James M. Kouzes

James M. Kouzes is one of the most influential authors of business and motivational books today. He is best known for his groundbreaking book, The Leadership Challenge, co-authored with the late Barry Posner, and the many other books he has written after that. His works, which focus on the concept of leadership and the importance of motivating, inspiring and empowering others, have been sought after by business leaders, educators and students since the early 1980s.

A successful business executive and professor of management, James M. Kouzes has had a lifelong passion for writing and guiding others. He has published more than 20 books, including The Leadership Challenge, in which he calls on readers to become the very best leaders they can be and to lead with passion, vision, integrity and trust. The book outlines five qualities of effective leadership – Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act and Encourage the Heart – and has been a valuable resource for developing leaders in business, government, education and nonprofits for more than 30 years. The book’s core message is that leadership is a relationship between those who aspire to lead and those who choose to follow.

Kouzes’ other books include Credibility: How Leaders Gain and Lose It, Why People Demand It, which focuses on how leaders can establish and maintain a high level of trust in order to be successful. He also wrote The Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI), a practical tool used to identify leadership strengths, weaknesses, and potential. It was developed to help individuals, teams, and organizations assess their leadership skills, develop strategies and solutions, and create greater organizational results.

In addition to his professional background, Kouzes is also an in-demand speaker and consultant. He speaks regularly on the subjects of leadership and personal growth. He has delivered hundreds of keynote speeches, workshops and seminars to thousands of people in many countries over the last three decades. He helps organizations to identify and cultivate their best in leaders and inspire even more greatness in the future.

Kouzes works in partnership with his wife and Business partner, Debra. Also a successful business professional, Debra provides strategic insights for leaders and organizations and helps them develop their unique strengths and abilities. Together, they have provided invaluable tools and knowledge for thousands of leaders, strategists and dreamers successfully.

James M. Kouzes is a prolific author, speaker, professor and executive. His lifelong goal of helping others become the best versions of themselves has become his life’s work. His books on leadership and motivation have helped to shape and reinforce the values of many organizations and individuals, inspiring them to tap into the power of leadership and become the best version of themselves. Through his life’s work, Kouzes has become an visionary leader and role model to millions of people around the globe.