Aware : The Power of Seeing Yourself Clearly

Great leaders don’t just see the path ahead—they see themselves clearly first; mastering self-awareness is the difference between thriving at the top and blindly leading toward failure.

Great leaders aren’t just skilled strategists—they’re deeply self-aware. In AWARE: The Power of Seeing Yourself Clearly, Les Csorba, reveals how identifying blind spots and having the courage to address them can determine the success or failure of a leader and their organization. Drawing from decades of experience as a Partner with Heidrick & Struggles, the worldwide recruiting and leadership consulting firm advising top executives and Fortune 500 corporate boards—and his time serving as Special Assistant to the President in the White House —Les shares how self-awareness, paired with bold action, separates exceptional leaders from those who fall short.

Through real-world examples, exclusive interviews with some of world’s top CEOs, and practical strategies, this book provides a roadmap for leaders to turn blind spots into strengths and build organizations that thrive. As Les argues, “what you are aware of, you can control; what you are unaware of controls you.” Whether in leadership or relationships, readers will take away:

Blind spots can make or break a leader—recognizing them is the first step toward lasting success.

1. Courage is key—self-awareness alone isn’t enough; leaders must actively address their weaknesses.
2. How self-awareness can turn strengths into superpowers.
3. Organizations reflect their leaders—a self-aware leader builds a stronger, more resilient company.

From the White House to the boardroom, Les reveals a behind the scenes perspective from an American Headhunter and brings a wealth of leadership insight making this book an essential read for executives, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Les T. Csorba is an author, CEO coach, and partner at Heidrick & Struggles, the world’s premier executive search and leadership advisory firm. He previously served as Special Assistant to the President in the White House under George H.W. Bush, working in Presidential Personnel, and is a former member of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. Les is also the author of TRUST: The One Thing That Makes or Breaks a Leader (Thomas Nelson). He serves on the board of directors of Bettering Human Lives Foundation, which provides clean cooking fuels to families living in extreme poverty in Africa. A graduate of the University of California, Davis, Les is the son of 1956 Hungarian refugees. He and his wife, Anne, have been married for thirty-eight years and have four children and seven grandchildren. They make their home in Houston, Texas.