Cape, Spandex, Briefcase: Leadership Lessons from Superheroes

Why are some people more effective leaders? What makes them more engaging, more influential, and more successful than their peers?

In the award-winning book Cape, Spandex, Briefcase leadership expert David Kahn tells the story of a motivated young man who yearns to be successful in his new leadership role. He holds the manager title, but is struggling to become an actual leader. After an especially horrific experience, he is sent to a leadership coach…but why is this “expert” working in a comic book shop?

With Superman, Spider-Man and their costumed companions serving as paradigms of what it means to be a leader, this book introduces the “Five Superpowers of Leaders” and presents us with practical tools and skills necessary to motivate teams and earn respect.


A few endorsements for Cape, Spandex, Briefcase include:

“… The book is spot on for new leaders and those who want to up their skill set. Kahn clearly understands how relationships are the basis of a successful leader.”
— JOHN BALDONI, Top 50 Inc.com Leadership Expert and author of 13 books including MOXIE: The Secret to Bold and Gutsy Leadership

“…For anyone who feels overwhelmed or even plateaued at work, pick up Cape, Spandex, Briefcase and prepare to fly!”
— MARSHALL GOLDSMITH, Top 50 Thinker and bestselling author of Triggers, MOJO, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

“If you have the courage and conviction to be a great leader you’ve found the perfect book…”
— VERNE HARNISH, bestselling author of Scaling Up:How a Few Companies Make It…and Why the Rest Don’t (Rockefeller Habits 2.0)

“…Whether you’re an entrepreneur who wants to grow your company, a manager trying to up your game, or someone aspiring to be in a leadership role, this book belongs on your desk.”
— KEVIN KRUSE, bestselling author of Employee Engagement 2.0

“…you’ll have unexpected fun and get to the bottom of some of the most important issues for true excellence in anything you do.”
— TOM MORRIS, Author of such books as If Aristotle Ran General Motors, Superheroes and Philosophy, and The Oasis Within

“…This compelling story helps the reader think differently about one’s self and others. In the process, Kahn achieves what every great author dreams of, namely, writing a book that drives personal and professional change.”
— ORRIN WOODWARD, Guinness World Record Holder, Inc Magazine Top 20 Leader and NY Times Bestselling Author

David Kahn, PhD is a student and teacher of inspirational leaders - how they foster trust, how they develop a culture that is both engaging and geared towards strategic objectives, and how they motivate others to exceed preconceived limits of excellence. An active practitioner, theorist, consultant, and speaker, you can read more of his work on leadersayswhat.com and in multiple publications.