Leadership isn’t what it used to be—and that’s exactly why the stakes have never been higher. Gone are the days of rigid hierarchies and “my way or the highway” management. In a world defined by constant disruption, generational shifts, artificial intelligence, and global chaos, yesterday’s leaders are today’s liabilities. To survive—and thrive—you must evolve, or risk irrelevance.

Lead with Purpose or Be Led by Circumstance by Douglas Sims, PhD, is more than a leadership book; it’s a wake-up call. Dr. Sims doesn’t deal in clichés or feel-good fluff. He’s been in the trenches—founding, scaling, and selling five corporations across six states, and later bringing his leadership expertise into academia as Dean of a School of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. His experience isn’t theoretical—it’s hard-earned, practical, and transformational.

This isn’t another book filled with abstract theories or vague advice about “inspiring your team.” Lead with Purpose or Be Led by Circumstance is a no-nonsense, actionable guide for navigating the chaos of the 21st century. It’s about making the hard decisions, earning trust in a skeptical world, and adapting to a landscape where the only constant is change. Whether you’re leading multi-generational teams, leveraging AI to gain an edge, or steering your organization through uncertainty, Dr. Sims delivers a toolkit for leaders who refuse to be left behind.

What truly sets this book apart is its brutal honesty and unflinching accountability. Dr. Sims challenges you to confront the core truth of leadership: It’s a choice. You can step up, evolve, and lead—or be swept aside by those who will. Leadership isn’t a title, it’s a test. And the only question that matters is this: Are you ready to pass it?

If you’re tired of outdated leadership models, if you’re ready to trade mediocrity for mastery, and if you’re determined to lead with purpose rather than be led by circumstance, this book is your blueprint. Bold, practical, and transformative, it will leave you with one pressing question: Will you take control of your leadership journey, or will the future leave you behind?

The choice is yours. Turn the page. The future of leadership is waiting.