Leadership from the Front Lines

Leadership From The Front Lines is a terrific read about Craig's relentless leadership during his quest for excellence in the Coast Guard and Corporate America. I have known Craig for many years and found his leadership contagious and awe inspiring. Craig has generously donated his book proceeds to ensure veterans are supported with financial, emotional and medical assistance to successfully re-enter society.

I had the pleasure of hosting Craig on a preview interview almost a year ago -- great to read the final version. Craig brings us along his life of Leading From the Front lessons forged in high school passing out phone numbers for free no questions asked safe rides home to combat underage drinking & driving, to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where lessons of teamwork, consistent effort, character & sportsmanship were annealed, to leading at sea boarding teams as a 21 year old junior officer interdicting counter narcotics, to the self marketing of business consulting, to the lessons of hard work as an Ironman, to leading teams through crises like the Deepwater Horizon explosion & environmental cleanup.

His 10 principles are so easy to digest and relate to with engaging, pithy story telling of lessons like the importance of mentoring and not being stymied planning for perfection, but rather just enough to meet the Minimum Viable Experience / Product (MVE/MVP as you "eat the elephant" one bit at a time with the hierarchical priorities of People, Information, Action and Evaluation. I found this like snack food intending to dive in for a few short bites, but then binging more and more pages. The more I hear of Coast Guardsman's military and civilian careers, this theme of character, ethics, teamwork and grit abound. Thank you for sharing and inspiring all of us with your story, Craig. As he leans into solving Veteran homelessness with proceeds from this book, Craig leaves no doubt about his Fearless, Improbable, Graphic, Hungry and Timely service to his communities, his companies and his country.

Reading “Leadership from the Front Lines” feels like reading the book with two parallel stories where Craig Henzel describes his own separate experiences - from the Coast Guard and Corporate lives and different skills he has learned while moving up his career journey. Craig translates his lessons learned into Leadership Principles which are backed by real life examples and are very practical for everyone who would like to improve their leadership skills regardless their roles or career levels. All described examples are very relatable which makes easier to connect and apply Leadership Principles in daily life.

It’s a must read book for anyone who aspires to succeed and become an excellent leader.