FEARLESS: LEADERSHIP LESSONS AT THE CROSSROADS received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Steve Johns.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
FEARLESS: LEADERSHIP LESSONS AT THE CROSSROADS, January 1, 2023
What’s the book’s first line?
When Crisis Comes Knocking. The second half of March 2020 was a time of chaos, confusion, and fear.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
FEARLESS: LEADERSHIP LESSONS AT THE CROSSROADS is a candid narrative of resilience, determination, and leadership in the face of unprecedented adversity. At its core, this book is about more than just surviving a crisis—it’s about thriving through it with unwavering authenticity and being fearless.
In a world turned upside down overnight, where daily business operations came to a halt and revenue plummeted to zero, the stakes were higher than ever. Nonprofits, communities, and livelihoods hung in the balance. It was a threat that could crush the very spirit of our organization and those we served.
Amidst all the chaos and uncertainty, I tried to be a guiding light for my team. I began writing heartfelt, weekly letters to everyone at OneCause, independently of our communications team. In these letters, I shared personal lessons on life and leadership. They weren’t just textbook strategies; they were expressions of my raw vulnerability and a hope for genuine connection despite the physical distance between us. Each letter served as a rallying cry to keep moving forward when stopping was not an option.
This book chronicles the journey of our company as we chose to embrace vulnerability as a strength. It showcases the power of pulling together as a team, with each member bringing their unique leadership to the table. It’s about the courage to face the unknown with a full heart, to mobilize, motivate, and inspire when everything seemed lost.
FEARLESS is a testament to the belief that where there is no mud, there is no lotus; where there is no authenticity, there is no true leadership. It’s a story of how OneCause, against all odds, committed to not letting anyone down—not a single person, nonprofit, or community.
This book is a guide to the fearless leadership found not in classrooms or college courses, but in the raw, real experiences of those who lead with their hearts. Through its 16 chapters, FEARLESS shares the lessons that shaped the OneCause team, the challenges that tested our resolve, and the triumphs that defined the company. It’s a journey through crisis and beyond, a blueprint for leading with authenticity and courage when the stakes are at their highest.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I was inspired to write FEARLESS: LEADERSHIP LESSONS AT THE CROSSROADS by the remarkable team at OneCause and the nonprofit customers we serve. Their passion, dedication, and fearless leadership motivated me to share our collective stories, experiences, and insights. This book is a tribute to them and a reflection of the incredible work they do to make the world a better place.
During challenging times like the pandemic, we all faced uncertainty and had to make difficult decisions. But from that shared experience, I wanted to document the inspiration we found to overcome those challenges, providing a toolkit for navigating future difficulties. I believe that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and through this book, I wanted to reassure those closest to me that it’s okay to be vulnerable. Writing this book was my way of conveying that message.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
The main reason someone should read FEARLESS: LEADERSHIP LESSONS AT THE CROSSROADS is to gain practical lessons from real-life experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned leader, an aspiring one, or simply someone navigating the complexities of life, this book offers a wealth of inspiration and guidance. It provides a toolkit for facing challenges head-on, making difficult decisions, and embracing vulnerability as a strength. Through the stories, experiences, and insights shared, readers will find the courage and motivation to lead fearlessly in their own lives, both personally and professionally. These lessons may have been learned or re-learned during a crisis, but they are applicable to the crossroads that we face in our daily lives. I hope this book serves as a valuable reference manual for navigating those challenges.
When did you first decide to become an author?
Honestly, I never planned on becoming an author. It was never even a consideration. I refer to myself now as an accidental author.
For the latter part of my career, I’ve been very intentional about my choices, ensuring that I contribute to the greater good. That’s what led me to OneCause where I’m deeply inspired by every team member and the nonprofit organizations we serve. When I joined the company, I made a promise to add to the good of society.
As the company’s CEO, I take my role very seriously. I feel responsible for the company’s growth and for the development of every single team member. I also feel a tremendous responsibility to our customers and their needs, ensuring they receive value from our software solutions and services. I’m grateful for the trust they place in us.
It’s because of OneCause Nation and all our customers that I was inspired to pen my thoughts on paper and call it a book. It’s our story, our shared journey. It’s for them, not for me.
I’m proud to share that a portion of book royalties are reserved for charitable donations, scholarship programs, and the advancement of generosity. We have a responsibility to pay it forward and help one another to build better tomorrows. That’s what it’s all about.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Yes .
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I lead the team at OneCause as the company’s CEO. OneCause provides digital fundraising solutions that help nonprofits connect with their donors and impact giving.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part of being an indie author is the journey of publishing a book and learning about all the nuances of the industry. From writing and editing to formatting and marketing, every step of the process offers a new experience.
The hardest part is not knowing what you don’t know. Navigating the complexities of self-publishing can be challenging, especially when you’re unaware of the potential pitfalls or overlooked opportunities. It requires a lot of research, patience, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures along the way.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
For fellow indie authors, here’s a piece of advice:
Writing and publishing a book is a journey filled with ups and downs, so patience is key. Conduct thorough research on every aspect of self-publishing, from writing and editing to marketing and distribution. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
It’s essential to get others to read your manuscript — both those who are close to you and familiar with your story, and those who aren’t. Their feedback can provide insights you may not have thought about and help you refine your work.
Surround yourself with a supportive network of experienced authors, editors, marketers, and other industry professionals. Be open and willing to learn from their expertise and experiences. Their guidance and advice can be invaluable on your indie author journey.
Last bit of advice: Re-read your work often!
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
Sure, why not? If a traditional publisher came calling, I would consider it as I would consider any opportunity. The main reason would be the option for a broader distribution and potentially greater exposure to the book’s shared story. While self-publishing offers freedom and control, traditional publishing can provide access to resources and networks that may not be easily accessible otherwise.
I’m proud of the work in FEARLESS: LEADERSHIP LESSONS AT THE CROSSROADS. It would be a compliment to hear from a traditional publisher. However, I’m equally proud to be an indie author and share the space with so many wonderful self-published authors who took the same incredible journey.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
What motivates me the most is my family — my wife, children, and my beautiful one-year-old granddaughter. They inspire me to show up every day and contribute to the greater good. I’m also motivated by my team at OneCause and the nonprofit organizations we serve.
My ultimate aspiration is to leave the world better than I entered it, not just for my granddaughter, Tallulah, but also for future generations. That’s my legacy. That’s what truly drives me.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Marcus Aurelius and his book, Meditations. Marcus was also an ‘accidental author.’ Meditations is a collection of his musings, thoughts, personal reminders, and quotes from others. Similarly, the weekly letters I wrote to the OneCause team were never intended for publication. They were personal reflections, revealing my hopes, shared frustrations, and the tools I leaned on to lead through the crisis—including quotes and lessons from others.
While Marcus Aurelius faced much greater adversity, his Stoic approach of focusing on what he could control is timeless. Meditations serves as a reference manual, not meant to be read chronologically. That’s how I see FEARLESS: LEADERSHIP LESSONS AT THE CROSSROADS—a guide to be consulted as needed, offering insights and inspiration.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
The book I aspire to write someday will tell the story of nonprofits joining forces with the commercial world and capital sources to channel wealth for good, tackling and eradicating issues like homelessness, lack of education, poverty, food insecurity, and disease.
Today, we help nonprofits raise funds to address these challenges, but the problems are so vast that our efforts barely make a dent. Commercial businesses can make the long-term investments in innovation and technology that nonprofits cannot. Public markets, private equity, and venture capital can fund this long-term innovation, but only through commercial enterprises.
The book that needs to be written will look back on the collaboration of these three entities into a global force that tackles the world’s biggest issues—and wins.