Become the leader people are proud to follow by opening yourself to the influences that develop character: Enduring relationships with friends, family, and God. Solidly based on Christian values, this practical, visionary, and hope-filled book guides readers through a step-by- step process for developing both personal character and the network of important relationships that enable character to win out, even in the face of setbacks, adversity, and temptations to take shortcuts. Leadership is about character, the authors assert, and character weaves values like integrity, honesty, and selfless service into the fabric of our lives, organizations, and cultures.
The Ascent of a Leader is written for ordinary people—mothers, husbands, bosses, pastors, teachers, and students who want to develop extraordinary character, find and follow God's plan for their lives, and lead others where they need to go. We all have innate leadership potential. To maximize it, we must do much more than develop performance-based skills, the authors assert. We must consciously choose who and what we allow to influence us, find and develop our humility, and build enduring relationships with colleagues, family, friends, and God. They offer engaging real-life examples to show how we can grow into our true potential as leaders and inspire us to “make a difference in the 21st century—in our families, our communities, our companies, our government, and even our world.”
With a foreword by Ken Blanchard.
Ken McElrath
Ken McElrath lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with his wife of 40-plus years, Donna. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.
Ken launches things. His most recent company, Skuid, achieved Inc. 5000 status four times and Entrepreneur Magazine top company culture four times before being acquired by Nintex. He has founded or helped launch at least a dozen other businesses and nonprofits.
Ken also makes art. His work has been displayed in various shows around the country. He enjoys writing, graphic design, woodworking, consulting, speaking, mentoring, sitting down with a good book, and hanging out with family and friends.
Bruce McNicol
As founding partner and President Emeritus of Trueface, God has used the teaching wisdom, global vision, and business skills of Dr. Bruce McNicol to offer breakthrough experiences for numerous leaders in the next generations around the world. Leaders in all spheres of government, business, technology, and mission continue finding God's lasting resolution for their life issues and key relationships as they journey with Bruce.
With degrees in finance law, theology, leadership, and organizational development, Bruce's gifting to write to leaders and their people has proved true in the best-sellers he has co-authored: The Cure, The Path, Bo's Café, The Ascent of a Leader, Behind The Mask, The Cure & Parents, Trust For Today, The Kingdom Life, and others.
Bruce values addressing international needs, music, hiking, reading, and comedy.
His constant interest is his wife Janet, who is a homemaker, nurse, and mentor. Bruce and Janet have received extensive tutoring from their three wonderful children and spouses, and their five grandchildren.
Bill Thrall
Bill is a founding partner of Trueface. He has been instrumental in promoting relational health and personal development in the lives of countless leaders. With deep wisdom, Bill's insights are captured in the influential Trueface books such as The Ascent of a Leader, The Cure, Bo's Café, and The Cure & Parents.
His latest venture, Living Influence, is a podcast that continues to make an impact on leaders and their relational well-being. In addition, Bill is launching a leadership consulting business for Christian business leaders and is actively working on new writing projects. The first book under the Living Influence brand is scheduled to release in 2026. Even at 85, Bill remains greatly committed to mentoring and guiding the next generation of leaders.
Together with his wife Grace, Bill has built a remarkable legacy. Married for 63 years, they have three children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Bill enjoys golf, gardening, fishing, and crafting furniture for his family. He and Grace continue to live lives rich in relationships and purpose.
