Overview

THE BLUEPRINT FOR EXTRAORDINARY LEADERSHIP IS IN YOUR HANDS—ARE YOU READY TO RISE? The world doesn’t need more managers. It needs bold, resilient, high-impact leaders—the kind who don’t just climb the ranks but transform the teams and organizations they lead. In IRONWILL 360° Leadership: A Blueprint for Level 5 Unicorn Leadership, Douglas P. Pflug delivers a game plan for leaders who refuse to settle for average. This isn’t another leadership theory book filled with fluff and clichés. This is a battle-tested, high-performance leadership manual forged from decades of elite experience in policing, coaching, and executive mentorship. Inside, you’ll find the real-world strategies, hard-won lessons, and non-negotiable mindsets required to master Level 5 Leadership—the rare balance of professional will and personal humility that defines the most exceptional leaders. Through gripping case studies, actionable frameworks, and no-BS insights, Doug equips you with the tools to: Develop the resilience and grit to thrive in high-stakes leadership roles. Master the art of influence and earn trust that transcends titles. Lead with conviction, humility, and unwavering integrity—the hallmarks of true leadership excellence. If you’ve drawn inspiration from Finding Your Granite or IRONWILL 360° Leadership: Moving Forward, this book will take you even further, challenging you to rise above mediocrity and become the leader others aspire to be. Great leaders aren’t born—they’re built. The blueprint is here. The choice is yours.

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9781041073970

Table of Contents

Reviews

The book study is generally evaluated positively and makes a significant contribution, particularly by revealing ways to cope with the various challenges individuals may encounter in their lives beyond theoretical frameworks. The inclusion of case studies supports this approach and helps the reader to better understand the material. Although the number of chapters is high, the study offers a balanced perspective due to its fluidity. What truly distinguishes this book study from others and amplifies its effectiveness is the incorporation of compelling case studies alongside a diverse range of leader profile examples. The author's insightful technical information and guidance not only reinforce each case but also deliver powerful insights that significantly enrich the learning experience. This approach ensures that readers gain practical and applicable knowledge that can elevate their understanding and leadership skills. I would like to express my appreciation for the opportunity to undertake this evaluation and confirm my readiness for future collaborations. On a personal note, after meeting Douglas P. Pflug, I can confidently describe his role in this field as ""Professor of Practice"" due to his impressive talents and the works he has produced. I appreciate his unique approaches in his book studies, as well as his style, which surprises and intrigues the reader while directly connecting with their life and emotions. I encourage readers to engage with this book, considering its impact both before and after reading it. I also feel fortunate to have been one of the first to read this valuable book project during the evaluation and review phase, and I would like to thank and express my appreciation to Douglas. Sezer Bozkus Kahyaoglu Assoc. Prof. of Finance, CIA, CFE, CICP, CFSA, CRMA, SMMM, BD-KGK Istanbul, Türkiy Douglas offers a convincing and practical manual for executives looking to advance their leadership approach outside of conventional management frameworks. I strongly recommend A Blueprint for Level 5 Unicorn Leadership for leaders in executive governance roles. The book's emphasis on emotional intelligence, resilience, and ethical leadership, acknowledges intellects, an often-overlooked part of management practice. The Ironwill 360° Leadership model highlights the importance of adaptability, strategic vision, and humility—qualities that set genuinely transformative leaders apart. Together with hands-on activities and case studies showcasing prominent figures in the field, it offers an organized method for cultivating leadership abilities that support long-term organizational success and sustainability. One of the book’s standout features is its emphasis on mission-driven leadership and integrated decision-making, which harmonizes with contemporary governance best practices through its progressive, values-based approach. It is therefore extremely pertinent to the complex and dynamic global business landscape of today. Pflug's observations provide a road map for building high-performing, moral and purpose driven organizations. A Blueprint for Level 5 Unicorn Leadership is an essential read! Personal Note: Thanks for the opportunity to review A Blueprint for Level #5 Unicorn Leadership. I loved it! It was the right read at the right time for me personally as I started my new career in academia. Kind regards, Lindie Grebe Academic | Corporate Governance and Reputation l Chartered Accountant l PhD City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa https://riseupandexcel.ca/blog/f/book-review-2-by-lindie-grebe Douglas P. Pflug’s A Blueprint for Level 5 Unicorn Leadership is a transformative guide to achieving the pinnacle of leadership, blending humility, resilience, and visionary thinking with actionable strategies for personal and organizational success. Pflug introduces the concept of “Level 5 Unicorn Leadership,” which expands on Jim Collins’ framework of Level 5 Leadership. This style of leadership not only prioritizes professional will and personal humility but also incorporates emotional intelligence, inclusivity, and a purpose-driven ethos to inspire innovation and collaboration. The book is rich with practical tools, reflective exercises, and case studies that make it a comprehensive roadmap for leaders seeking to elevate their impact. What sets this book apart is its ability to balance theoretical insights with firsthand application. Pflug’s anecdotes and experiences as a law enforcement leader and mentor lend authenticity to his message, while his clear structure allows readers to methodically develop traits like integrity, adaptability, and empathy. The inclusion of diverse leadership examples—from Abraham Lincoln to Satya Nadella—underscores the universal applicability of the principles outlined in the book. For leaders at any stage of their journey, this work serves as both an inspiration and a challenge to rise beyond traditional models of leadership and leave a lasting legacy. Gary Craven P.Ag., FCMC, ITCP Partner -Paradigm Consulting Group Management Consultant Winnipeg Manitoba Canada This book was a powerful and thought-provoking read that challenged many of my preconceptions about leadership. Doug did an exceptional job of making the concepts relatable, regardless of career stage, ensuring that both emerging and seasoned leaders could find value. The book emphasized the importance of influence at all levels—leading up, across, and down—rather than relying solely on positional authority. His insights pushed me to rethink how leadership is not just about directing others but about fostering collaboration and accountability at every level. The practical examples and actionable strategies made the book both engaging and applicable. Overall, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their leadership impact from wherever they stand in an organization. Dr, Dustin Sachs Bridging Behavioral Science and Cybersecurity | Cyber-Risk Decision-Making Strategist | Empowering CISOs with Human-Centric Solutions | Speaker | Author Katy, TX When Doug asked me to dive into Ironwill 360° Leadership: A Blueprint for Level 5 Unicorn Leadership, I said yes—but honestly, I worried it might be just another run-of-the-mill leadership book. Boy was I wrong! Doug takes the fundamentals of leadership—even the ones we all think we know—and gives them a refreshing twist. Some of these lessons are ones every leader could use a reminder of, and he combines them with compelling personal stories and real-life examples that bring the concepts to life. This book is more than just a read—it’s an eye-opener. It’s packed with valuable insights that have already got me reflecting on my own leadership approach. I can’t wait to implement some of these ideas and make meaningful changes for the better. Doug’s clear, thoughtful layout makes the concepts easy to follow while challenging you to think deeply and grow. This is a leadership guide you don’t want to miss! Thank you, Denise Cicchella, CIA, CFE, CCA - Selattyn, England If you’re ready to elevate your leadership skills and propel your organization to new heights, A Blueprint for Level 5 Unicorn Leadership is “must-read.” This powerful guide delivers practical strategies for cultivating visionary thinking, emotional intelligence, and resilience—key traits of truly exceptional leaders. It emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive, innovative culture, making it an invaluable resource for those striving to build high-performing teams and dynamic workplaces. Highly recommended for leaders who are committed to driving meaningful change, achieving extraordinary success, and inspiring their teams to do the same. Jim Estill CEO - Danby Appliances Owner, Arctic Plow, Valcom Guelph, Ontario, Canada During my career in the financial world, I had the opportunity to work for a number of leaders, some good and some not so good. Good leaders are built through self development and continuous learning, as well as adaptability to ever changing landscapes. Some leaders are promoted to a leadership role simply because they were good at the previous role that held. They either adapt to leadership and start the journey to self realization and growth, or they continue to do what they did before the promotion. The first group will embrace the skills in this book and embark on a career to become better leaders. The second group have been promoted to their level of incompetence, and will wreak havoc on previously well managed teams. Doug has spent his life in continuous growth and adaptation and has honed his leadership skills to a razors edge. He shares his skills and knowledge willingly and strives to help people become the best version of themselves. I count Doug among my most cherished friends and enjoy being around his positive attitude. He has taught me much on how to become a better me. In this book, he shares many of the traits and skills he has developed over a lifetime of learning and growth. His life experiences and skills have strategically positioned him to provide guidance on becoming a Level 5 Unicorn Leader. The skills in this book will help established leaders grow in their leadership journey, and new leaders to establish the solid base needed to get their journey going. Each of Doug's books provides a stepping stone to provide the reader with the knowledge required to get to Level 5 leadership. Well worth the read if you are intent on becoming the best version of a leader that you can be. David Hatton Transportation Engineer / Technical Account Manager

Author Information

Douglas P. Pflug is a nationally recognized speaker, author, leadership coach, and PTSD survivor who has dedicated his life to developing resilient leaders and trauma-informed workplaces. With over three decades of experience in policing, elite athletic coaching, and mental health advocacy, Doug brings a powerful blend of wisdom, storytelling, and street-smart insight to every stage he steps on. He has trained over 10,000 leaders—from frontline emergency workers to corporate executives—delivering keynote speeches, executive coaching, and leadership development workshops across North America. Doug served 28 years as a decorated Sergeant with the Guelph Police Service, followed by 7 years at the Ontario Police College as the Provincial Leadership Program Coordinator. He’s a dual-sport varsity athlete, founder of IRONWILL 360° Strength & Conditioning, and the driving force behind Canada’s Special Olympics floor hockey dynasty. His books are used in classrooms, training centers, boardrooms—and bedrooms of those trying to find the will to fight one more day.

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