Finding Your True North in Leadership: Why Authentic Leadership Matters More Than Ever
In today’s rapidly changing business world, leadership is no longer defined by authority or position—it is defined by authenticity.
Leadership is a Constant. Direction is a Choice
Grounded in real-world leadership principles—adaptability, humility, emotional intelligence, and C4 leadership—this book serves as a practical guide for those responsible for people and outcomes. Through reflective and actionable chapters, readers are encouraged to examine their choices, strengthen human connections, and intentionally shape cultures where trust, respect, and high performance thrive.
Excerpt from the Book
People admire those who remain composed, especially in difficult situations. When you maintain your cool, others see you as a strong and reliable person. This earns you respect and makes people more likely to seek your advice or trust your judgment.
Dr Albert M. Bedwell
About the Book
True North: Back to the Basics is more than just a book-it’s a compass designed to guide you back to what truly matters: building strong, authentic relationships with people. Grounded in the principles of the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory, this book helps you navigate the often complex terrain of workplace dynamics by focusing on concepts such as trust, respect, communication, and commitment.
Through the lens of real-world experience and the often-unheard voices of employees, the author brings to light the conversations that happen behind closed doors and the subtle cues that influence whether management and leadership earn buy-in or breeds disengagement. These insights reveal the true north of leadership-where high-quality relationships create the foundation for team performance and morale.
Whether you are on the front lines or in the executive suite, this book offers practical strategies and personal reflections to help you reconnect with your core values. It challenges readers to move beyond transactional relationships and toward genuine connection-where employees feel seen, heard, and valued.
True North isn’t just a guide-it’s a call to lead with purpose, conviction, and authenticity. Real leadership begins when you align who you are with how you live and connect with others. As you move forward, let your values be your guide, your vision be your direction, and your integrity be the anchor. Because leadership that endures doesn’t come from a position-it comes from purpose. Stay true to it, and the impact you make will outlast you.
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About the Author
Dr. Albert M. Bedwell—or Mike as he’s known to friends and family—brings over two decades of diverse experience spanning the military, corporate world, and federal government. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Mike’s career began with humble service as a U.S. Army Soldier, where he first developed the discipline and resilience that continue to guide him today.
Over the course of his career, he’s established himself as an expert in strategic planning, and organizational management and leadership, particularly within the U.S. Intelligence and Special Operations communities. His work has taken him around the globe, leading teams in both conflict zones and peacetime settings, earning him a reputation as someone who’s decisive, mission-focused, and delivers results.
Mike’s leadership philosophy blends academic theory with practicality. His insights are shaped by the challenges he’s faced firsthand, and he’s passionate about helping others apply these lessons to thrive in today’s fast-paced and evolving workplace.
When he’s not working, Mike enjoys spending time with family and friends, international travel, and outdoor activities such as scuba, skiing, and kayaking.
About the Author
Dr. Albert M. Bedwell—or Mike as he’s known to friends and family—brings over two decades of diverse experience spanning the military, corporate world, and federal government. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Mike’s career began with humble service as a U.S. Army Soldier, where he first developed the discipline and resilience that continue to guide him today.
Throughout his career, he gained deep expertise in strategic planning and organizational management, particularly within the U.S. Intelligence and Special Operations communities. His leadership took him around the world, where he managed teams in both conflict zones and peacetime settings, earning him a reputation as someone who’s decisive, mission-focused, and moves the needle.
Mike’s leadership philosophy blends academic research with real-world experience. His insights are shaped by the challenges he’s faced firsthand, and he’s passionate about helping others apply these lessons to thrive in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving workplace.
When he’s not working, Mike enjoys spending time with family and friends, avid international travel, and engaging in outdoor activities like scuba diving, skiing, and kayaking.
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Here’s What Readers Think
“I teach middle school and lead a small team of teachers. The sections on humility and C4 leadership spoke to me because classrooms can be stressful, and kids notice everything. Since reading it, I have been more intentional about how I respond to pressure and how I support my colleagues.”
Angela T.
Teacher
“I picked up the book for a leadership course and kept reading it after the assignment ended. The examples make complex ideas easy to understand, and the reflection questions helped me think about the kind of leader I want to become.”
Maya S.
Graduate Student
“True North: Back To The Basics reads not like a dull self-help book but more like a conversation with a leader who has actually been in the field. The chapters on adaptability and trust helped me frame some hard decisions with my senior team in a way that brought people closer together instead of driving them apart.”
Karen M.
CEO
“As a regional operations executive, I see a lot of leadership content that is heavy on theory and light on reality. Dr. Bedwell gives straight, usable advice that I could take into my one-on-ones the same week, especially around self-accountability and emotional intelligence.”
David R.
Senior Operations Executive
“I run a small home repair business and manage a crew of five. This book gave me simple ideas on how to talk to my guys, listen better, and keep calm when jobs go sideways. It made leadership feel less like a big corporate word far removed from my daily reality and more like how I show up every day.”
Luis G.
Handyman and Small Business Owner
Key Insights
Why Adaptability Is the Most Critical Leadership Skill in the Modern Workplace
he modern workplace is defined by rapid change—technological disruption, global uncertainty, and evolving workforce expectations.
Servant Leadership and Trust: The Foundation of High-Performing Teams
At the heart of every high-performing organization lies one essential element: trust. In True North: Back to the Basics,
Stay Aligned with Your True North
Receive short, practical leadership insights inspired by True North: Back To The Basics directly in your inbox. Each email shares a simple idea, reflection question, or practice you can use with your team, along with occasional updates on new resources and events from Dr. Bedwell.
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