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Published by Matt Holt Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
A compelling story that provides leaders with a practical framework to deepen their understanding of effective leadership and strengthen their company’s organizational health
In today’s rapidly changing workplace, the old leadership playbook no longer works. Command-and-control has given way to collaboration and connection. Leaders are expected not just to direct—but to cultivate cultures that engage, align, and thrive.
In the style of his previous bestselling book The Imperfect Board Member, Jim Brown returns with a powerful new narrative. Picking up the story of CEO David Slater—now twenty years further into his leadership journey—Brown reveals the real-world challenges of leading through complexity and change.
This fable highlights what many leaders face in today’s increasingly human workplace—where relationships, empathy, and trust matter as much as outcomes, even as technology reshapes how we work. It illustrates that a sustainable, high-performing organization is possible, and it begins with the evolution of leadership.
Alongside David, readers discover practical ways to apply the Ascent Model, four essential indicators of a healthy organization that Brown’s firm developed over three decades of advising boards and executive teams:
Blending story with strategy, The Imperfect CEO offers a proven path for CEOs, consultants, team leaders, and board members to elevate performance and transform culture.
This isn’t a book about perfection—it’s about progress. Organizational health isn’t an abstract ideal; it’s a discipline. One you can learn, apply, and master—to shape the future of your team, your company, and your leadership legacy.
In today’s rapidly changing workplace, the old leadership playbook no longer works. Command-and-control has given way to collaboration and connection. Leaders are expected not just to direct—but to cultivate cultures that engage, align, and thrive.
In the style of his previous bestselling book The Imperfect Board Member, Jim Brown returns with a powerful new narrative. Picking up the story of CEO David Slater—now twenty years further into his leadership journey—Brown reveals the real-world challenges of leading through complexity and change.
This fable highlights what many leaders face in today’s increasingly human workplace—where relationships, empathy, and trust matter as much as outcomes, even as technology reshapes how we work. It illustrates that a sustainable, high-performing organization is possible, and it begins with the evolution of leadership.
Alongside David, readers discover practical ways to apply the Ascent Model, four essential indicators of a healthy organization that Brown’s firm developed over three decades of advising boards and executive teams:
- Collaborative Culture
- Leadership Accountability
- Strategic Momentum
- Talent Magnetism
Blending story with strategy, The Imperfect CEO offers a proven path for CEOs, consultants, team leaders, and board members to elevate performance and transform culture.
This isn’t a book about perfection—it’s about progress. Organizational health isn’t an abstract ideal; it’s a discipline. One you can learn, apply, and master—to shape the future of your team, your company, and your leadership legacy.
Product Details
- Publisher: Matt Holt Books (May 19, 2026)
- Length: 240 pages
- ISBN13: 9781637749029
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Raves and Reviews
“The Imperfect CEO is a breath of fresh air in a world obsessed with shiny leadership veneers. Jim’s stories are real, his model is practical, and his heart for people comes through on every page. If you want to lead a tribe—not just manage a team—this is the book you'll read, share, and dog-ear.”
—Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus, WD-40 Company, and USA Today Bestselling Coauthor, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It
“Healthy, high-performing organizations aren’t commanded by hierarchy but cultivated by humility. In The Imperfect CEO, Jim shows how human-centred leadership drives the relationships and results the world needs.”
—Allison Alley, President and CEO, World Vision Canada
“Jim Brown’s The Imperfect CEO is a masterclass in leadership for the moment—melding hard truth with generous insight and actionable guidance.”
—Brian Besanceney, former Chief Communications Officer, Walmart and Boeing, and Chairman, Orlando Health
“Jim Brown captures the real work of leadership with clarity and courage. This book isn’t about polishing perfection; it’s about building leaders and cultures that can actually thrive. Every CEO—and every leader who wants to be one—should read it.”
—Monica Cohen, Executive Advisor,Speaker, and former Senior Executive, Dairy Farmers of America
“This book will challenge leaders to rethink how they show up—and it will equip them to build cultures where people can do their best work. It’s a timely guide for anyone responsible for leading people through complexity.”
—C. Scott Green, President, University of Idaho
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Imperfect CEO
Hardcover 9781637749029
Published by Matt Holt Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
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