Today, Lead Last officially launches, and it still feels surreal! This book started with one simple conviction: the old rules of leadership are broken. We don’t need louder leaders…We already have enough of those. We need leaders who are willing to learn, observe, and put people first.

As I wrote in the introduction:

“Leadership isn’t about being the first to act or grabbing attention. It’s about learning, observing, and prioritizing others’ needs over your own.”

I wrote Lead Last because I kept watching talented teams, founders, and leaders get stuck in the same loop: great starts, weak finishes. Many of us worked our butts off to get the job, but once we got our foot in the door, we didn’t realize that the transition from self-glorification and brand promotion wouldn’t be what actually sustained results in our various leadership positions. The cost of that rough transition is real: wasted time, stalled careers, and teams that never learn how to close or sustain success. This book is my attempt to give emerging leaders a practical, honest, people‑first blueprint. Simply put, I’m a Marine who prioritizes simplicity, directness, and practical application over theory, fluff, and motivational smoke (although I believe you’ll be pretty motivated after reading). These are real tools and real stories to spark real change.

What This Book Actually Gives You

Instead of promising quick fixes, Lead Last walks you through twenty‑one counterintuitive principles that help you:

• Understand yourself before you try to lead others
• Build trust without chasing approval
• Create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and accountable
• Lead humans and “robots” (yes, that’s a real chapter)
• Develop a legacy of mentorship that outlasts your position

As the book says:

“True leadership creates ripples that extend beyond the immediate moment.”

That’s the goal — leadership that lasts (Do you get it now?).

A Quick Behind‑the‑Scenes Moment

This book wasn’t written from an “ivory tower.” In fact, it was mostly written aboard a steel ship while deployed alongside some of the most phenomenal leaders I could possibly learn from and in my own home, after learning from my wonderful children. That means Lead Last was written in the margins of real life — deployments, parenting, mentoring Marines, receiving mentorship, coaching leaders, and learning from my own mistakes.

One of the most personal moments I share is the story of hiding behind a camera at my sister’s wedding because I felt insignificant. That insecurity shaped how I led early on and how I had to grow.

“Many of us are so insecure and unsure of who we are that we are willing to do almost anything to divert attention from our flaws.”

If you’ve ever felt that, this book is for you.

Where to Get Your Copy

The book is officially live everywhere books are sold:

• LeadLastBook.com (best all‑in‑one link)
• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Books‑A‑Million
• Bookshop (For those who would like to order my book from an independent bookstore of their choice)
• Indigo (For my friends in Canada)
• Amplify Publishing (Directly from the publisher)

Preorders are now shipping, and new orders are going out starting today.

How You Can Support the Launch

If you want to help this message reach more leaders:

• Buy a copy today
• Leave an honest review on Amazon or your retailer of choice
• Share a quote or takeaway from the book on social
• Tag someone who needs this kind of leadership right now

Small actions make a huge difference!!

What’s Next

Next Thursday, the eBook drops to $0.99. It’s that simple. No excuse not to pick it up and share!

I’ll share more details soon — along with templates, behind‑the‑scenes stories, and a few leadership challenges you can use with your team.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for believing in this message. And thank you for helping to bring Lead Last to life today.

Let’s go change how people lead… one principle at a time.

— Olaolu