Loss and Discovery – What the Torah Can Teach Us about Leading Change

Leading Through Change

Whether you’re religious or not, the Torah offers timeless lessons for us all today. Why? Because the stories in the Bible are about people trying to lead change amidst continual disruption: massive floods and droughts, political upheaval, lack of trust in leaders and institutions, social justice movements, family dysfunctions, women demanding equal rights. Sound familiar? The book also includes numerous examples of leading change during disruptive times from modern-day leaders like Colin Powell, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Nelson Mandela, some of our presidents and others. It also draws on current brain research and social science findings that show how we can find many opportunities to innovate during these disruptive times.

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About The Author

Russ Linden is a leadership educator and author who specializes in organizational change methods. He’s been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Virginia and at the Federal Executive Institute for over 35 years. In 2003 he was the Williams Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the State University of New York (Fredonia) School of Business. His current teaching and consulting interests include leadership lessons from the Torah, collaboration, the human side of change, strategic thinking and acting, developing an agile and resilient culture, and crisis leadership.

Russ' Interviews and Book Talks

Valley Beit Midrash Interview. May 11, 2023

Adat Shalom Synagogue Interview. March 9, 2023

Sarasota Democratic Jewish Caucus

Authority Magazine, October 7th, 2022

Conversation with Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann. Founder, Mishkan Chicago. July 21, 2022

Book Review, Charlottesville Daily Progress, June 6, 2022

Interview, Dec. 21, 2021, on the AIB Network in Atlanta.

Interview, The Modern Manager, Feb. 1, 2022.

Interview, Christian Coaching Magazine, Jan. 25, 2022

Interview, NPR in Charlottesville, Dec. 1, 2021.

Interview, Valley Beit Midrash, Dec. 6, 2021.

Federal Executive Institute Alumni Association, Interview, December 2021.

Russ' Latest Blog Posts

When You’re Unfairly Criticized, “Don’t Fight Forces, Use Them”

On September 23, 1944, during a campaign stop, Franklin Roosevelt took great offense at criticisms made by his political opponents against his dog Fala. Here’s what he said:

“My opponents have not been content with attacks on me … they now include my little dog, Fala. Well, of course, I don’t resent attacks, and my family doesn’t resent attacks, but Fala does resent…

The Power of Probing Questions

In 1983 Apple Computers was looking for a new CEO. Steve Jobs was brilliant when it came to new products, but he was a terrible manager. So, the board asked Jobs to find a promising CEO. After interviewing 20 candidates, Jobs decided that Pepsi executive John Sculley was his choice. When Jobs asked him to lead Apple, Sculley said no. He didn’t want to leave Pepsi. Jobs kept asking, Scully kept declining.

The New Year, a Fresh Start: How to Tap into Your Strengths For Real Change

For many Jews, the High Holidays are a time of introspection followed by a desire to improve. It’s our time for introspection as well as a new year, so sentiments are similar to anyone’s “new beginnings.” We’ve acknowledged our human frailties, the many times we went astray: now what? Where do we start? It can seem overwhelming. It can also leave us anxious: what if I commit to some change, and fail (like I did last year)? Better not to try at all?

What People Are Saying

"Russ's book will be an invaluable resource, especially in the congregational setting. It offers refreshing insights and compelling practical examples for leadership and change."

Rabbi Lee Bycel

former Dean of the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, Los Angeles, former congregational rabbi, and author of Refugees in America: Stories of Courage, Hope, and Resilience in Their Own Words

"This book will become a primary sourcebook for those leading organizations or seeking to navigate changes in any important relationship."

Rabbi Daniel S. Alexander

Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Beth Israel, Charlottesville, Virginia, author of Seeking the Way: Jewish Reflections on Matters of the Head, the Heart, and the Hand

"Russ Linden has written a masterpiece to address the difficult challenges people face in times of disruptive change. His insights combine ancient wisdom with modern thinking about change in ways that are relevant to everyone."

Warren Blank

President, The Leadership Group, author of The 108 Skills of Natural Born Leaders and Leadership for Smart People

Book review from OnlineBookClub.org:
The writing style of the author is unique. As a work of nonfiction, I thought this book would be boring, but after reading the first chapter, I was intrigued. The way the author used biblical stories and some of his true-life events to explain his points made it more beautiful for me.

OnlineBookClub.org

Leadership consultant & my friend Russ Linden has a new book out, "Loss and Discovery: What the Torah Can Teach Us About Leading Change." It's fascinating, personal, and spiritual, and a great resource for anyone in leadership. Highly recommend.

Mike Signer

former mayor, City of Charlottesville, author of Demagogue: The Fight to Save Democracy from Its Worst Enemies

Buy The Book

The book is available in the bookstores!

(order form at the bottom of the page)