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Leonard H. Roberts
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Leading with Vision and Heart: A Memoir Kindle Edition

by Leonard H. Roberts (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
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Leading with Vision and Heart is inherently a story of success, but it is also a story of the importance of family and friends, including legendary baseball player Hank Aaron. Len Roberts' memoir shares the joys of fatherhood, but also the heartache when his first-born daughter was struck by a drunk driver. And it recounts a love story over half a century in the making, between Len and his wife, Laurie. From a passion for travel to a family love of animals, and from C-suite boardrooms to the family lakehouse, Len has led a life that leaders of all backgrounds can learn from. In this book, he shares the memories, insights, and leadership principles that he has developed over a lifetime of integrity and accomplishment, while acknowledging and honoring the loved ones who make it all worthwhile.
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  1. Print length
    859 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    August 26, 2023
  5. File size
    42689 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Leading with Vision and Heart' transcends the realm of mere professional chronicles; it is an eloquent and heartfelt narrative that underscores the timeless importance of family and the invaluable bonds of friendship in shaping one's life. Your personal journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring." — John Wilder, Executive Chairman of Bluescape Partners and Former CEO of TXU Energy


"Curly Fries are a national treasure, and we have Len Roberts to thank for that gift to America, along with the wisdom and inspiration he shares in his new book, Leading with Vision and Heart." — Fort Worth Business Press

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CGQ3ZC53
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ eBooks2go Inc. (August 26, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 26, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 42689 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 859 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 13 ratings

About the author

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Leonard H. Roberts

Leonard H. Roberts

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Leonard H. Roberts was born on February 19, 1949. Growing up in Chicago as the son of a Jewish mechanical draftsman, he spent his childhood going to school, playing games in the neighborhood, and confronting bullies and prejudice at a young age. Len married his high school sweetheart—and lifetime love—at the age of 18, and they would later have three daughters together.

Leonard earned a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Marketing from the University of Illinois in 1971, and he was a world-acclaimed food scientist by the age of 19. He also earned a law degree from DePaul University Law School and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1974. His remarkable career began as a food scientist at Central Soya while a high school senior, and then at Armour Foods, hired there during his junior year of college, and continued at Ralston Purina Company.

Leonard made a name for himself in food science, marketing, and food service between 1968 and 1985, serving in key management positions. But his most lauded accomplishments were yet to come: incredible turnarounds at three Fortune 500 companies. First, he served as president and CEO of Arby's, Inc., where he is credited with engineering an acclaimed and dramatic revival of the company. Next, he repeated this feat as chairman and CEO of Shoney's, Inc., leading the second-largest restaurant chain in the country. Then he secured the triple crown with a third turnaround, this time as chairman and CEO of RadioShack Corporation, where he was the catalyst for the successful reinvention of a company. Along the way, he battled the corruption of Miami financier Victor Posner, and the extreme racism of Shoney's founder, Ray Danner, while protecting and promoting the interests of the companies he led, the people they employed, and the customers they served. His vision and leadership elicited major media coverage in outlets like USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and others, and brought numerous industry accolades and awards.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
13 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Len Roberts book - Leading with Vision and Heart
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023
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I have finished the book and it is an amazing accounting of one great life - I have known and respected Len Roberts over the years and how impressed I was when I first met him that one day on the plane. The truth is, I recognized something of great value in him and while Victor was not looking for a new head of Arby’s I was! What Len did with Arby’s was truly remarkable and of course my heart was broken when it all started to fall apart. The truth from my perspective was the jealousy Victor had of him and the crowning glory of that end came, I thought, when he were featured in a full article on the FRONT PAGE, LEFT SIDE OF THE WALL STREET JOURNAL - Len Roberts and Hank Aaron!! WOW!!

Another interesting thing that I was impressed with was Len's quality of intelligence, his work ethic, and his fun personality. I don’t think these three qualities come together in many people. I think my question was answered quite quickly near the front of the book when Len analyzed his father and mother. It appeared that he had much of his mother’s personality and certainly much of his dad’s quality of thought, work ethic and intelligence. Quite the combination! I loved his fights and his sense of fairness – these qualities he needed for both Arby’s and Shoneys.

I was terribly impressed with his Radio Shack success and how – it seemed in the book – that he knew exactly what he was going to do – and then did it with the kind of company he knew nothing about. Amazing!!!

I could go on, but my biggest thought is how lucky I was to meet him that one day the plane, and have the opportunity to watch him perform a miracle with my company and now so many others. Three cheers for both the genes of your dad and mom! I hope they can read this now and know about your life – they would be most proud.

God bless him and his family May the rest of his journey be rewarded with the same with care, love, quality of intelligence and success he has given to so many.

Renee Mottram Doss
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Patrick of Earth
5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional insight from a life lived well!!
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2023
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I was excited to realize that this book was available on kindle as kind of a pre order to the physical book I’ve already ordered.

It’s a wonderful tale of an exceptional life with glimpses and insights of the trials and triumphs as a man and his young wife traveled from their teenage courtship to over 50 years of happiness together - not to mention his rising to lead three different Fortune 500 companies during his illustrious career.

It’s unusual to get this kind of unvarnished honesty and heart, I think, from someone who had accomplished so much in both business and in love and family.

The early years provide great insight into the foundation and fortitude that would help him throughout his life.

And the business insights are an incredible fly on the wall perspective of integrity and ethics which would guide him to exceptional success.

It isn’t a “how to” book. It’s a heartfelt narrative of the truly remarkable - and perhaps unlikely- story of one person”a journey through life.

Thoughtful, caring, deep, and memorable… it’s a fantastic journey.
One person found this helpful
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M.J.
4.0 out of 5 stars I don't usually read Memoirs but, this was good
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2023
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This memoir takes you on a journey through Leonard Roberts personal and professional life, from his early struggles to his eventual rise as a highly respected executive. The storytelling is engaging, and his reflections offer a glimpse into the inner workings of a successful leader. What sets this memoir apart is his commitment to ethical leadership, which he believes is the key to building sustainable organizations.

I loved the practical and relatable anecdotes. He shares numerous experiences that showcase the power of empathy, trust, and authenticity in fostering a positive work culture.The emphasis he places on the importance of understanding the needs and aspirations of employees and the demonstration on how investing in their personal growth ultimately benefits both individuals and the organization as a whole is excellent.

If you are currently on or looking into moving into a leadership role, This book is for you. It provides you with a roadmap to becoming exceptional leaders who make a positive impact on their organizations and the lives of those they lead.
2 people found this helpful
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Yvonne Glasgow
5.0 out of 5 stars A long and touching story
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2023
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This book is a long read, so prepare yourself for it. However, it is a good read too. This is a life story many of us wish we had, but also wouldn't wish on another person. From trials and tribulations to success and love, Len shares all of the amazing and painful things that happened in his life within the pages of this book.

Some of my favorite parts of this book include the little quotes, aka Len-isms included near the end of the book. As well as the recognition of the family pets. This is for sure a deep dive into one person's life, but there is so much to learn about survival within the pages. Be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.
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JHM
5.0 out of 5 stars A business and personal memoir full of lessons for life
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023
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Roberts writes a comprehensive book about his life which includes so many compelling episodes… both in business (three major business turnarounds, including times when he confronted racism and corruption) and in his personal life (how his upbringing shaped his personality, and how his family has been a bedrock for everyone he has done). Everyone will find something to relate to. The business stories are engaging and the personal stories are heartwarming.
One person found this helpful
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Aaliyah Shakir
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read!
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
This book offered me invaluable lessons on leadership, empathy, and resilience. I learned how to overcoming challenges, make tough decisions with integrity, and how to use my power of vision and compassion to drive positive change. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their own leadership journey.
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Top reviews from other countries

Aditya
5.0 out of 5 stars There are no spoilers of any kind below!
Reviewed in India on September 18, 2023
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"Leading with Vision and Heart: A Memoir" by Leonard H. Roberts is a poignant and inspiring account of a life marked by success, family, and enduring love. Roberts takes readers on a captivating journey through his personal and professional experiences, sharing valuable leadership insights along the way.

The memoir paints a vivid picture of Roberts' life, from his early struggles to his remarkable ascent as a respected executive. His storytelling is engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with his experiences and the lessons he learned along the way. One of the standout qualities of this memoir is Roberts' unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. He firmly believes that ethical leadership is the foundation for building sustainable organizations, and this belief is woven throughout the narrative. Readers will appreciate his emphasis on empathy, trust, and authenticity as essential elements of effective leadership.

Roberts shares numerous anecdotes that illustrate the power of understanding the needs and aspirations of employees. His real-world examples demonstrate how investing in the personal growth of individuals benefits both the employees and the organization as a whole. While the book provides valuable leadership principles and practical advice, it also delves into the personal aspects of Roberts' life. His reflections on family, friends, and enduring love add depth to the memoir and showcase the importance of these relationships in his journey. As I read this memoir, I found myself not only inspired by Roberts' achievements but also by his genuine sincerity. His tribute to loved ones and his commitment to ethical leadership resonate deeply with readers. However, I would have appreciated a bit more depth in certain leadership principles, as they are presented in a more anecdotal style.

In conclusion, "Leading with Vision and Heart: A Memoir" is a heartfelt and insightful account of a life well-lived. Leonard H. Roberts' journey serves as a roadmap for aspiring leaders, emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership and the positive impact it can have on organizations and the lives of those they lead. Much gratitude to the author for sharing this wonderful memoir with us.

Thank you
Happy Reading
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Damian Andrews
5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterclass in Life, Love, and Leadership
Reviewed in Australia on October 27, 2023
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"Leading with Vision and Heart" by Leonard H. Roberts is more than a memoir; it's a masterclass in life, love, and leadership. Roberts' extraordinary path, from poignant personal situations to directing the helm of Fortune 500 organisations, is both motivating and enlightening to readers.

The way Roberts smoothly weaves his professional and personal life is a noteworthy feature of this book. He not only recounts the highlights of his career, but also dives into the joys of parenting and the anguish of personal loss, including a heartbreaking episode involving his daughter. At its heart, the memoir emphasises the value of family, with exquisite reminiscences of his nearly half-century love story with his wife, Laurie.

Roberts' account is moving, in part because of the candour with which he relates his experiences. He brings readers behind the closed doors of business boardrooms while also inviting them into private moments at the family lakehouse. His affiliation with renowned personalities such as Hank Aaron adds another layer to the story, making it complex and multifaceted.

One cannot not but appreciate Roberts' early foundation and fortitude, which unquestionably affected his success in both business and personal arenas. His uncommon ability to combine brilliance, a strong work ethic, and a fun demeanour serves as a model for leaders of various backgrounds.

Finally, "Leading with Vision and Heart" demonstrates the power of tenacity, the importance of connections, and the essential of authentic leadership. Roberts' narrative is one of victories, tribulations, and, most importantly, living a life of integrity and love. A must-read for everyone looking for insights into a well-lived life, both at work and at home.
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