Whether you are stepping into a new role or simply hitting the reset button on your current strategy, The Intentional Executive is a game-changer. The “4S System” (simplify, streamline, standardize, synchronize) stood out as a framework for scaling impact without burnout. Similarly, the ‘Reset Framework’ has given me a concrete strategy for my upcoming professional transition. It reminded me that to lead effectively, I must first commit to a ‘listening tour’ to uncover strategic opportunities rather than relying solely on past assumptions. This book is more than just theory; it’s a toolkit to balance strategic execution with human connection that I will be applying on day one.

Founding and running my own company has been both exhilarating and scary. It’s a lonely place, and a lot of it has been built on instinct and experience. The Intentional Executive is the playbook every founder should have in their hip pocket. Backed by research and the authors’ experience, this book helped me focus on what matters. To take the time to align our mission/vision and purpose. I particularly enjoyed Part III, which helped provide counsel on my own practices as a leader, including tips and exercises. This book gets to the point and offers invaluable, practical, realistic suggestions.

Leadership is about doing the fundamentals really, really well. Unfortunately, most of us get too busy to be mindful of the very fundamentals that would make us good at our jobs. This is a book that brings you back to the basics—it reminds you of what’s important: knowing your priorities, listening to your team, helping your team connect to the bigger purpose of your work, driving results. But what I appreciated most about this book wasn’t the reminders—it was the tools offered to make it easy to be intentional about what matters. I’ve already used a number of the tools from this book, and shared it as a resource with folks I mentor and coach.

Are you in a new role or ready to start fresh? The Intentional Executive provides you with actionable steps, examples and even the templates to start off at the right pace from the right mindset to effectively influence real, positive change. Take a look and start taking your next steps today.

The Intentional Executive” delivers what most leadership books promise but rarely provide: a practical, research-backed roadmap for transformational success. Norcross and Farran’s genius lies in positioning purpose not as soft idealism, but as a hard-driving performance multiplier. Their systematic three-part framework—from clarifying what matters most to delivering sustainable results—is packed with actionable tools and real-world insights. This isn’t just another leadership book; it’s an essential playbook for executives who want to drive meaningful change while achieving exceptional results.

Melissa and Patrick deliver something unique in the world of business and leadership writing – a workbook that acts as a strategy development guide and ongoing reference tool. The chapters act as both inspiration and direction while the exercises build competence beyond the first read-through or application. For example, the ’91 Chicago Bulls analogy in chapter five is a great hook. But, the build from Appendix 5A allowed not only for practice, but also incremental support with a trusted framework (Lips-Wiersma’s Map of Meaningful Work). A great combination that will keep me coming back over and over again!

Being proactive in an environment that demands reactivity, using the Reset Framework was a game changer for our organization. Listening to stakeholder voices of staff, volunteers, donors, and patients helped us to make informed strategic decisions and set priorities that will guide us through uncertainty. I highly recommend The Intentional Executive for its wisdom, practical exercises, and insightful references that are applicable across industries, but particularly resonate with leaders who are passionate about what they do and who they serve.

The Intentional Executive is a practical, comprehensive playbook for the moments when leadership becomes complex or overwhelming. The authors capture both the depth and breadth of executive responsibility while offering clear, actionable frameworks that truly help leaders reset, refocus, and move forward with purpose. I especially appreciated the emphasis on strong peer relationships and the reminder that none of us lead alone. This is a must-read for any executive who wants to lead with clarity, intention, and impact.

The Intentional Executive breaks down what it means to lead on purpose into three clear distinct phases. I found the book to be very easy to read and logically structured. It is easy to follow, and the takeaways make us want to take action now rather than later. I consider it as a powerful tool as we navigate these times of rapid change. Five Stars!

The Intentional Executive is the playbook for leaders stepping into a new role. It offers a thorough and practical roadmap for success including numerous examples and helpful tools to assist in this journey. As someone who manages organizational onboarding programs, I consider this a must read for new leaders and executives.

I’ve been in my executive role for about 7 years now, and at the point where I feel stuck in my daily routines. It’s was time for me to take a fresh look at myself and the business and this book is a great tool. It’s not just a good read, but also provides a list of questions that guide you through actionable items you can implement right away.