People Follow People

If you want to be a leader, it needs to come from the heart

At a moment when many of us have lost confidence in brands, companies, influencers and leaders, it's time to ask why—as well as what sort of leaders we should aspire to be ourselves to bring that confidence back. Step forward Sam Cawthorn, an influencer at the top of his game and the founder of Speakers Institute, an international organisation that helps leaders and influencers create powerful, trusted and distinctive voices. Sam knows exactly what it took him to get where he is today, and the secret sauce wasn't flashy charisma, expensive clothes, and a perfect smile. As he argues in People Follow People, what really wins respect—and can tie hearts and minds to you for a lifetime—comes from inside: our values, character, loyalty, and integrity.

These days, no one is that impressed by how many "likes" or followers someone has. Instead they want to know what leaders find truly meaningful—and whether they can be trusted to stand by it. Chapter-by-chapter, Sam shows current and aspiring leaders how to respond to this priority shift: why it's so crucial to build trust, why you need a vision before you can create your business plan; why significance is often longer-lasting than success, and much more. With practical examples and insight—such as overcoming the daily pain from his own disability—he demonstrates that where you need to start is with yourself: if you're not working hard on you and understanding what you value deep down, you'll never win the loyalty and respect it takes to have others follow your path.

• Win the hearts and minds of consumers, clients and employees
• Become a trusted influencer who people relate to and truly respect
• Implement your clarified values and mission with significance, integrity, and success
• Reexamine your own values and priorities in order to become a leader with longevity

This inspirational book is invaluable for leaders at any level, and for anyone who wants to win the respect and attention of our colleagues and customers—and to lead more meaningful lives ourselves in the process.

About the author xi

Acknowledgements xiii

Introduction xv

My leadership journey xxvii

1 Character before charisma 1

2 Integrity before brand 9

3 Vision before mission 19

Pauline Nguyen on vision before mission 28

4 Conscious before decision 31

5 Completeness before purpose 41

6 Trust before influence 53

Tony Tan on trust before influence 61

7 Values before action 65

8 Loyalty before opportunity 75

9 Significance before success 83

Fadzi Whande on significance before success 90

10 Small before big 93

11 Why before how 103

12 Story before data 113

Bounce Forward 123

Index 125

SAM CAWTHORN is the founder of Speakers Institute Group of Companies, dedicated to creating influencers with powerful voices in the marketplace.

Can you be a leader that people will follow?

The most successful leaders and influencers are not only committed to making the world a better place, but they have the character and integrity to lead others to do the same. People Follow People is a practical guide for embracing your true character and values to create an authentic, long-lasting connection with your audience, colleagues and customers.

Best-selling author and international speaker, Sam Cawthorn, reveals the 12 characteristics you need to become an outstanding leader who attracts a loyal following, attains longevity to achieve objectives, and leaves a revered legacy.

Discover how to:

• become a recognised expert and trusted influencer
• re-examine your own values and priorities
• implement your clarified values and mission
• lead with significance, integrity and success
• win the respect of consumers, clients and employees.

People Follow People is the must-have book for anyone who wants to become an outstanding leader of influence.