Leadership in the NOW

Leadership in the NOW is a timely, human-centered leadership book for educators, executives, and managers navigating complexity, disruption, and the relentless pace of modern organizations. Written by a veteran head of school, the book blends storytelling, humor, and research-informed insight to explore how leadership is actually practiced; not in theory or titles, but in hallways, crisis moments, difficult conversations, and the small decisions that quietly shape culture. Each chapter addresses a contemporary leadership challenge, including coaching, public speaking, crisis leadership, virtual work, AI ethics, joy, and purpose, and concludes with a "Take a Minute NOW" section that invites you to apply ideas in real time. Ultimately, you will discover that strong leadership in a fast-moving world is less about chasing the next shiny solution and more about how you show up when it matters most. The book's candid and accessible strategies will help you lead with clarity and courage without losing yourselves or your people in the process.

Dr. Sergio Alati has served as Head of School at Stevens Cooperative School since 2012. Prior to this role, he served as a principal, director of studies, and teacher in three independent schools. He holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. Sergio has served as a trustee for the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools and chairs its Commission on Accreditation. He frequently presents on topics such as leadership, strategy, mission re-alignment, curriculum design, and responsible AI integration.

Part I The Inner Game 1. The Big Question 2. Managing What Pushes Your Buttons 3. Controlling What You Can with Intentionality and Grace 4. The Enterprise View 5. Invest in the RACI Model 6. Armchair Leadership is for the Mediocre 7. Coaching vs. Commanding: Unlocking Potential in Others 8. Belonging and Mattering: The Leadership Work you Feel Part II The Outer Game 9. Problem-Solving vs. Problem-Empathy 10. The Benefits of Crises and problems 11. Your Team is Not You! 12. The Intersection of Constructivism and Innovation 13. Change the Little Things 14. Don't Lead in a Silo: Building Your Insight Network 15. Living a Culture of Transparency 16. The Power of Making Space Part III The Long Game 17. Speak to Lead: Mastering the Art of Holding the Room 18. The Adaptive Leader 19. Digital Presence and Virtual Leadership 20. Vision in the Age of AI 21. The Role of Humor and Play in Leadership 22. Finding the Joy 23. Leading with Why: Anchoring in Purpose 24. The Leadership Spillover Effect