top of page
Las montañas de Georgia del Sur.jpg
Jump Start Your Journey to Success

Leadership Lives offers blueprints for leadership and career success based on the lives and stories of Sir Ernest Shackleton, Jane Austen, the New York Yankees and many more.

In Honor of
America's 250th Birthday!

We have our first-ever children's edition of a LeadershipLives' story!

​

More about The Statue of Liberty on our American History page.

Statue of Liberty
A Tribute to America's Star-Spangled Banner
Star Spangled Banner
The Mayflower Pilgrims' story for homeschoolers
The Mayflower Pilgrims
& The Founding of America

On a chilly November day in 1621, before landing on Cape Cod, the Mayflower Pilgrims "laid the foundation of American liberty."

​

Part I​    Part II

​

Background information

Samuel Adams
Mastermind of the American Revolution

"Massachusetts led the thirteen colonies...;

Boston led Massachusetts...;

Samuel Adams led Boston."

                          James K. Hosmer, author, 1885 ​

​

Learn more here. 

Sam Adams, 2nd from left

Samuel Adams and the Declaration of Independence
Shackleton's Way book cover

Praise for Shackleton's Way

"A first rate business primer."
Publisher's Weekly
"An important addition to any leader's library."
The Seattle Times
"Even though the target market is leaders and managers, Shackleton's Way has much broader appeal and application."
The Boston Globe

“A refreshing and timely business manual on supreme leadership disguised as an adventure story… the authors focus on the revealing words of those directly involved in this most amazing experience. Highly recommended.”

Library Journal
Shackleton's Way - Leadership Program
Leadership Lives Logo

WORKING THROUGH HARDSHIP TO
EXTRAORDINARY SUCCESS

Career Lessons from Revolutionary War General Henry Knox
1 / Turn Your Job into a University — Self-Education Creates Expertise

While working at the Wharton & Bowes bookstore, Knox didn’t just sell books — he read them voraciously. He taught himself mathematics, Greek and Roman history, military science, and French. This self-directed learning later made him one of themost knowledgeable artillery officers in America.


Career Lesson: Treat your current role (or side interests) as a learning laboratory. Deep expertise in a specialized area becomes your greatest career asset, especially when formal education is limited.

2 / Build a Strong Personal Brand Through Character and Manners

John Adams noted that the young Knox “attracted my notice by his pleasingmanners and inquisitive turn of mind.” British army officers who frequentedhis bookstore encouraged him to join elite military companies. His reputationfor integrity and curiosity opened doors.

 

Career Lesson: Technical skills matter, but likability, curiosity, and a strongpersonal reputation create opportunities and alliances that accelerate your career.

3 / Pivot When External Forces Disrupt Your Plans

Knox’s successful bookstore business was crippled by the Boston Port Bill and non-importation agreements in 1774. Instead of complaining, he shifted his focus entirely to the patriot cause and military service.

​

Career Lesson: Economic or industry disruption is inevitable. The most successful professionals adapt quickly, view change as a new path, and transfer existing skills (organization, logistics, leadership) into new domains.

4 / Take Initiative — Don’t Wait to Be Asked

After Bunker Hill, Knox proactively proposed to George Washington a bold 300-mile winter expedition to retrieve heavy cannons from Fort Ticonderoga. He wrote to his pregnant wife Lucy: “I am going upon business only.”

 

Career Lesson: High-impact careers are built by people who identify problems and offer solutions without being told. Initiative signals leadership potential long before you have a title.

Para recibir una notificación cuando publiquemos nuevas lecciones de vida, suscríbase.

bottom of page