The path to leadership is seldom a direct route, and unexpected change can occur. The Leadership Detour: How the Unexpected Path Shaped My Success by Dr. Tammi Fleming explains that life is never linear and that detours are not failures. Leadership lessons are not confined to the boardroom. The gap between talent and leadership is examined, and it questions whether hard work is enough. Leadership should uplift others, not just you. It also comes with responsibility and the need to build trust. Aspirant leaders will face rivalries, stereotyping, and fighting the “isms” while trying to be accepted and taken seriously. The author points out that fitting in and belonging are not the same. A loss of identity can result, while assimilation without authenticity amounts to erasure. There is also the question of professionalism versus performance. Self-awareness and presence are the foundation of leadership, as are social skills. Mastering emotional intelligence (EQ) is explained, and misconceptions are clarified. This book is a reminder that many workplaces are toxic, built around expectations, with hidden agendas and unspoken rules to contend with. Building healthy relationships is thus essential, but success can become a cage. To overcome this, readers will be equipped to craft a 5-year leadership plan with vision, clarity, and a sense of self.

Dr Tammi Fleming emerged from humble beginnings in New Orleans to occupy leadership positions at a national level and ultimately became an executive coach and strategist. She reflects on her childhood, early role models, and community-oriented leaders who worked for the greater good. The author speaks candidly about her formative years and the difficulties that she faced, her teachers and schooling, and the personal growth that followed. Her resilience shone through, and her talents were recognized. The Leadership Detour approaches leadership from an entirely new perspective. It is not about profit or dominance, but about stewardship. It places leadership in a refreshingly different context and provides deep insights that can be applied in all aspects of life. This book is more than a toolkit, as it invites introspection and promotes growth. It is particularly relevant for those whose careers have stalled or who are questioning themselves. The merits of both coaching and mentoring are discussed, along with the 3-stories framework. Coaching asks tough questions and demands honest answers. The writing style is warm and anecdotal, providing both advice and inspiration. Each chapter ends with points for reflection. There are guided exercises as well. A concise glossary and list of references round off an excellent publication.

Growing up in the St. Thomas Housing Development complex in New Orleans in the 1980s, Tammi Fleming's childhood was spent in poverty. She also went through the foster care system, eventually finding herself under the guardianship of Barbara Jackson. She would go on to become a seasoned leadership strategist and executive coach with decades of experience in philanthropy, government, and non-profits. In The Leadership Detour, the author recounts her own personal leadership journey and introduces three modern leadership frameworks rooted in servant leadership, adaptive leadership, and emotional intelligence. Learn to overcome imposter syndrome to feel a sense of belonging, harness the power of self-awareness, pursue growth through structure, strategy, and support, master the five domains of emotional intelligence, cultivate influence and executive presence, and foster a leadership mindset to find clarity and purpose.

Part memoir and part leadership handbook, The Leadership Detour: How the Unexpected Path Shaped My Success is an enlightening guide to help readers enhance their leadership skills and maximize their potential. Author Tammi Fleming shares her life story and draws on her own work experiences to offer keen insights and strategies that readers can use to rise above the challenges of their own personal and professional lives. Every topic in this book is explored in-depth with examples that ensure readers find it easy to grasp the concepts and apply them in real-life scenarios. Fleming's life story is not only inspirational but also a key reminder of the importance of good leadership role models and mentors. It's a comprehensive leadership guide, and I found it both informative and motivational. If you love to read inspiring stories of resilience and seek leadership guidance, this is the perfect book for you.