Leadership comes in many forms, whether you’re a CEO of a large company, an entrepreneur building a small business, or a single parent struggling to run a family. 

But Deke Copenhaver says strong leadership is lacking without a willingness to bring about change.

Deke Copenhaver serves as principal of Copenhaver Consulting, LLC, and is the author of the book The Changemaker: The Art Of Building Better Leaders. Copenhaver was elected mayor of Augusta, Ga., serving from 2005-14, and has spoken at national conferences on topics including city design, economic development, healthcare, veterans’ issues, and the nonprofit industry.

Copenhaver says, “The fact of the matter is that effective leadership insists on the constant rejection of the status quo. True leaders demand continuous reflection and improvement of those around them, and even more importantly, of themselves.

Leadership is never easy, and on the surface, leading a group toward change and harnessing support could seem to complicate the challenge. But, Copenhaver says, change often is the only way to address problems and bring hope, and change can’t be accomplished by the leader alone.

“Change requires a leap of faith,” Copenhaver says. “Leading a change takes a competitive nature, and it requires empathy. 

“True leaders understand that their authority and influence are gifts to be shared, not power to be hoarded and wielded. No leader can do anything alone, but if you can inspire people to work with you, you can do amazing things.”

Through personal and professional anecdotes, case studies, and the wisdom from Changemakers gone by, The Changemaker will inspire and empower readers to embrace adversity, rely on creativity and character, and sometimes take the road less travelled in order to unlock one's ultimate potential.