This is a book about leadership. Leading one's self. Leading a team. Leading a project or event. Leading an entire organization. It's about leading in a deliberate and disciplined way. Using a structured approach. Most of all, this book is about results. Making progress. Moving, as the title suggests, from zero to something, both at work and in life. As a retired soldier and longtime HR and training executive, I realize Zero to Something is probably the eleventy billionth leadership book on the market. I have read and prescribed many of them during my 30-some-year leadership career. This book, of course, is different. Better. It's the definitive take on leadership. The book to replace all other leadership books. Well, not really. But such hyperbole sure sounds good, doesn't it? That's the Donald Trump School of Leadership: simply exude uber-confidence in all matters and situations, and others will surely follow or at least buy what you're selling. The truth, in my view, is that confidence AND humility are both cornerstones of great leadership. So, while I do passionately believe in the tenets of this book (after all, they've served me well personally), I am not naïve. No book can hold all the truths of leadership. There is no such code to be cracked. Leadership, rather, is a deeply personal and individual human affair. As such, the goal of my book is to share the leadership approach I have developed over time and, in doing so, help you start or continue on your own personal path. Inside the book, you will indeed find strategies, tactics and nuggets of wisdom that owe their origins to other people and other books. You will find even more insights based on my years of personal experience, trial and error. Most importantly, you will see how I have packaged what I learned into a framework or approach that can be internalized and applied to virtually any leadership situation. My hope is that you will immediately and directly apply the Zero to Something approach and that it will be a catalyst for further development. As you accumulate experiences, work with mentors and develop your own personalized approach, I am confident Zero to Something will remain a cornerstone of your leadership foundation.
About the Author: Arnie Strebe is the Chief Talent and Business Improvement officer for Evergreen Enterprises and Plow & Hearth headquartered in Virginia. There, he leads the design, development and implementation of all people and performance improvement initiatives. Arnie worked previously for Minnesota-based The Schwan Food Company, where as a member of the Senior Executive Development Program, he held operational assignments in sales and marketing, manufacturing, human resources, and learning and development. Among his achievements at Schwan was the founding of Schwan's University, an employee training and development organization that earned several national and international awards for excellence. Arnie holds a master's degree in education. Prior to entering the business world, he enjoyed a successful career in the U.S. Army as an enlisted soldier and officer. On the personal front, Arnie keeps busy as a certified USA Triathlon coach and has completed many triathlons himself, including three Ironman events. He also provides other fitness-related coaching, as well as executive coaching, and says his personal mission is to help others succeed. Arnie lives with his wife, Sigrid, in Richmond, Va. He has two grown daughters, Tori and Courtney, and a stepson, Tanner. Jeremiah Gardner is a public relations and communications professional for the nonprofit Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation headquartered in Minnesota. There, he also manages the organization's online social community and contributes to public advocacy efforts. Jeremiah also is a writer and producer for the independent documentary film Miracle Cures and the History of Addiction Treatment. As a former newsman and editor for The Associated Press, Jeremiah has been published in newspapers throughout the United States. More recently, he worked at The Schwan Food Company in a variety of training and development roles. Away from the office, Jeremiah has written, performed and recorded with a number of music groups. He also competes in triathlons and marathons. Jeremiah holds bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science and a master's degree in addiction studies. He also was once named outstanding graduate at The Fund for American Studies' Institute on Political Journalism at Georgetown University. He lives in the Minneapolis area with his wife, Jenny, and twin sons, Keegan and Jace.