Seeing the finished product is always surreal. I started writing Lead Last on a deployment. It started as me journaling and taking notes about things I was observing. I legitimately wanted to know what I could do to become a better leader, so I spent time talking to folks over meals, drinks, in the smoke pit (although I don’t smoke), and after meetings. Reading, writing, self-reflecting, and studying others was, and still is, my favorite pastime.
The interesting thing is, I started recognizing trends, both positive and negative. When I returned, I decided to do some research to see if those trends, which later developed into twenty-one principles, actually made any sense.
The book was starting to take shape, and I figured, “Why not share this with some other folks?”
So here it is! I’m excited to announce the release of my first leadership book (fourth book overall), Lead Last: Twenty-One Counterintuitive Principles for Becoming an Effective Leader. This one is special, and I’m honored to share this project alongside my publisher, Amplify Publishing Group!
What is Lead Last?
Lead Last is a leadership philosophy that challenges some traditional leadership advice while enhancing others. Born from over a decade of experience as a U.S. Marine Corps officer and cross-disciplinary research, it identifies 21 counterintuitive principles that drive real, measurable results by focusing on influence rather than authority alone.
While the “old rules” tell you to take charge and command the room, Lead Last proves that the most effective leaders are those who listen first, serve their teams, and focus on a legacy of mentorship. I wrote it for emerging leaders, so you can think of it as a blueprint for CEOs, entrepreneurs, educators, and parents who want to navigate today’s landscape with emotional intelligence and long-term vision.
Lead Last: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does it mean to “Lead Last”?
Bottom Line Up Front: Leading last isn’t about being passive (for those wondering if I’m pushing to become a “softer, kinder” leader); it’s about being the last to speak so you can be the first to understand. It’s about putting the needs of the team and the mission above self-interest to build a culture of trust and resilient results. In case you’re wondering about my thoughts on whether soft skills, like those discussed in Lead Last, make you “soft,” here’s an article I wrote about it.
What are the twenty-one counterintuitive principles?
The book outlines 21 specific “counterintuitive” rules, strategies that often run counter to traditional “alpha” leadership styles. These include principles like the “Who’s Next?” principle, which focuses on ensuring your leadership outlasts your tenure through intentional mentorship. Lead Last is broken into three parts: “Who are you?”; “Who are you leading?”; and “How are you leading?” Here is a snippet of the table of contents:
How does Lead Last apply to parenting and families?
Through the Parent-Child-Connect platform, we’ve seen that the same principles that lead high-performing military and corporate teams also lead a household. Leading last in a family context means fostering meaningful connections, teaching life lessons through storytelling, and modeling the behavior you want to see in your children.
Why is traditional leadership failing in today’s workplace?
Traditional leadership often relies on positional authority, which doesn’t translate to modern, remote, or highly collaborative environments. Lead Last argues that when you lead solely with authority, you get compliance. However, when you lead with influence, you get commitment. This shift is essential for navigating today’s “always-on” professional and family landscapes.
What is the difference between authority and influence in leadership?
A title or a rank gives authority; influence is earned through trust and consistency. I heard an interesting take on an old quote from a military colleague: “You can’t lead a horse to water, but you can make him thirsty.” Influence is making people “thirsty” for the mission. Lead Last provides the twenty-one principles needed to build that influence so people follow you because they want to, not because they have to.
How does the D.O.P.E. Framework integrate with the Lead Last philosophy?
The D.O.P.E. Framework (Dream, Offload, Plan, Execute) is one of the frameworks I developed to help you apply the Lead Last philosophy in real time. While the 21 principles provide the mindset, frameworks like the D.O.P.E. model provide the method. It allows leaders to reduce ego and distractions, focusing on a plan that empowers their team to execute at the highest level.
Is Lead Last only for military leaders?
No. While these principles were refined during my time as a Marine Corps officer, they are universal. I wrote Lead Last for emerging leaders. Whether you are a CEO managing a global team, a teacher leading a classroom, or a parent raising the next generation, the core challenge is the same: how do you foster a culture of respect and high performance? Lead Last is a guide for anyone who believes that leadership is a service, not a status symbol.
When is the Lead Last book release date?
The book officially launches on June 2, 2026, with Amplify Publishing Group. Pre-orders are available now.
Who is Olaolu Ogunyemi?
Olaolu Ogunyemi is a U.S. Marine Officer, award-winning author, and leadership strategist dedicated to developing resilient, purpose-driven leaders at work and home. As the Founder of Parent-Child-Connect, Olaolu bridges the gap between high-stakes military discipline and the intentionality required for modern mentorship.
Olaolu is the author of the Amazon best-selling Crow From the Shadow and a recipient of the Marine Corps University Foundation’s Command and Control Writing Award. His work—ranging from tactical IT strategy in the Marine Corps Gazette to faith-based resilience on the YouVersion Bible App—is unified by a single mission: equipping influencers to lead with contagious energy and practical frameworks. Whether he is speaking to corporate executives or classrooms, Olaolu delivers a message of “Marine Corps discipline meets fatherly heart” that transforms how we lead the next generation.
How You Can Support the Launch
- Pre-order: Secure your copy (or copies for your team) at the link below.
- Spread the Word: If you can’t pre-order today, please share this post.
- Join the Conversation: Comment below: What is one leadership “rule” you think is broken?
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