Description
The conventional perception of a leader is someone who holds a certain status: captain, coach, CEO, or other executive. And, while all of us also can be joyful followers, we all have the ability and responsibility to be leaders. In fact, anyone in any position can lead. The Leadership Code explores that unconventional notion of personal leadership and blends it with the conventional
perception by telling the journey of Paul “Whitey” Kapsalis, who grew into leadership roles in sports, business and other areas of life, and using his observations of “exceptional everyday leaders” he encountered on his life path.
The Leadership Code highlights the intangibles every human being is capable of: trust, transparency, honesty, integrity, sacrifice, teamwork and presence. All that starts with Philotimo, a Greek word that roughly translates to honor in doing the right thing, but encompasses a much broader philosophy akin to servant leadership. Philotimo reflects an honor and motivation based in a humility that values others above oneself. It also begins with a commitment to yourself. When Philotimo based human qualities are practiced, we are at our greatest leading potential. No matter
the age. No matter the position.
This is such an empowering message that says the true definition of leadership is humanity, carrying oneself with a quiet confidence, truly wishing for the good of another and leaving others better off than they were before on this beautiful journey of life.
About the Authors
Paul “Whitey” Kapsalis is a sales representative in the Apparel Industry in Indianapolis, IN, where he has successfully built a loyal and lucrative customer base. Recognized in the Indianapolis Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” list for positive contributions, he also won the Indiana Youth Soccer Presidents Award in 2010. In that same year, he won the Indiana Sports Corporation Volunteer of the Year Award. Paul is a youth minister and Eucharistic minister and also serves as chairman of the Bigelow-Brand Charity Advisory Board of the Pancreatic Cyst & Cancer Early Detection Center. He’s a soccer coach who, through words and actions, inspires participants to reach for their goals every day.
Ted Gregory is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter at the Chicago Tribune. In addition to his newspaper work, Ted is co-author of Our Black Year, a nonfiction account of an African-American family’s effort to patronize black-owned businesses exclusively for one year. He lives near Chicago, IL with his wife and children.
