“The hardest person you will ever have to lead is yourself. Stay true to who you are, and your leadership will follow.”
In this episode of The Business Book Club, we explore Bill George’s timeless classic, “True North” — a defining book on authentic leadership and leading with purpose. Drawing on interviews with over 100 of the world’s most successful leaders, George reveals how the greatest leaders stay grounded by following their internal compass — their “true north” — even in times of pressure and change.
Throughout the episode, we unpack how authenticity, values, and purpose form the foundation of lasting leadership success. From understanding your life story and shaping your principles, to navigating setbacks with integrity, George provides a framework for becoming the kind of leader people trust and respect. His message is especially powerful in today’s world, where transparency and empathy are more vital than ever.
By the end of this conversation, listeners walk away with practical tools for defining their own leadership path, staying aligned with their values, and inspiring others to do the same. True North is not just a leadership philosophy — it’s a roadmap to leading a meaningful life.
Episode 32 - True North
By Bill George

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About the Author
Bill George is a senior fellow at Harvard Business School and the former CEO of Medtronic, where he led the company through a decade of unprecedented growth. A pioneer in the concept of authentic leadership, George has written several influential books, including Authentic Leadership, True North, and Discover Your True North. His work focuses on helping leaders develop purpose-driven leadership built on integrity, service, and self-awareness.

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“A must-read for leaders who want to navigate complexity with integrity and authenticity.”
— Harvard Business Review












