Poetry is the art of getting to the heart of the matter.

It gives structure to ideas that are often overlooked or ignored, but nonetheless must be explored.

Poetry puts thoughts into verse in ways that make tough subjects approachable and accessible.

Leadership, too, is about reaching the heart as well as the mind.

Leaders are called upon to address challenging issues and act with candor and courage to address them.

Poetry can be a siren song for action.

Leadership can be those songs put into action.

Leadership in Verse: Poems & Stories is a collection of poems and stories is intended to provoke reflection about what leadership is and is not. Some poems and stories typify the ugliness we see around us. More, however, depict what it means to lead others when times are tough. Leaders are those who apply what they know to help others succeed. They are not altruists per se; they are practical women and men who see their role as making a positive difference.

Leadership in Verse is divided into three sections:

What We See are observations of management that we see around us in good times and in bad.

How We Act is a set of leadership thoughts and actions that come in handy in times of stress.

Stories to Inspire is a collection of stories about women and men who have inspired me to write about them because they exemplify what it means to lead with strength, bravery and heart. None is perfect – just like me – but all are worthy of exploration.

Leadership in Verse represents a new chapter for me, and I hope readers find it worthy of exploration and learning.

Coming from Maison Vero in April 2026
(Pre-orders in February)

Advance praise...

"In Leadership in Verse, John Baldoni reveals what many leadership books miss: the soul of the leader. These poems invite reflection and recommitment to what matters most for anyone who leads another."
Adrian Gostick, New York Times bestselling author of All In and Leading with Gratitude

"This collection is a gift: a reminder that leadership is not just something we do − it’s who we become through awareness, compassion, and conscious choice.”
Brenda Bence, Thinkers50 Coaching Legend | Hall of Fame Speaker

"In John Baldoni's latest book of leadership poetry, he shines a light on the challenges and absurdities of organizational life, while acknowledging the humanity of the people onstage. John's compassion and decency are amply evident in Leadership in Verse, which I recommend to anyone who could use some support from a tough-minded coach."

Ed Batista, Executive Coach

“In Leadership in Verse, sage philosopher poet John Baldoni captures hope, spirit, purpose, and soul, and connects them to leadership, reflection, example, and practice. At once gently informative and deeply honest, John's thoughtful perspective on humanity and leadership shines through the pages of this one-of-a-kind book of poems for leaders and followers.”

Sarah McArthur, Editor in Chief, Apex Award-winning Leader to Leader Journal

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