Resilience That Works: Eight Practices for Leadership and Life - By Marian N. Ruderman, Cathleen Clerkin & Katya C. Fernandez

🔥 Resilience That Works: The Playbook Every Leader Needs

Ever felt like you're constantly spinning plates? As a leader, it's easy to fall into the trap of doing more, giving more, pushing harder. But here's the thing: you can't pour from an empty cup.

That's where Resilience That Works: Eight Practices for Leadership and Life steps in. Written by Marian N. Ruderman, Cathleen Clerkin, and Katya C. Fernandez, this book isn't just another theory-laden leadership manual. It's your practical, science-backed guide to staying grounded, energised, and clear-headed in high-stress environments.

🧱 So, what makes it work?

The book introduces eight proven practices that help leaders build sustainable resilience. These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re tangible tools grounded in research from the Centre for Creative Leadership. From sleep and exercise to mindfulness and connection, each practice targets a different layer of your wellbeing. Think of it like a resilience toolkit you can dip into whenever life gets a bit too much.

What sets this book apart is its holistic approach. It acknowledges that resilience isn't just about bouncing back—it's about staying well, long-term. It's about shifting from reactive to proactive. And it's about knowing your limits without feeling like a failure.

🧩 The Eight Practices:

1. Physical Vitality: Fuel your resilience with sleep, nutrition, and movement. Your body is your power source.
2. Mental Toughness: Train your focus, clarity, and flexibility. Learn to quiet the noise and sharpen your decision-making.
3. Emotional Balance: Recognise, regulate, and leverage your emotions. Stay steady when the pressure rises.
4. Social Connection: Build strong, supportive relationships. Because resilient leaders never go it alone.
5. Energy Management: Master how you spend and renew your energy. Don’t just work harder—work smarter.
6. Meaning Making: Reconnect with what matters. Align your daily actions with your deeper purpose.
7. Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities. Flip setbacks into stepping stones.
8. Self-Awareness: Know your strengths, limits, and values. Lead with authenticity and intention.

Every chapter includes reflection prompts and real-world examples. That means you can immediately apply what you read to your own life. Whether you’re a CEO, a team leader, or a solo entrepreneur, these tools help you show up as your best self.

🌟 Why it matters

Burnout isn't a badge of honour. It’s a warning sign. Leaders who neglect their own resilience risk more than exhaustion. They risk losing clarity, compassion, and the ability to lead effectively. This book arms you with strategies to prevent that.

So, if you’re ready to move from surviving to thriving—this one’s for you.

Pick it up. Practise what it preaches. And start building resilience that truly works.

Because you deserve to lead with energy, purpose, and joy.