Experiential Leadership: How Real-Life Moments Shape the Way We Lead

In Experiential Leadership: How Real-Life Moments Shape the Way We Lead, former president of Lehigh University John D. Simon invites readers into a deeply personal exploration of how leadership grows through experience. With over two decades of higher education stewardship, he was confronted with unique challenges including the Duke Lacrosse scandal and the forced resignation of University of Virginia President Theresa Sullivan, along with more universal educational leadership issues like adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic, forging national and international partnerships, and fostering academic freedom in an increasingly polarized time. With deep humility and humanity, he conveys his hard-earned insight—every challenge is a chance to lead more authentically and with greater purpose and self-awareness. Through compelling stories and practical reflections, he demonstrates how leaders develop resilience, clarity, and purpose by learning directly from the moments that matter most.

Challenges to higher education are only deepening. University leaders must wrestle with generative AI, funding challenges, and an impending enrollment cliff, among others demanding problems. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role for the first time or seeking to deepen your impact, this book offers relatable stories and empowering lessons. Experiential Leadership invites you to embrace your own leadership journey—enabling you to honor the lessons life gives you and turn experience into influence.