Lead Anyway

The Glow-Up Guide to Leadership That’s Real, Not Perfect

THIS ISN’T A “HOW TO LEAD LIKE A CEO” BOOK. It’s a “how to lead when your child's lunch isn’t made and you’re wearing yesterday’s makeup” book.

Lead Anyway: The Glow-Up Guide to Leadership That’s Real, Not Perfect is for every woman who has questioned whether she was a leader and still showed up. It’s a blend of real stories, hard truths, and the kind of pep talks you’d get from your wisest, funniest friend who says what we're all thinking.

Dr. Lauren Young reveals what leadership actually looks like: brave, chaotic, and exhausting, but those who are committed to it keep showing up.

Because you don’t need another expert or serum. You need to remember that you can glow up and screw up—and still be a good leader. 

You don’t have to be perfect.

You just have to lead anyway.

Add to cart to preorder your copy today!
$32.00
Request a Bulk Quote
ISBN: 979-8-90026-067-9
Imprint: Amplify Publishing
SKU: 18-1591-01
Categories:Amplify Publishing, Education, Leadership and Management, Self-Esteem and Personal Success

“Education-based athletics are one of the most important leadership laboratories in our schools, and Lead Anyway is a powerful reminder of the role sport plays in building confidence, resilience, and authentic leadership. Dr. Lauren Young captures with clarity and heart how young people grow not only as athletes but as leaders prepared for life.”

—MARK KOSKI, CMAA, chief marketing officer of National Federation of High School Associations

“Dr. Lauren Young leads the way she writes— with courage, wit, and unapologetic authenticity. Fearless, fiercely funny, and refreshingly real, she reminds us that leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, speaking up, and leading anyway. This book will light the path for generations of people who are ready to lead.”

—CJ FOSS, retired high school principal

“Lead Anyway is an honest, relatable (and witty) look at how confidence is built through action. Lauren Young speaks to the next generation of women, teaching them to trust their instincts, grow through action, and lead with authenticity.”

—ANALISSE RÍOS, head strength and conditioning coach for the Connecticut Sun (WNBA)

“Dr. Lauren Young saw something in me and gave me a chance by hiring me as an elementary school counselor. I’m now finishing my seventh year in education. She is everything we need a leader to be: authentic, courageous, witty, and kind. We can all learn from her.”

—JILL M. EVERETT, MA, LCMHC, EdD

“Lead Anyway is the kind of leadership book we actually need right now—honest, unfiltered, and deeply human. Dr. Lauren Young captures what it truly means to lead in the real world: tired, uncertain, and showing up anyway. This isn’t about perfection or polished titles—it’s about courage, authenticity, and learning to take up space in systems that weren’t built for you.”

—ORLA WALSH, BSN, RN, CFRN, NRP, Division I athlete, professional obstacle course racer

Dr. Lauren Young

Educator, Athletic Advocate, and Leadership Expert

DR. LAUREN YOUNG is the executive director of athletics and activities for the Vermont Principals’ Association and the founder of the GRL Initiative, a national platform empowering girls and women to lead with authenticity, courage, and heart.

A former teacher, coach, and principal, Lauren writes and speaks about what it really looks like to lead from the middle—messy, human, and full of meaning. Her debut book, Lead Anyway, is part memoir, part pep talk, and part call to action for anyone learning to lead in real time.

Known for her humor, honesty, and refreshingly direct voice, Lauren brings a grounded perspective to modern leadership—especially when it comes to navigating generational gender roles and leading in spaces traditionally built for men. She lives in Vermont with her husband, two kids, and three dogs, where she’s usually chasing daylight, new ideas, or another strong cup of coffee.

Related products