Uniquely You

Transform Your Organization by Becoming the Leader Only You Can Be

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Don't be a knock-off. Be uniquely you!

There are countless gurus, processes, and quick-fix formulas to chase in the quest to grow your business, lead your team, and find personal fulfillment. But the leadership lessons we most need to learn are not out there somewhere--they're in here, in our own lives.

By sharing his own journey of discovering what his life was trying to teach him through both trials and triumphs, Ron Kitchens equips you to mine your own story for the relationships and life lessons that have made you into the unique individual you are today. He then shows you how to leverage those experiences into a distinctively personal leadership style that is authentic, one-of-a-kind, and effective in building businesses and leading teams.

If you want to embrace your own personal leadership style, create an inclusive culture, clarify your professional goals, and maximize your influence, Uniquely You is the place to start!


"I've seen firsthand how Ron has lifted up an entire community of leaders in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I'm really excited that this book gives the rest of the world the opportunity to be as equipped and encouraged as I've been by his work!"--Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author of Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done

"Ron Kitchens is an extraordinary leader who inspires our dreams and shows us how to achieve them, and this book is his gift to everyone who is trying to improve themselves, their communities, and the world. Read it to discover and fulfill your true potential."--Denise Lee Yohn, brand leadership expert and bestselling author of What Great Brands Do and FUSION

"Ron Kitchens makes us want to be better people, live better lives, and lead with more courage. Don't miss the chance to glean from his wisdom!"--Margaret Feinberg, author of Taste and See: An Aspiring Foodie's Search for God Among Butchers, Bakers, and Fresh Food Makers

"Innovative, impactful, and truly transformational. This book speaks to the power your own story has to transform your life and organization."--Jonathan Merritt, author of Learning to Speak God from Scratch and contributing writer for The Atlantic

"As a CEO, it's really easy to feel alone at the top. Some days it feels like you're playing 'dress up' and hoping that no one notices you're not qualified. But Uniquely You made me feel not alone in that mindset and made me realize that we all have a story and we're all just trying to be the best leader we can."--Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands of Hope

"What do you want? To inspire others? To build legacies? To reshape the world around you? Kitchens reminds us that doing the work to understand and articulate the answer to this simple question is a crucial step for every effective leader's journey."--Roy Spence, cofounder and chairman of GSD&M and cofounder and CEO of The Purpose Institute


Ron Kitchens is the senior partner and CEO of Southwest Michigan First, which has been named by Outside Magazine and the Wall Street Journal as one of the best places to work. He is the founder of the leadership conference Catalyst University and the cofounder of NEXT, an invitation-only leadership symposium for global economic development leaders. Ron and his teams have been featured by the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, CBS, NBC, Fox, USA Today, Forbes, Fortune, The Economist, NPR, and more. The author or coauthor of three books, including Community Capitalism, Ron blogs and podcasts at www.ronkitchens.com and can be found on Twitter @ronkitchens.


Endorsements

"I've seen firsthand how Ron has lifted up an entire community of leaders in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I'm really excited that this book gives the rest of the world the opportunity to be as equipped and encouraged as I've been by his work!"

Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author of Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done

"Ron Kitchens is an extraordinary leader who inspires our dreams and shows us how to achieve them, and this book is his gift to everyone who is trying to improve themselves, their communities, and the world. Uniquely You is a wonderful compilation of personal stories, management advice, and leadership inspiration. Read it to discover and fulfill your true potential."

Denise Lee Yohn, brand leadership expert and bestselling author of What Great Brands Do and FUSION

"Ron Kitchens carries a joy, delight, and contagious appreciation for the world and people wherever he goes. He makes us want to be better people, live better lives, and lead with more courage. Don't miss the chance to glean from his wisdom!"

Margaret Feinberg, author of Taste and See: An Aspiring Foodie's Search for God Among Butchers, Bakers, and Fresh Food Makers

"Like its author, Uniquely You is innovative, impactful, and truly transformational. This book speaks to the power your own story has to transform your life and organization. If you miss out on this book, you do so at your own peril."

Jonathan Merritt, author of Learning to Speak God from Scratch and contributing writer for The Atlantic

"As a CEO, it's really easy to feel alone at the top. Some days it feels like you're playing 'dress up' and hoping that no one notices you're not qualified. But Uniquely You made me feel not alone in that mindset and made me realize that we all have a story and we're all just trying to be the best leader we can. Ron's book has also made me think differently about the things that make me unique as a leader and how I can best utilize them for my team."

Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands of Hope

"What do you want? To inspire others? To build legacies? To reshape the world around you? Kitchens reminds us that doing the work to understand and articulate the answer to this simple question is a crucial step for every effective leader's journey. It isn't for the faint of heart. When we approach life with candor and truth and meet it head-on from a place of love, the answer to 'What do I want?' is within reach."

Roy Spence, cofounder and chairman of GSD&M, cofounder and CEO of The Purpose Institute

"Ron Kitchens takes readers on a journey of vulnerability, honesty, and compassion. The stories he tells, which have shaped his life and his leadership, will change the lives of readers and help them discover their own unique stories that will change the trajectory of the organizations they serve."

Nancy Duarte, CEO and bestselling author

"Ron is a leader worth following. His life and leadership are packed full of wisdom, insight, know-how, and practical discernment, based on a life well-lived that includes both success and heartaches. In Uniquely You he openly shares many of those powerful stories, knowing they will inspire you to take your life and leadership to the next level."

Brad Lomenick, former president of Catalyst and author of The Catalyst Leader and H3 Leadership

"Uniquely You beautifully weaves together inspiration with practical wisdom. Ron will teach you how to lead with the freedom that only comes when you embrace your unique story. This book moved me and gave me fresh insight for my own leadership. Read this book for help to become the influential person you were created to be!"

Lucas Ramirez, author of Designed for More and CEO of The Gathering Place

"Learn from the master how to lead with integrity and motivate people to achieve extraordinary excellence. Ron Kitchens is a classic American rags-to-riches success story, but he doesn't stop there. He is also passionate about helping others achieve the American dream and has had a high degree of success. This book is an easy read packed with practical ideas to improve your business and your life. If you are in a position of leadership or just trolling for a business book loaded with inspirational ideas, this book is for you."

Dan Behm, former president and CEO of OST (Open Systems Technologies) and author of Chief Culture Officer

"However disappointing or fractured our stories may be, they have the potential to help us become the unique leaders we are meant to be in this world. In Uniquely You Ron shows you how to listen to your story, take stock, and move steadily into your life's calling."

Chad R. Allen, creator of Book Proposal Academy


The Author

  1. Ron Kitchens

    Ron Kitchens

    Ron Kitchens is the senior partner and chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First, which has been named by Outside Magazine and the Wall Street Journal as one of the best places to work. One of America's leading thinkers on business,...

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