Self Less: Lessons Learned from a Life Devoted to Servant Leadership, in Five Acts - Hardcover

by Len Jessup (Author)

With Self Less, Len Jessup shares an engaging first-person narrative detailing how his origins, beliefs, adversity, impact, and legacy shaped him into a selfless leader devoted to helping transform organizations. Beginning with childhood experiences and ancestral influences that imprinted a drive to serve others, Jessup recounts critical mentors and moments that built his confidence, reinforced core values, and motivated him toward continual growth.

Through riveting stories, Jessup demonstrates how he overcame obstacles by remaining true to his purpose, listening before acting, finding possibility amid doubts, building robust teams, maintaining resilience, and staying patient but determined in the face of resistance. Rather than top-down authoritarian leadership, Jessup advocates for a more enlightened, inclusive approach he terms "self less leadership"--acting with concern for others' needs and deferring personal credit.

Jessup shares how this selfless mindset enabled breakthrough successes at universities he led. By transparently engaging stakeholders and promoting shared beliefs, he spearheaded major initiatives including curriculum innovations, facilities modernization, advanced degree programs, research growth, fundraising campaigns, and community partnerships. Throughout his journey, Jessup focused on maximizing positive impact on people through service. He offers lessons on lifelong learning, ethical governance, relationship building, and leaving a values-based legacy.

Offering a unique blend of memoir and leadership guidance, Self Less provides an inspirational model for leading transformational change in any organization while staying grounded in humility. Jessup aims to motivate readers to reflect on using their fleeting time and influence to better serve others.

Back Jacket

Empowering Change through Humility and Service to Others

In his compelling memoir Self Less, Dr. Len Jessup shares deeply personal stories and insights from his lifelong journey to become a selfless leader devoted to creating transformational change. From his humble small-town beginnings and experiences overcoming self-doubt as the first in his family to attend college, to leading major universities through unprecedented growth, Jessup illustrates how self-reflection, embracing challenges, and keeping sight of one's purpose can empower effective leadership.

With humility and kindness, Jessup walks readers through pivotal moments that shaped his leadership approach. Blending narrative storytelling with research-backed principles, he details profound lessons from spearheading "impossible" initiatives like saving his university's accreditation in twelve months. Throughout, Jessup stresses the importance of inclusive, "guide-on-the-side" leadership, arguing selflessness enables faster change by building highly engaged teams and securing stakeholder buy-in.

Equal parts inspiration and practical advice, Self Less offers a roadmap for leaders undergoing change in any industry. You'll learn how service to others can create a positive impact on employees, partners, and communities for generations to come. For leaders at all levels seeking to create meaningful change through personal growth and service, Jessup's wisdom provides a compass for the journey.

Author Biography

LEN JESSUP is an award-winning educator and innovative leader who has served as a university professor, dean, and president. Currently President of Claremont Graduate University, he previously led the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and held leadership roles at Washington State University and the University of Arizona. Jessup is a widely published author on entrepreneurship, innovation, and organizational change. He is a sought-after advisor on higher education strategy, research growth, new ventures, and executive development. The first in his family to attend college, Jessup holds a PhD in management from the University of Arizona along with an MBA and bachelor's degree. Known for transforming organizations through selfless leadership, he focuses on maximizing positive impact on people.