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The Contemplative Leader

Uncover the Power of Presence and Connection

Foreword by Richard Rohr
Published by Matt Holt Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

The most effective leaders are deeply aware of how their presence impacts every dimension of their leadership. This guide shows leaders in any organization how to move beyond the daily noise of your environment and connect with people to bring about change where it matters most.

Featuring interviews with world-renowned leaders, from Richard Rohr (contemplative teacher) to Margaret Wheatley (author of Leadership and the New Science) and Matthew McCarthy (former CEO of Ben & Jerry’s), this book provides a framework for understanding how best to connect with who we are and with those whom we lead.

In The Contemplative Leader, psychotherapist, leadership consultant, and executive coach Patrick Boland integrates ancient wisdom with scientific research. He introduces psychological models, anecdotes, reflective questions, and innovative practices that outline how to:

  • Re-envision leadership as something that takes account of the breadth of human experience

  • Uncover the narratives that have shaped us so we can embrace our whole self (false self and true self)

  • Focus on both the financials and the people, the results and the road that gets us there, the personal benefits and the impact on the wider organization and community

    Whether you are a seasoned leader in need of a reset to connect with what’s most important, new to leadership and looking for some “soul” work to do to develop authentic influence, or seeking to integrate beneficial practices into your active roles inside and outside of work, The Contemplative Leader is a comprehensive guide to shaping relationships and systems to use your power and influence for good.
  • About The Author

    Patrick Boland is an Executive Coach, Leadership Consultant and Psychotherapist. Since founding Conexus in 2013 Patrick has worked with senior teams and leaders in global organizations including Google, Unilever, LEGO, Citi, Accenture, and Salesforce. He also consults and writes with Richard Rohr at the Centre for Action and Contemplation in New Mexico. He lives with his family near Dublin, Ireland.

    Product Details

    • Publisher: Matt Holt Books (January 16, 2024)
    • Length: 288 pages
    • ISBN13: 9781637744277

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    Raves and Reviews

    """Such a generous and skillful offering! If you want to use your power and influence for good in this world, here is your practice manual. May you have the discipline and commitment to use it well.""
    —Margaret J. Wheatley, Bestselling Author, Leadership and the New Science and Who Do We Choose to Be?

    ""This groundbreaking book gives a compelling vision for those who want to lead from a deeper place.More than just another book on tools and tips for those in positions of responsibility, it is a call to cultivate a depth of spirit, a care of soul, and a servant mindset.""
    Daniel G. Groody, Vice President and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education, Professor of Theology and Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame

    ""The Contemplative Leader is timely in a constantly changing world, where who we are and how we lead is more critical than ever . . . This book has the potential to redefine what it means to lead in the modern era.""
    Tom Hall, Global Head of Social Impact and Philanthropy, UBS

    ""In The Contemplative Leader, Patrick Boland generously guides leaders of all types away from rigid and brittle tactics and toward a more natural and heartfelt style where ideas and creativity can be shared in an effortlessflow.""
    Pete Holmes, Comedian, Writer, and Podcast Host, You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes

    ""This exquisitely researched and written book is a must-read for everyone who aspires to stand up and lead. Harnessing ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science, it is a powerful and practical invitation to bring positive possibility to every moment through harnessing presence, purpose, and a deep connection to the both/and of the whole self.""
    Louise Chester, Founder, Mindfulness at Work and Purpose at Work and Global Ambassador, Center for Compassionate Leadership

    ""Such a generous and skillful offering! If you want to use your power and influence for good in this world, here is your practice manual. May you have the discipline and commitment to use it well.""
    Margaret J. Wheatley, Best-Selling Author, Leadership and the New Science and Who Do We Choose to Be?

    ""This groundbreaking book gives a compelling vision for those who want to lead from a deeper place. More than just another book on tools and tips for those in positions of responsibility, it is a call to cultivate a depth of spirit, a care of soul and a servant mindset.""
    Daniel G. Groody, Vice President and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education, Professor of Theology and Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame

    ""The Contemplative Leader is timely in a constantly changing world, who we are and how we lead is more critical than ever . . . From start to finish Patrick Boland takes you through both ancient wisdom and the latest psychological theories in an insightful, practical and a deeply engaging way. This book has the potential to re-define what it means to lead in the modern era.""
    Tom Hall, Global Head of Social Impact, UBS

    ""In The Contemplative Leader, Patrick generously guides leaders of all types away from rigid and brittle tactics and toward a more natural and heartfelt style where ideas and creativity can be shared in an effortless flow.""
    Pete Holmes, Comedian, Writer, Podcast Host, You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes

    ""Harnessing ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science, [this book] is a powerful and practical invitation to bring positive possibility to every moment through harnessing presence, purpose and a deep connection to the both/and of the whole self.""
    Louise Chester, Founder, Mindfulness at Work and Purpose at Work, Global Ambassador, Center for Compassionate Leadership

    ""This book is for leaders of all kinds who know that our work isn't about us at all, and who want to lead and be led toward matters more vital than mere success or failure.""
    Michael Poffenberger, Executive Director, Center for Action and Contemplation

    ""As revolution in leadership goes on, this book is a must-read for all leaders who would like to bring their authentic selves to leadership, who both care for and embrace their people, and deliver outcomes, who care for both the means and the ends, who believe meaning and purpose can be found and lived through leadership.""
    Gulru Atak, Transaction Banking Head of Europe, Barclays

    ""This book is a gift. The experience of reading Patrick's book will stay with you. It opens up possibilities to personally reflect, to look at experiences through different lenses; and, to create fresh thinking about leadership presence.""
    Hannah Carney, Executive Coach, Former Lawyer, Time to Think™ Coach and Facilitator

    ""With his book The Contemplative Leader, Patrick Boland has created something very special and unique. It is a ‘tour de force' spanning both wide scholarship and practical deep exercises. Patrick also makes authentic use of his own journey of contemplation, growth, challenges, and learning. I have no hesitation in strongly recommending this book.""
    Tom Finlay, Coach, Coach Supervisor, Therapist, Poet, Independent Director, Co-Author, Deep Joy: Reflections on Life


    ""The really great leaders in life are those who readily connect with people. This book should be on the desk of every leader who is aiming to bring their leadership and connection skills to a new level of excellence.""
    Helen Dooley, Group General Counsel, AIB Bank, Ireland

    ""Patrick Boland demonstrates how contemplation enables us to come home and be present to ourselves and be present and connected with others in a very deep way . . . The Contemplative Leader teaches us to look directly at what authentic leadership is, with clarity and without judgement, and invites us to enter a process to get there.""
    Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, Founder, FOCUS Ireland and The Sanctuary

    ""This insightful and engaging book is a testament to Patrick's years of research and his extensive experience coaching and inspiring world-class leaders to evolve in their roles. If you're looking to elevate your leadership and embrace a contemplative approach, The Contemplative Leader is the perfect guide for you.""
    Kirsten Oates, Co-Host, Turning to the Mystics Podcast

    ""To many people ""contemplative"" and ""leader"" might seem like opposites. But read Patrick Boland and discover why this is not true—and need not be true for you or your organization.""
    Fr. Richard Rohr O.F.M., Founder, Center for Action and Contemplation"

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