This was a great, straightforward leadership read. I appreciated the many leadership tidbits and treasures throughout the book. It was practical for every level of leadership and covered a variety of areas - leading from strengths, work-life balance, dealing with conflict and so on - without being overwhelming. I recommend this book to all leaders!

Although the title Uniquely You may suggest otherwise, this is not a book designed to help a person discover who they are (like a Myers-Briggs personality test or an Enneagram). The subtitle, Transform Your Organization by Becoming the Leader Only You Can Be explains well the purpose and the thesis of Ron Kitchens' book. In the process, he also provides resources to help a person discover aspects of their unique design and use that to benefit others as a leader.

The book is very readable, both in vocabulary level and in length. Each chapter is at most 10 pages and the whole book comes in under 220 pages. At the end of each chapter are useful reflection ("Always Forward") and personal application ("Uniquely You") questions. Kitchens' is also a great story teller and in doing so, illustrates the principles as well as the overall theme of the book dynamically. Likewise, the concepts Kitchens' presents show that every person is designed uniquely and can make a significant contribution to their sphere of influence, even if they do not consider themselves a "leader."

The book seemed to lack organization or flow. This reader found it a bit challenging to put the puzzle pieces together until listening to Ron Kitchen's interview on the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast. Then, the content of the book seemed more sense and the pieces were able to fit together better.

I would recommend this book, though I confess after listening the the aforementioned podcast, there was little "new" in terms of content. Nonetheless, to be able to have it on the bookshelves as a resource to consult or share with other leaders is beneficial.

Note: This book was provided at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review by Resourcing Leaders and by InterVarsity Press.

Great Stories of Trial and Triumph - Living Life Uniquely You

Wherever you are along your leadership journey, I highly recommend reading Ron Kitchens book Uniquely You. Rich with incredible stories about his life and very humble beginning, you'll definitely take away a greater understanding of what really matters when it comes to living a life of influence and authentic leadership. Ron is very candid about sharing the hard lessons he learned early in life. I really like that. For example, he tells a story about how he bought a Rolex watch "knock-off" and the embarrassment experienced after someone more senior says something about it. It takes guts to be so honest.  The people who came into Ron's life and made such a difference to his future. By expressing their solid belief in him despite many obstacles made him really see his value and potential for greatness. I only wish that there were more stories like these being shared by successful leaders today. This is why the book is utterly refreshing to read. The stories are great and soaked in humility. Ron still lives the lessons he learned as a young boy.

I really admire the author's resolve to make something of his life despite the real poverty he grew up with. I have to give great recognition to his mom.  She had so much to endure and yet through it all, her son became a very successful man still appreciating the value of mandarin oranges (read why).There are fantastic resources in the back of the book that I have printed and will keep visible. There are core axioms to leadership which I found very helpful. I too share Ron's prioritization on living our life based on who we really are rather than trying all the time to be someone we are not. He covers great topics, everything from family, authenticity in leadership, need for continuous learning, self care and achieving preeminence when it comes to running a business. This is one very successful man (check out his company Southwest Michigan First and Catalyst University) who has a deep body of work on leadership and learning.I will definitely be looking into other leadership and life books by Ron. Highly recommend Uniquely You. I also like Ron's writing style, very easy to understand and relate to.

Thanks Ron for all the work and heart and you put into the leadership space.