Leadership is one of the most powerful forces in shaping teams, organizations, and even societies. It has the potential to inspire greatness or foster dysfunction. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of learning from leaders who exemplify the highest standards of character and competency. These individuals have challenged me to think bigger, encouraged me in moments of doubt, and stretched my capabilities in ways I never imagined. They’ve demonstrated integrity, vision, and the ability to navigate complex challenges with wisdom and grace.
But I’ve also learned from the opposite. I’ve worked under leaders who were narcissistic, hostile, incompetent, and devoid of integrity. While their leadership style was damaging, the lessons I took from them were just as valuable—sometimes even more so. They taught me the impact of fear-based decision-making, the dangers of unchecked ego, and the consequences of prioritizing personal ambition over collective success. Observing these failures reinforced my belief that leadership is not about power, but about service.
I’ve spent my career helping businesses accelerate growth through high-performing teams. As a global management consultant, I specialized in go-to-market strategies that drive revenue and scale organizations. My work has taken me all over the world, allowing me to experience different cultures, business environments, and leadership styles. These experiences have reinforced a crucial truth: empathy is one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s arsenal. Understanding diverse perspectives, adapting to different ways of thinking, and leading with emotional intelligence are not just soft skills—they are critical to driving great results.
Currently, I serve as the President and Chief Revenue Officer for SAFEbuilt, a national leader in community development and infrastructure services, supporting more than 2,000 state and local governments, as well as major commercial developers. In addition to my executive role, I contribute to the broader business and education landscape as a member of the Board of Directors for PeopleGrove, a SaaS company dedicated to empowering higher education institutions with innovative solutions for student success and career readiness. Previously, I served on the Board of Exago, a Business Intelligence software company that successfully exited in 2021.
In 2016, I published The Customer Mindset: Thinking Like Your Customers to Create Remarkable Results, inspired by my belief in continuous learning and the power of perspective. My goal is to help others grow, lead, and achieve their ambitions. Through this blog, I’ll share insights, experiences, and reflections on leadership—because true leadership is not just about achieving results, but about doing so with character, competence, and a deep commitment to those we serve.
Joseph DeRosa 
Joe
I like the books what are the next 4
Hope to see you in a week or so
All the Best
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Bob,
Thanks for the comment. I have a library full of my favorite books. I also like Confronting Reality by Ram Charan and Larry Bossidy, Doing What Matters by Jim Kilts, Highest Duty by Chesley Sullenberger, and a Colossal Failure of Common Sense by Lawrence G. McDonald and Patrick Robinson. All great reads, providing strong insights and epiphanies.
Hope you keep reading.
Joe
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