John's dedication to the study of leadership and personal experiences running companies and coaching CEOs have resulted in a valuable back-to-basics book that every aspiring business leader should read. He explains the nine essential skills for the practice of great leadership in a highly accessible and practical style that anyone with an interest in growing as a leader will benefit from.

JEFF WEINER, president and CEO, LinkedIn

"Unusually Excellent is a must read. John brings his powerful and fresh view of leadership to life in this thoughtful framework. He has combined three of his many strengths - intellectual rigor and honesty, deep domain experience, and passion for leading - in a highly readable, unforgettable book. "

MARK KING, president and CEO, TaylorMade-adidas Golf

Wow! This is an extremely compelling book for all business leaders. I am thrilled to see that John has put into words the same wisdom and value that I've realized through working with him as a coach and mentor. An absolute must read for all aspiring leaders.

DAVID DeWALT, president and CEO, McAfee

Unusually Excellent is unusually better than most books on leadership in its wisdom and practical advice. John's experience has the ring of enduring truth and he offers a personal and practical look across the spectrum of leadership, from character development through execution to leaving a legacy. A wonderful combination of 'hard' and 'soft' leadership, this book belongs on everyone's reading list.

Barry Z. Posner, PhD, professor of leadership; coauthor, The Leadership Challenge and The Truth About Leadership

This is a wonderful book, and may well become a classic! Compelling. Comprehensive. Very readable. What a great place to start fro any new leader in search of the essence of leadership, or for an experienced leader with the courage to re-learn those essentials again and again.

PATRICK LENCIONI, president, The Table Group; athor, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team