New leadership book to transform how we empower future leaders

First published by Edith Cowan University

Edith Cowan University (ECU) Lecturer and Research Cluster Lead Dr Andrei Lux is redefining leadership education by combining academic theory with personal growth in his newly published book, Leadership: A Reflective and Student Focused Approach.

Published and distributed by Sage Publications, the book is set to enhance the student experience in the Leadership unit delivered at the ECU School of Business and Law, by providing a resource that is both academically rigorous and easily accessible.

"Many of the leadership textbooks currently on the shelves are 20 to 30 years old and read like a 600-page journal article. New editions give them a fresh coat of paint, but underneath is a dated approach to learning that’s out of step with the world today," Dr Lux explained.

"I wanted to create a whole new genre of leadership textbooks – something that my students would actually want to read, with the easy and engaging conversational tone of a book that you’d find in an airport bookshop, but with the academic rigour and research backing of a university textbook."

A reflective and student focused approach

At the heart of the book is a transformative pedagogy that empowers students to critically examine their own beliefs, values, and life experiences. This process helps students to build a reflective self-knowledge base, an appreciation for multiple perspectives, and a sense of personal agency.

With over 30 online reflective exercises and quizzes, easily accessible via QR codes, students are guided on a journey of self-discovery that encourages them to reframe their past experiences as valuable leadership interventions and sources of self-knowledge.

"Students today aren't engaging with material that feels irrelevant to their lives – like case studies of Fortune 500 CEOs, Prime Ministers, and Presidents. What they’re really interested in is themselves, in developing their own leadership capabilities. This book shifts the focus back onto the students," Dr Lux said.

Leadership is for everybody

"In the book I challenge traditional norms about leader identity – leadership is for everybody, it’s not something that is reserved for only a select few. My approach helps to develop the kinds of positive leadership behaviours that can empower anyone to progress towards leadership roles."

Dr Lux explained that leadership development isn't just about learning theory; it's a process of becoming leaders by developing an aspirational identity that is aligned with their values and experiences.

"I want students to see themselves as potential leaders and recognise that their differences are their greatest assets, not barriers."

By emphasising contemporary leadership perspectives, Dr Lux highlights that there’s not one best way to lead.

"Successful leaders are authentic – they are true to themselves – and it is through their diverse constellation of experiences, perspectives, and heritages that they are so effective. Real leadership is something that emerges from within."

Transforming how ECU empowers future leaders

Starting from Semester 1 in 2025, leadership students at ECU will use the book as a core text, with curriculum adjustments already in place to align the unit with its principles. These changes will provide a more dynamic, interactive, and student-centred learning experience to promote personalised development.

By embracing the reflective approach outlined in the book, students are encouraged to cultivate a growth mindset that not only advances their academic and professional journeys but also fosters personal excellence. The book invites readers to reimagine leadership and themselves, guiding them to develop an aspirational identity that aligns with their unique experiences and strengths.

Dr Lux also intends to take his message beyond ECU’s classrooms, with plans to promote the book globally.

"My goal is to reach educators and leadership programs around the world, building a network of leadership scholars who share my vision for transformative, student-focused leadership education."

Impact beyond the classroom

With its conversational tone and approachable style, backed by rigorous research, Leadership is designed to resonate with anyone looking to improve their leadership capabilities, regardless of their professional background.

"I want this book to inspire readers beyond academia. Its approach makes it valuable not only for students but for professionals at any stage of their leadership journey," Dr Lux said.

"Leadership is something everyone can develop and benefit from – whether you're in business, the public sector, healthcare, law, religious organisations, or the armed forces. This book is designed to be universally applicable in its approach."

Leadership: A Reflective and Student Focused Approach is widely available from local bookstores, Amazon (including Kindle), and Google Books. Leadership educators can request a free inspection copy from Sage Publications.