Tonya Berry

Senior Vice President of Transformation & Engineering

Consumers Energy

"Jacqueline Baker does it again in her new book, “The Unexpected Leader” by challenging the reader in their thinking about leadership. She has you pondering on your own leadership journey and tells her readers that you must take responsibility for elevating your own leadership journey.  She provides helpful tips for success (i.e., make sure you make time to invest in your leadership) and pitfalls to avoid that could derail your success (i.e., don’t self-sabotage).  It’s a fascinating read and will inspire you to level up your own leadership."

KimArie Yowell

Chief Learning Officer 

Rocket Central

"The Unexpected Leader has been delivered to us at the perfect time! In a world where it's important for everyone to understand that we all have the capacity to lead where we are, the Unexpected Leader provides practical tools for everyone to lead effectively, no matter their role, position, or status in life."

Reneé Fluker 

Founder & President 

Midnight Golf Program

"For seasoned, aspiring, and even the most reluctant leaders, The Unexpected Leader is the timely and relevant leadership guide you didn’t know you needed. Redefining what – and where – it means to be a leader, Jacqueline shares candid, practical insights to identify, sharpen, and elevate the leader inside of you. Whether leading within an organization, your family, social circle, or community, The Unexpected Leader is your definitive, actionable blueprint to embracing and cultivating the leader within and empowering others to do the same."

Andy Miller 

Senior Vice President 

AARP Innovation Labs

"The Unexpected Leader provides a unique perspective on what it means to be a leader, whether at work, at home, or in the community, and provides a compelling case for why we are all everyday leaders in life. Jacqueline M. Baker masterfully outlines how each of us can strengthen our leadership skills through tools, frameworks, and real life examples. In an increasingly complex world, The Unexpected Leader is what we need now more than ever."

Dr. Donald R. James 

Chief Executive Officer

Solero Technologies

"This book offered some insightful as well as practical approaches to living out everyday leadership through a multitude of life lenses. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just reaching the self-actualization stage of your leadership journey, The Unexpected Leader offers key process steps needed to reach an obtainable goal to those who desire to evolve into their full leadership potential. True leaders who simply want to inspire more leaders will find the tools in this book helpful. It’s a compass and roadmap with actionable tips for leadership realization and growth."

Nancy Mastroianni

Head of Growth

HLTH

"The Unexpected Leader: Discovering The Leader Within You is worthy of being at the top of your "must-read" list.  Jacqueline Baker brings her exceptional polish, creative thought leadership, and dynamic experience to the forefront to provide guidance in your leadership journey.  Elevate your role, your impact, and leadership skills to engage in meaningful personal growth through this exceptional book.  This is a game-changer for all of us who are striving to be lifetime leaders, no matter what career path we choose."

Dr. Marlo Rencher 

Founder, Tech Founder Academy 

Co-Founder, Commune Angels

"There are countless books that celebrate leadership in the business world. What I love about The Unexpected Leader is that it is designed to empower leaders at work and in our communities who make the world a better place without fanfare. The Unexpected Leader uplifts those leaders, gives them permission to own their leadership, and provides tangible tools and frameworks to help strengthen their skills. As the boundaries blur between our work and home lives, we need guidance on how to be our very best selves no matter the context. The Unexpected Leader is that guide."

Brandon Hurst

Chick-fil-A Franchisee

BJH Hospitality Group INC.

"Amid the world being UNEXPECTEDLY disrupted, shaken, and brought to an alarming halt due to the crippling Coronavirus, Jacqueline’s The Unexpected Leader is the “just-in-time” invitation for which we’ve all been waiting to show up as the ultimate leader. Serving as the perfect dose of encouragement and as a catalyst for redefining what it means to be a leader in today’s everchanging landscape, it calls us to lean more into unexpected opportunities, to embrace leadership relevancy in every facet of our lives and equips us with the right tools and perspective to lead in places we’ve yet to imagine!"

Pamela Eyring

President

The Protocol School of Washington

"For our own success to be real, it must contribute to the success of others.”  This quote by Eleanor Roosevelt shares Jacqueline M. Baker’s passion in her book, Unexpected Leader: Discovering the Leader Within You.  Her book inspires leadership development at all levels and helps us understand our own personal role in our leadership journey.  From what to expect when making the leadership decision to knowing the pitfalls of self-sabotage, you will enjoy learning from Jacqueline’s shared experiences and approach to leadership success."

Jocelyn K. Coley 

Co-Founder and CEO

The Allen Lewis Agency

At a time when professionals are leaving the workforce in record numbers, people are desperately searching for real meaning and motivation in their lives. The Unexpected Leader is a true roadmap to powerful self-exploration, both personally and professionally. 

'Whether it's finding your voice, leveraging your tribe, or avoiding pitfalls we all make, Jacqueline Baker offers realistic, tangible advice and examples that tap into the leadership potential we all possess."