all times. Read from cover to cover, digest it all and then become the leader you want to be. At last, a leadership handbook for everyone.
*CEO, The Marketing Academy*