Self Less: Lessons Learned from A Life Devoted to Servant Leadership, in Five Acts

With Self Less, Len Jessup shares an engaging first-person narrative detailing how his origins, beliefs, adversity, impact, and legacy shaped him into a selfless leader devoted to helping transform organizations. Beginning with childhood experiences and ancestral influences that imprinted a drive to serve others, Jessup recounts critical mentors and moments that built his confidence, reinforced core values, and motivated him toward continual growth.

Through riveting stories, Jessup demonstrates how he overcame obstacles by remaining true to his purpose, listening before acting, finding possibility amid doubts, building robust teams, maintaining resilience, and staying patient but determined in the face of resistance. Rather than top-down authoritarian leadership, Jessup advocates for a more enlightened, inclusive approach he terms "self less leadership"—acting with concern for others' needs and deferring personal credit.

Jessup shares how this selfless mindset enabled breakthrough successes at universities he led. By transparently engaging stakeholders and promoting shared beliefs, he spearheaded major initiatives including curriculum innovations, facilities modernization, advanced degree programs, research growth, fundraising campaigns, and community partnerships. Throughout his journey, Jessup focused on maximizing positive impact on people through service. He offers lessons on lifelong learning, ethical governance, relationship building, and leaving a values-based legacy.

Offering a unique blend of memoir and leadership guidance, Self Less provides an inspirational model for leading transformational change in any organization while staying grounded in humility. Jessup aims to motivate readers to reflect on using their fleeting time and influence to better serve others.

LEN JESSUP is an award-winning educator and innovative leader who has served as a university professor, dean, and president. Currently President of Claremont Graduate University, he previously led the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and held leadership roles at Washington State University and the University of Arizona. Jessup is a widely published author on entrepreneurship, innovation, and organizational change. He is a sought-after advisor on higher education strategy, research growth, new ventures, and executive development. The first in his family to attend college, Jessup holds a PhD in management from the University of Arizona along with an MBA and bachelor’s degree. Known for transforming organizations through selfless leadership, he focuses on maximizing positive impact on people.