How do we become leaders?

No one is born a natural leader. This is the idea at the heart of this enlightening leadership book. Popular culture feeds us images of the square-jawed, strong-armed leader - charismatic, powerful, decisive. But the truth is, with the right amount of self-knowledge and authenticity, an appreciation of the benefits of failure and a curiosity with the world around us, anyone can become a good leader, even those of us who don't fit the stereotypes.

There are countless courses and books available on the subjects of leadership technique, decision-making and public speaking, but How to be a Leader provides you with the tools necessary to develop and understand your own leadership style. With an in-depth look at what it really means to lead, and the difference between being a manager and being a leader, this book invites you to explore - and accept - the unique leader within you.

'The School of Life is dedicated to making our lives clearer, less puzzling and more enjoyable - by studying the big themes of life with the help of culture. This new series of self-help books continues to reinvent the genre, making it into something more serious, profound and genuinely helpful'
Alain de Botton, Founder of The School of Life

'The School of Life offers radical ways to help us raid the treasure trove of human knowledge'
Independent on Sunday

Martin Bjergegaard is a serial entrepreneur and an international bestselling author. He is the co-founder of Rainmaking, Startupbootcamp, Frokost.dk and BetterNow.org and, most recently, Rainmaking Loft. His bestselling book, Winning Without Losing, has been translated into thirteen languages and won the prestigious Management Book of the Year award from the Chartered Management Institute and the British Library. Martin is also the author of The Great Idea, an entrepreneurial fairytale for children.
Cosmina Popa is an entrepreneur whose experience is firmly rooted in the technology and sustainability sectors. She fell in love with coaching and leadership development whilst working in sustainable business consulting at the Centre for Synchronous Leadership in London. In 2013, she, together with a team based in Washington DC, co-founded the Conscious Venture Lab, a startup accelerator focused on developing socially conscious entrepreneurs. She holds an MSc in Environment and International Development from King's College London, and a BA in Liberal Arts from St John's College, Maryland, USA.