Leadership can often feel like running on a relentless hamster wheel. Everyone’s sprinting toward success, but few pause to question whether there’s a better, more human-centered way. Ken King’s groundbreaking book, Leading on the Edge: A No B.S. Guide to Thriving in a Chaotic World, offers precisely that—a thoughtful yet blunt roadmap for anyone tired of the endless hustle. King isn’t here to sugarcoat or serve empty motivational quotes. Instead, he delivers a refreshingly candid exploration of leadership grounded in authenticity, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
A New Playbook for Genuine Leadership
King makes it clear from the start: real leadership isn’t about maintaining appearances or ticking off achievements. Instead, it revolves around behavior, integrity, and meaningful connections. Across its 28 engaging chapters, Leading on the Edge dives deep into tough topics such as burnout, grief, and the toxic effects of hustle culture. The book leverages compelling narratives and vivid personal stories, making complex concepts accessible and profoundly relatable.
Through insightful examinations of emotional intelligence and behavioral science, King emphasizes the importance of leaders being genuinely present—not just physically but emotionally and mentally. He skillfully illustrates how superficial leadership strategies inevitably lead to isolation and eventual burnout. But with King’s approach, readers learn to prioritize well-being and sustainable practices, equipping them to lead effectively under pressure without losing sight of their humanity.
Tackling the Taboo with Radical Honesty
One of the book’s strengths is its raw transparency. King doesn’t shy away from tough conversations around mental health, shame, ego, and loneliness—topics many leadership books gloss over. Instead, he faces these issues head-on, backed by real-world experiences and data-informed strategies. Whether you’re an executive navigating organizational chaos or an educator facing emotional fatigue, King’s perspective resonates deeply, giving readers permission to acknowledge their vulnerabilities openly.
King’s straightforward, engaging storytelling provides not just understanding but practical tools. Leaders will find actionable advice on managing anxiety, recovering from setbacks, and navigating high-pressure environments while maintaining psychological safety for themselves and their teams. This balance of emotional depth and pragmatic advice makes Leading on the Edge uniquely valuable.
Introducing the Bounce Forward Model
Central to King’s book is his innovative Bounce Forward model—a framework explicitly crafted to address equity and sustainable leadership. Unlike traditional leadership approaches, Bounce Forward emphasizes access, education, and behavioral support for marginalized groups and emerging leaders. It’s a clear departure from elitist or inaccessible leadership ideologies.
King uses real-world examples—from elite sports arenas to everyday workplaces—to illustrate how inclusive leadership fosters trust and enhances organizational performance. This model empowers not only seasoned executives but also women, marginalized communities, and young leaders aiming to make a meaningful impact. By focusing on behaviors that build trust and resilience, the Bounce Forward model equips readers to lead effectively through adversity.
Leadership that Leaves a Legacy
Perhaps most compelling is King’s emphasis on legacy. Leadership isn’t defined by flashy titles or brand visibility but by the lasting impact leaders leave behind. This legacy-focused approach encourages readers to evaluate their actions and behaviors honestly—asking crucial questions about purpose, impact, and authenticity. King reminds us that true leadership transcends momentary success, rooted instead in consistent, principled action.
This focus on legacy ensures that Leading on the Edge isn’t just another leadership manual—it’s a call to action for leaders willing to trade surface-level success for lasting, meaningful change. It pushes readers to rethink their priorities and leadership styles fundamentally, advocating a behavior-first philosophy that prioritizes genuine human connection.
Who Needs This Book?
Whether you’re a corporate executive, an educator, an entrepreneur, or simply someone striving to lead effectively in your community or family, Leading on the Edge is a must-read. King’s accessible approach combines behavioral psychology with brutally honest narratives to provide clarity and practical solutions. Readers walk away better equipped to handle pressure, foster authentic relationships, and lead sustainably.
Leading on the Edge is perfect for anyone who’s felt burned out by traditional leadership advice and is ready to embrace a more humane, sustainable approach. Ken King has crafted not just a book but a powerful leadership toolkit that speaks directly to the challenges leaders face today—making it an essential resource in our chaotic world.
We had the privilege of interviewing Ken King. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi Ken, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hi, I coach humans, lead organizations, and disrupt the idea that leadership is all about spreadsheets, suits, and pretending you’re fine when your soul is on fire. I’m the Executive Director of Calgary Minor Basketball and the founder of Boost Innovation. Think of me as a behavioral strategist who ditched buzzwords and went to therapy instead.
Please tell us about your book.
Leading on the Edge is like if Brené Brown had coffee with Ryan Holiday and they invited your nervous system to join. It’s a leadership book for people who are tired of faking it. We talk about burnout, shame, grief, mental health, trust, ego, and how to lead without turning into a walking TED Talk. It’s 28 chapters of behavioral science, hard truth, and real human tools for people who want to lead without losing themselves.
Please share your journey with our readers.
Picture this: a youth coach, a broke entrepreneur, an overachiever with a nervous system built like a malfunctioning smoke detector. I’ve led through sports, business, death, depression, and a whole lot of “what the hell am I doing?” moments. Somewhere along the way, I realized that leadership wasn’t about controlling people…it was about learning how to show up in a healthy way, even when you feel broken. That’s the edge.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
• Talk less. Watch more.
• Lead like your kid is watching (because they are).
• Take care of your body like it’s your company’s bottom line.
• Let shame show up, then show it the door.
• And for the love of serotonin: sleep.
Also, admit when you’re wrong, create space for truth, and never trust someone who has leadership advice but no scars.
Any message for our readers?
You don’t have to earn rest. You don’t have to hide your struggles. And you’re not a bad leader just because you cried on a Tuesday. Great leadership isn’t about control; it’s about capacity. Capacity to care, to show up, to be honest, to recover, and to keep going. You’re not broken. You’re becoming.
Thank you so much, Ken, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!