Book Description

About the Book Based on extensive multi-year empirical research, The Pragmatic Optimist addresses what it takes to be a leading light in the darkest hours of a business or economic crisis. Using real-world case studies, you will discover how to avoid the common cognitive and behavioral traps to which all leaders are most susceptible in the heat of a crisis. Finally, you will acquire the necessary insights to develop pragmatic optimism—a winning hybrid mindset—and practice its six results-oriented strategies for success even under extreme conditions. Praises for The Pragmatic Optimist “Dr. Daniel Monehin has produced a remarkably timely masterpiece. I have studied crisis leadership for over thirty years, yet Dr. Monehin’s The Pragmatic Optimist took my understanding of leading in a crisis to a new level—I am a huge fan of this book.” - Dr. Thomas A. Kolditz, Ph.D., Brigadier General, US Army (ret), Professor Emeritus at the US Military Academy, West Point, and author, In Extremis Leadership: Leading as if Your Life Depended on It “The Pragmatic Optimist brings together factual information and the process to develop your own leadership style. I love when I find a good easy-to-apply book that I could use in my work.” - Dr. Wendy Borlabi, Psy. D., Director of Performance & Mental Health, Chicago Bulls “Dr. Daniel Monehin’s breadth of experience and depth as a global leader combined with his ability to lead through transformational change has catapulted this book to my shortlist of recommended reading to any leader.” - Ron Garrow, Executive Partner, Chief Human Resources Officer Advisory Practice at Gartner Inc. “There are many books on leadership, but few that actually give specific and actionable insights on what leaders must do in a crisis. Dr. Monehin's The Pragmatic Optimist stands tall above others—If you read only one book on leadership, it should be this one.” - Efosa Ojomo, Director of Global Prosperity at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation “Dr. Monehin draws on decades within multinationals, rigorous academic study, and importantly, his own life experience to produce this important work at this crucial time.” - Christine Elliott, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Moody’s Corporation “Having worked with Dr. Daniel Monehin for many years, I have seen him lead businesses successfully through turbulent environments. Who better than Daniel to lead us through the best of crisis management.” - Ann Cairns, Executive Vice Chair, Mastercard Inc. “Dr. Monehin, clearly and concisely, develops an essential framework for leaders to successfully overcome perilous situations. This book is an excellent manual for leaders from all spheres of influence and should be read before the next crisis!” - Femi Cadmus, Law Librarian and Professor of Law, Yale University “Between a global pandemic, social injustice and a racial reckoning, and a challenging economic climate, leaders have been tested in unprecedented ways. The Pragmatic Optimist provides an excellent roadmap for executives to successfully navigate times of adversity by keeping their vision and values in focus.” - Marisa Grimes Galiber, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, U.S. Tennis Association (USTA)