In his new book Step Up and Lead, Frank Viscuso--author, speaker, and career deputy chief--shares the secrets of effective fire service leadership, introduces the traits and skills essential for successful fire service leaders, and discusses the importance of customer service. Designed to help you reach the top of your profession, this new book is considered must-read material for anyone who is ready to step up and lead!

Many strategic change efforts fail. And virtually all of them are harder than they need to be. Why is this? And what can we do to make change more likely to stick? Dr. Elsbeth Johnson, a former equity analyst and London Business School Professor now teaching at MIT, has spent a decade researching how to deliver strategic change in practice. Based on asking managers what they needed from leaders, rather than just asking leaders what they did, her resulting Step Up, Step Back approach challenges some of our most fundamental beliefs about how to lead change – and indeed, about what we even consider to be 'leadership'. The Step Up, Step Back approach suggests leaders need to step up and do more than they typically do in the early stages of the change – in specific ways and at specific times; and then step back and do less than they typically do in the later stages of the change – again, in specific ways, at specific times. The result is not only change that sticks, but empowered, motivated managers who can get on with delivering change, without needing ongoing input or cover from leaders. Using real-world examples of how to apply the science in practice, Step Up, Step Back gives you a roadmap for how to deliver strategic change in your organization.

If your life was a story, what would it say? Would it be about pain or purpose, tragedy or triumph, loss or love? We each have a choice in the story we tell. In Step OUT, Step UP, Step FORWARD: How To Walk in Your Purpose, you will learn to embrace and overcome your challenges. The focus of wholeness in mind, body, and spirit, ignited a spark to find and share those answers, those “ah-ha’s” with you. Right now, is the greatest and most important time of your life. This journey is yours. You may struggle and fall, but you will learn to honor the steps taken, and live each day transformed. Lori’s mission is to empower you to re-envision your life, embrace your authentic self and to walk your path with intention and grace. No matter HOW you came to hold this book in your hands, you were meant to; for no other reason but to embrace YOU, and your story. Get ready to learn, listen to your voice within, and walk a path that “fits” for you. Praise for STEP OUT, STEP UP, STEP FORWARD: “When you step into your true self—not who society says you are, but your true, authentic self—your whole life begins to turn around. Lori Dixon shows you how to walk the path to your own authenticity, with kindness and support. An insightful book for women seeking personal expansion.” —Sara Wiseman, author of Messages from the Divine: Wisdom for the Seeker’s Soul, www.sarawiseman.com “Lori masterfully weaves her incredible and inspiring story with layered and important wisdom to create a book that not only entertains but becomes a powerful coaching session (or five!) for you on its own. If you are looking for more clarity, more direction, more motivation and more forward movement, this is your book.” —Joanna Lindenbaum, author, master coach, and master facilitator, www.joannalindenbaum.com “If you’re being called to get clear on your purpose or take it to the next level, this is THE book for you. It’s never too late to align to your soul’s purpose and share it with the world as you’ll learn from this enlightening book!” —Jennifer Longmore, founder of Akashic Record Training, www.souljourneys.ca “I am impressed by Lori’s commitment to rising above perceptions especially those around health & happiness. Lori continues to break through inner glass ceilings and therefore emerges to new levels of self-healing and expression.” —Dr. Ellie Drake, founder of Braveheart Women International “Lori Dixon’s book, Step Out, Step Up, Step Forward: How to Walk in Your Purpose, is set to launch soon and I can’t contain my excitement. Finally, Finally, Finally, everyone everywhere can witness this powerhouse as she teaches us to understand our purpose and own it every step of the way! I’ve witnessed her magic firsthand, and there’s not a day that goes by that I am not grateful for this pure light in my life. I ask you all to take a moment, buckle up, and get ready for one wild ride as Lori teaches you How to Walk in Your Purpose. Enjoy your life changing journey. xo” —David D’Orso, creative producer, Real Housewives of Dallas Season 2

As a child, Sarah Robb O’Hagan dreamed she could be a champion. Her early efforts failed to reveal a natural superstar, but she refused to settle for average. Through dramatic successes and epic fails, she studied how extraordinary people in sports, entertainment and business set and achieve extremely personal goals. Sarah became an executive at Virgin Atlantic and Nike, and despite being fired twice in her twenties, she went on to become the global president of Gatorade and of Equinox—as well as a wife, mother, and endurance athlete. In every challenging situation, personal or professional, individuals face the pressure to play it safe and conform to the accepted norms. But doing so comes with heavy costs: passions stifled, talents ignored, and opportunities squelched. The bolder choice is to embrace what Sarah calls Extreme You: to confidently bring all that is distinctive and relevant about yourself to everything you do. Inspiring, surprising, and practical, Extreme You is her training program for becoming the best version of yourself.

A New Vision of Inclusive Leadership What makes someone a leader? Someone you vote for, work for, or listen to for their expertise? With Step Up, equality advocate Ash Beckham challenges us to embrace a different vision of leadership—to stop focusing on external authorities and start reclaiming our own ability to create change. “What we need most is everyday leaders,” she writes. “We need people who step up and be the change they wish to see in the world. Anyone can do it. You can do it.” Whether your path involves activism, political engagement, or simply being a positive voice in your workplace, home, and community, Beckham’s Step Up provides essential guidance on cultivating the eight pillars of everyday leadership: - Empathy—the art of relating to others with compassion for our shared humanity, regardless of whether we agree - Responsibility—how we can raise our awareness and consciously choose to behave in ways that heal instead of harm - Courage—understanding the nature of fear so we can move beyond our comfort zone one step at a time - Grace—how keeping our higher purpose always in sight helps us stop reacting with fear or anger - Individuality—learning to value and celebrate our uniqueness, including the parts of ourselves we often reject - Humility—ways to keep the ego in check and open the door to honest, collaborative relationships - Patience—guidance for disarming our tendency to rush ahead so we can act with greater deliberation and forethought - Authenticity—how we can embody our deepest truths and lead by example in any situation For each pillar, Beckham shares engaging stories of her own journey from isolation and anger to a place of greater openness and connection—supported by scientific research and everyday practices to mindfully change the way you relate to yourself and the people in your life. Step Up is a powerful call to action—to speak when it feels easier to be silent, to do good without being self-righteous, and to create a world of inclusion where everyone has a voice and everyone belongs.

What's the most courageous thing you've ever done?