Our Book
Once Upon a Leader by Rick Lash and Christine Miners
There are moments in just about every leadership journey when the path forward suddenly feels unclear.
In this transformative guide to leadership development, executive coaches and leadership experts, Rick Lash and Christine Miners, illuminate how your internal narrator acts as the operating system of your mind — and how, like any OS, it can become outdated and overstretched (because it was mainly installed in your teens and early 20s). Through engaging stories, research-backed insights, and techniques, Once Upon a Leader will help you gain the tools to re-engage and update the story that you tell yourself, so you can operate at a higher, more effective level.
As you edit and upgrade your internal narrator, you’ll develop a personal story that is more grounded and anchored in your true self: one that is less fragile, more resilient, and able to withstand the relentless pressures of leadership — and life.
“As the authors brilliantly explain and then guide, your narrative should be authentic, deep, and updated as you grow and change. This is one of the best books about finding personal meaning and our sense of purpose that is available. Read it. Use it. And find purpose and happiness!”
—RICHARD BOYATZIS, PhD, Distinguished University Professor, Case Western Reserve University, Co-author of the international best seller, Primal Leadership and the new Helping People Change
-Richard Boyatzis
“The stories we tell ourselves about our self have power. In Once Upon a Leader Rick Lash and Christine Miners detail how a leader can transform that inner narrative into a winning tale.”
—DANIEL GOLEMAN, New York Times bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence
-Daniel Goleman
“There is wisdom in these pages. Drawing from real life experiences and a lifetime of research, the authors provide practical advice on how to create a life of personal growth and authenticity. This is a fresh and unique perspective on leadership and it is well worth the read.”
—DONALD H. MORRISON, Retired COO of Blackberry / Research in Motion & Chair of the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at MIT
-Donald H. Morrison
“I love what Rick Lash and Christine Miners have done to name what we all know but rarely think about ... the personal story "tape" that runs over and over in our mind. Their helpful steps guide us to rewrite our stories through a fresh set of eyes, for a fresh start. I found Once Upon a Leader both deeply reflective and immensely practical - a winning combination indeed!”
—LAURIE BEVIER, Chief Talent Officer at GE
-Laurie Bevier
“Although we routinely look to stories as powerful vehicles for inspiration and growth, we may not consider that the same holds true for our self narrative. Once Upon A Leader draws our attention to the power of our personal story. Most importantly, it equips us with the tools to drive greater awareness so we can have our desired impact, both as leaders and as human beings.”
—CRAIG DOWDEN, PhD Best-selling author of Do Good to Lead Well: The Science and Practice of Positive Leadership
-Craig Dowden
“Today's leaders must have clarity on who they are and what they stand for before they seek to lead others. Rick Lash and Christine Miners have decades of experience helping leaders do this, and their leadership narrative approach is an essential tool for those who want to inspire. This book will change how you see yourself as a leader.”
—BART EGNAL, CEO The Humphrey Group, Chairperson, Niagara Institute
-Bart Egnal
“I loved it. I really did. This deserves to be on my shelf with Liz Wiseman, Adam Grant, Warren Bennis and Kim Scott. If you want to simply read through it, you will get value and reflect. If you want to really engage and lean in, it serves as a transformational workbook that takes you deep and brings out your best leader.”
—KEVIN O'BRIEN, Head of International Markets at WW / Weight Watchers
-Kevin O'Brien
Meet the Authors
Rick Lash
Rick is a psychologist and management consultant, working for over three decades as a trusted advisor and executive coach to Fortune 500 executives and their teams. Valued for his deep expertise and thoughtful, creative approach, he has contributed to the Harvard Business Review, the Ivey Business Journal, Chief Executive magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Globe and Mail‘s Leadership Lab series. He received his PhD in psychology from the University of Toronto. He lives in Toronto.
Christine Miners
Christine has over two decades of experience, holding senior leadership roles across multiple industries including technology, health care, consumer packaged goods, telecommunications, and professional services. Valued for her depth of expertise, practical approach, and authentic style, Christine is a sought-after advisor, facilitator, and speaker. She has delivered leadership programs in Canada, the US, and Latin America, and is a Niagara Institute faculty member. She lives in Toronto.
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Eat Move Think Podcast
Listen to Rick and Christine as they speak with Medcan CEO, Shaun Francis, host of the Eat Move Think podcast, about the steps you can take that set you up for success and, in turn, for optimal wellness.
Take the Journey
Did you know that the true stories in Once Upon a Leader are about leaders who have graduated from Verity’s Leadership Narrative Experience program?
The program brings a small cohort of leaders on a narrative-building journey that includes group coaching, one-on-one coaching, and fieldwork.
A Taste of the Book
Read an excerpt from Once Upon a Leader to learn how you can tell when your leadership narrative needs an upgrade.
Speaking Engagements
Want Rick and Christine to speak to your team? Known internationally for their decades of work with senior leaders, Rick and Christine are both experienced talent and leadership development experts, coaches, speakers, and facilitators.
If you’d like to book them to speak with your team about the power of leadership (and team) narrative, just click the button below and we’ll be in touch.
