Leadership Beyond the Spotlight
Full Confession: I’m struggling.
I have a new book out, and as is often the case, it’s up to the author to get the word out—through social media, podcasts, blogs, Facebook ads, and more. But here’s the thing: I’m not a fan of self-promotion.
We’re often told that leadership is about multiplying your impact. So naturally, if you’ve poured time and energy into writing a book you believe can add value, you should promote it. I get that. But I also believe there’s got to be a balance.
Leadership isn’t just about multiplying your impact—it’s about multiplying the right kind of impact. That distinction matters.
When leadership is framed solely around “your impact,” it can drift into ego or self-promotion. But true leadership goes further. It’s about:
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Multiplying the impact of others—empowering them to grow, lead, and succeed.
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Multiplying the impact of purpose—advancing a mission greater than yourself.
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Multiplying the impact of values—so what matters most scales alongside r
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Author
Paul Gustavson
Paul is a tech industry leader with a passion for innovation and the outdoors. He is the co-founder and CTO of SimVentions, which was established in 2000. SimVentions supports today’s military and decision-makers with innovative engineering solutions and services. The Virginia Chamber and Inc. Magazine have recognized SimVentions as one of the best places to work. As the CTO, Paul fosters innovation, contributes to the company’s strategic vision, leads IR&D efforts, provides technical expertise, and participates in industry standards development. Paul is also the author of Face the Mountain, Imagine, Breaking Average, Speech Blueprint, and Leaders Press On and a co-host of the Breaking Average Podcast. He is an active member of the simulation community. As the CTO, Paul fosters innovation, contributes to the company’s strategic vision, leads IR&D efforts, provides technical expertise, and participates in industry standards development. Paul is also the author of Face the Mountain, Imagine, Breaking Average, Speech Blueprint, and Leaders Press On and a co-host of the Breaking Average Podcast. He is an active member of the simulation community.