Based on the title, I expected this to be a motivational self-development book. I was disappointed in that.

Each chapter starts with a lengthy quote regarding a particular incident. The text of the chapter provides gushing praise for Mr. Zelensky’s character and abilities. However, there is little of substance behind the extensive flowery and repetitive language in the book. The content is more suited to lengthy article rather than a book.

Not recommended except for biographic researchers.

Fangirl writes book about how amazing Zelensky is. The author was an actress in her 20s. (Don't worry, she'll remind you several times each chapter.) She definitely has a worldly view as she is Latvian, raised in Russia and Ukraine and now lives in the USA. I'm just unclear what the thesis and main points are even after reading the book. As far as I can tell, it's "Ze" is great and we should all be more like him. The book just keeps repeating this fact and then throws in a great thing that Ze overcame or did during his acting and political career.

I was pumped about this book. I was hoping it would be part biography/ part self-help book. But it is not; it's a love song to Zelenskyy. The author uses familiar terminology when talking about the man, and her worship of him goes past respecting the man and the qualities that make him a good reader. There is very little that you are told to do to b a better letter maybe a paragraph or too with out any concrete tasks.

I've heard people speak both negatively and positively about Volodymyr Zelensky and looked forward to learning more about the man, to formulate my own opinion.

Interestingly enough, the author sees Zelensky as a spiritual leader, when she acknowledges that he practices no specific faith. I think it's easy to confuse leadership principles for spiritual ones because so often they both have to do with our character and how we present ourselves to the world.

Either way, it's clear the author has a bit of hero worship going on, even though she confirms that Zelensky doesn't want to be seen as a hero, just as a simple human being. Everything she had to say about him was positive, with no acknowledgment of his detractors. So, I'm not certain why some think so harshly of him. But that also leads me to think this isn't a particularly unbiased look at the man. Leaders learn from both their failures and mistakes, as well as their accomplishments. So, I would have preferred a bit more balance in the book.

However, the points she made about the lessons she learned from studying him as a role model were valuable and inspiring ones. And I did enjoy reading about them. But after a while, it started also to become repetitious. The author kept circling back around to the same points, saying them in the same way.

Personally, I also wasn't a fan of the profanity, both implied and outright. I didn't think it was needed to convey the message at all. So that detracted from the book for me a bit too.

Overall, if you want to be inspired by someone who is proving to be a leader in a nation at a time that desperately needs one, this is a good book to read.

Thank you to Jessie Asya Kanzer, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the advance review copy.

This is a wonderful book on how we can all unlock hidden powers, just like Zelensky. he has said some things that make us think and give us a starting point in our lives. Jessie Asya Kanzer gives us a beautiful starting point though the words of the Ukrainian leader that has shown the world how to lead.

I was amazed at the sudden and powerful image of leadership Zelensky exhibited on the world stage. Who was this man and how did he, a comedian, possess such strong leadership skills?

Kanzer says we can learn many valuable life lessons from Zelensky, lessons that do not depend on a positive outcome. His moral clarity is remarkable, she says, and his example can serve us no matter what is happening in our lives. She explores a number of topics, giving Zelensky's view and how they are meaningful to life. Identity based on what you do and not on your ethnicity, for example. Using your ability, not letting others stop you by setting limits. Having faith in yourself, believing an ordinary person can achieve great things. Serving others with humility, living your purpose, and speaking truth are a few more.

I like this book. While the focus is on one individual, to message is to all of us. Ordinary people can be extraordinary when called upon. I do wish there had been more information about Zelensky's formative experiences and possible mentors.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

While for many years, I did not know who Zelensky was, he is a man whose name is now a household word. In this book, readers have a chance to learn more about him and his thinking.

Zelensky did not start out as a political aspirant. In fact, he was a comedian. Nonetheless, he became the president of his country and was called on to act during an incredibly difficult time.

In this book, the author shares a lot about herself as well as Zelensky. She gives readers a good insight into how Zelensky thinks and acts in the world, as well as what he values. In doing this, there are lessons for the reader to think about.

This book will encourage the reader to think about their own actions. Dip into the chapters; a few of them are titled How May I Serve?; Speak Truth to Everything; From Fear to Love; Create Faith and there are many more.

Note that the author once had contact with Zelensky before he was in politics. She clearly thinks very highly of him. Know this if that is bothersome this may not be the read for some.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-St. Martin’s Essentials for this title. All opinions are my own.

As a great admirer of the Ukrainian president, I was intrigued when I discovered the book, "Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky: Lessons We Can All Learn from an Unexpected Leader". I didn’t know what to expect but I am happy to say that I wasn’t disappointed.

Author Jessie Asya Kanzer immigrated to the United States from Soviet Latvia and has crossed paths with Zelenskyy*. She shares her personal experiences and how they relate to Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She believes that he is a “profound philosophical leader of our generation”.

However, it is her analysis of his personality and how we can harness his strengths in our own lives that is the focus of the book. She goes into detail how Zelenskyy reveals authenticity, truth and honesty, and acts according to his core values. He is clear on his objectives and has overcome indecisiveness. Kanzer then details how we can do the same. She also explains his effective methods of communication and how we can develop these skills.

Even though Kanzer maintains that individuals must develop a particular strength or characteristic in their own lives in order to be able to project it to the world, I believe that some analogies are a stretch, relating the global to the individual. One example is comparing the act of choosing your own identity, (not the one predetermined for you) to that of how Zelenskyy is seeking to do that for Ukraine.

I also feel that the structure of the book could have been more consistent. Kanzer jumps around multiple topics. However, I found her study of different aspects of the Ukrainian war quite interesting.

Still, there’s a lot one can get out of "Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky". As we look deep into ourselves, there’s much we can learn from the Ukrainian president and former comedian.

*The author uses the Ukrainian spelling of Zelenskyy with the double ”yy”, instead of the Russian spelling using the single” y”, in deference to what she says the Ukrainian president prefers.

(This review will be posted on UnderratedReads on Nov.7, 2023)

Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky Lessons We Can All Learn from an Unexpected Leader by Jessie Asya Kanzer

240 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Essentials
Release Date: October 24, 2023

Nonfiction (Adult), Business, Leadership, Finance, Self-Help, Self-Motivation, Self-Empowerment

This is an uplifting book showing the reader that things in life could be different if looking at them from different perspective. Using Zelenskyy as an example, the author shows us positivity in all areas. She talks about hope, freedom, and truth.

The author has a unique writing style. She had me captivated and I could not put down the book until I was finished. She made so many good points throughout the book. If you like motivational stories, you will enjoy reading this one.

"Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky" by Jessie Asya Kanzer is a compelling exploration of the philosophies and life lessons inspired by the impactful statements of Volodymyr Zelensky during the critical events of the 2022 Russian invasion. Kanzer, a native Russian speaker like Zelensky, brings a deep understanding of the profound implications behind his words, making this book a rich and accessible guide for personal growth.

The book's emphasis on simplicity and relatability sets it apart, presenting a refreshing perspective on navigating life's challenges with grace and authenticity. Kanzer's "Tips from Ze" at the end of each chapter serve as practical and insightful tools, drawing from Zelensky's journey as a comedian turned political figure. These tips encourage readers to embrace empathy, humility, and understanding, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive approach to life.

Kanzer's personal connection to Zelensky's story adds a unique layer of intimacy to the narrative, creating a genuine and heartfelt portrayal of the man behind the leadership. Her portrayal of Zelensky as an advocate for the power of ordinary individuals to instigate extraordinary change is both inspiring and thought-provoking, urging readers to recognize the potential within themselves.

Overall, "Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky" is a thoughtfully crafted tribute to the enduring spirit of human resilience and the transformative impact of humility and authenticity. Kanzer's thoughtful analysis and personal insights make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Who among us isn't interested in Mr. Zelensky? This book is sure to make an admirer out of anyone. Well written. I wonder if he would be interested in running for President? He would be better than what we have.

A fascinating look at Zelensky a man who went from being a comedian to lead a country at war. He is a strong inspiring leader in an extremely difficult time a man who shows strength I really respect him and his fight for peace.Well written full of thoughtful ideas of strength of character.#netgalley #st.martins

Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky: Lessons We Can All Learn From an Unexpected Leader by Jessie Asya Kanzer is part self help manual based on the speeches and words of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. The newly elected president was relatively unknown until Ukraine was invaded by Russian forces in February 2022. The world becomes captivated by the inspiring statement he has made with a simple message, “We are all simple people.” Toted as a spiritual leader for our times by the author Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky seeks to highlight the deep philosophical ramifications and supplies life lessons from the president’s words and life. From his highly criticized background as a comedian as he was elected president, the author offers tips on spreading graciousness and how to lose the “it’s all about me” mentality and erase differences in backgrounds. Is Zelensky a man, a leader to look to for inspiration?
When I was given the chance to read this book, I only knew about Zelensky from what was highlighted in the media. I was curious about the man and why someone would want to emulate him because while many like him, there are many people who call him a “monster.” Kanzer herself has a small part in Zelensky’s life story as she had acted in one of his movies. She self-described herself as a “spiritual nerd” who followed Zelensky for a long time and her admiration for Zelensky is so evident. A lot of the tips are nothing new or groundbreaking. I feel a book about Zelensky as this point is a bit premature. Overall, Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky is nothing spectacular. I think it is a bit too early to hero worship Zelensky. If you are interested, read Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky: Lessons We Can All Learn From an Unexpected Leader.


Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky: Lessons We Can All Learn From an Unexpected Leader
is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

This is an informative book about Volodymyr Zelensky, President of the Ukraine, a man who wanted to be (and was) a comedian until he was thrust on a much larger stage. The lessons he teaches by being humbly himself are quite valuable:

- How to be a person of integrity, humility, authenticity and truth, strong enough in your own sense of self and your inner moral compass to do the next right thing no matter the situation.

- How to garner support for your position by being open, vulnerable, and identifying common values and goals.

- How to communicate with others openly, honestly, and without regard to your own ego. The goal is what matters, not your ego.

- How to inspire others to unite for a common goal, believe in the impossible, and to each take an active role in making the impossible, possible.

We live in very interesting, challenging, and troubling times. In my humble opinion, we all have a responsibility to do our part in making them better, making the world better. I didn't know much about Volodymyr Zelensky before Russia attacked Ukraine. The author, Ms. Kanzer, a fervent (and sometimes fawning) fan of Zelensky, does. I'm glad she wrote this book.

My thanks to St. Martins Essentials for permitting me to read a DRC of this book via NetGalley. The book will be published October 24, 2023. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky, by Jessie Asya Panzer is mostly a self-help manual based on her interpretations of his speeches and career choices. It is both superficial and very repetitive. The same material is reworked in several chapters. Zelensky may say he is ordinary, and the author concludes that therefore anyone can achieve what they choose. I think Zelensky is highly unusual and one of those rare leaders that appears when a country is most in need. I would have liked so much more depth as to the people who influenced him and his upbringing. Someday someone will write the definitive biography and readers will have much to learn. This is not it.

Fascinating look at the life and approach of a leader who has been firmly in focus over the last 12 months. Well written, with many surprising insights about Zelensky, it's a worthy read for those interested in different styles of leadership or curious about the man himself.

I’ve been fascinated with “Ze” for awhile now, since he entered the world stage when his country was invaded by Russia.
I like that this book had short, easy to digest chapters.
It felt part self help, part biography. It contained a lot of interesting facts about Zelenskyy.
A lot of the material was restated in different ways throughout the book, which got repetitive.
Overall an enjoyable and enlightening read.

We are living in a troubling and fascinating time. President Zelensky has risen to our attention quite unexpectedly and with a profound sense of commitment to his people. This book offers lessons for all of us that we can draw upon from what we have witnessed in these past 18 months.

I really wanted to like this book. I have learned a lot about Zev. The issue I have with the book is that repeats itself multiple times. The book could be 1/2 the size if it didn't repeat.

Volodymyr Zelensky has captivated the world with his simple ordinariness. He calls himself an ordinary man. A simple people.
I loved that this is a “start where you are”, type of book. You don’t have to be extraordinary to do what needs to be done.

Is it heroic? In this day and age, yes, it is. I have been impressed with the man and his countrymen.

A man who was laughed at when he traded the comedy stage for politics. But it has worked out. I admire strong leaders who don’t need to threaten or intimidate others to feel big.

There is so much to learn from this book and I am so glad I read it.


NetGalley/ St. Martin’s Press, October 24, 2023