New Book

Heart First for Emerging Leaders

This new edition of Heart First is tailored to emerging leaders seeking the secret behind exceptional leadership in an extraordinary time. David Grossman is giving away copies of Heart First for Emerging Leaders – for free – to students, young professionals, and educators through his Great Giveback Giveaway. This is all part of David’s desire to pay it forward. His vision is to empower every Communications student and young professional with insights on leadership so they Lead with Heart.

About the Book

For more than three decades, award-winning leadership and communication expert David Grossman has helped scores of leaders become great leader communicators who drive impressive results for their organizations.

He wrote the first edition of Heart First in the midst of the global pandemic and ensuing social unrest, when leaders faced a level of turmoil not seen in a century. Despite the upheaval, many leaders rose to the occasion, often by drawing not just from experience, but from being human as they led, what Grossman defines as Heart First Leadership.

This new edition of Heart First is tailored to emerging leaders seeking the secret behind exceptional leadership in an extraordinary time. Change is constant and the needs of employees and customers are increasingly complex, yet empathy, humanity, and authenticity remain the keys to greatness.

In this edition of Heart First, Grossman shares his own insights as well as guest columns from a variety of senior leaders, each of whom offer thought-provoking and helpful strategies for being the best leader you can be.

Take a look inside

About the Author

David Grossman, ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, CSP, helps leaders drive productivity and get the results they want through authentic and courageous leadership communication. He’s a sought-after speaker and advisor to Fortune 500 leaders, and member of the Forbes Communication Council.

An award-winning five-time author, David is CEO of The Grossman Group, a leading strategic leadership development and internal communication consultancy. His leadercommunicator™ blog has been ranked the number one blog on communication by Feedspot eight years in a row.

David is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the Board of Advisors for The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, and a long-time supporter of rising professionals and students in the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

In addition, he’s a donor to The Museum of Public Relations, covering all student admissions in 2024. David is member of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications Thought Leadership Circle, and mentor to PR students.

David’s a partner to educators, donating copies of Heart First for Emerging Leaders to students at dozens of universities across the United States. And, he’s an educator himself, most recently having taught The Authentic Leader Course at Columbia University in NYC.

Praise for Heart First for Emerging Leaders

Heart First is loaded with powerful stories and valuable tips for all leaders and those aspiring to become authentic leaders.

Ron Culp, Professional Director, Public Relations & Advertising Program, DePaul University

Heart First offers valuable insights to help organizational leaders navigate the diverse personal and professional challenges of leading with empathy, courage, and clarity during turbulent times in order to have more empowering, equitable, just, and inclusive impact.

Daniel B. Frank, Ph.D., Principal, Francis W. Parker School

This beautiful book takes readers on a journey from knowing yourself to caring for yourself, to sharing yourself with others in meaningful and powerful ways.

Gail Golden, MBA, Ph.D., Principal, Gail Golden Consulting, and author of Curating Your Life: Ending the Struggle for Work-Life Balance

Heart First is a must-read for anyone who calls themselves a leader.

Jim Karas, #1 New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur

David shares inspiring yet practical messages that illustrate true leadership. This is a must-read for leaders at every level.

Julie Peffer, CFO, Big Bear.ai

Heart First comes at a time when we desperately need strong leadership. It’s a must read for any leader who wants to stand out and leave a lasting legacy with their teams.

Perry Stuckey, retired SVP and CHRO, Eastman

Heart First shows how strong leaders at every level contribute to building cultures of innovation and collaboration. The book is packed with insights, examples, and strategies to help students and professionals become authentic effective leaders.

Kathy R. Fitzpatrick, JD, APR, Director and Professor, The Zimmerman School at the University of South Florida

A Unique Way to Get the Book

As part of David Grossman's desire to pay it forward, he is giving away copies of Heart First for Emerging Leaders – for free – to students, young professionals, and educators through his Great Giveback Giveaway. His vision is to empower every Communications student and young professional with insights on leadership so they Lead with Heart. To date, he’s given away more than 15,000 copies of his Heart First books as part of his Great Giveback Giveaway.

To get a free copy for yourself, or copies for your students, mentees, team, or PRSSA Chapter, click the button below and select the option that’s best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about Heart First for Emerging Leaders:

How is Heart First for Emerging Leaders different than the original Heart First?

This new edition of Heart First is tailored to emerging leaders seeking the secret behind exceptional leadership in an extraordinary time. The book has also been updated to reflect what it’s like to lead in post-pandemic times, when change is even more rapid and constant than before.

In addition, it features brand new forewords by emerging and veteran leaders in the PR and communications industry.

What does Heart First Leadership really mean?

Heart First Leadership is all about championing empathy, humanity, and authenticity to build stronger, more trusting relationships and a thriving, purpose-driven organization.

Who is this book for?

College students, young professionals, and educators in the communications, leadership, and public relations fields.

What is the Great Giveback Giveaway and how do I get copies for free?

It’s a Heart First giveaway that began with the launch of Heart First: Lasting Leader Lessons from a Year that Changed Everything.

The giveaway is all part of David’s desire to pay it forward and his mission to help leaders develop their skills and make the workplace better. It has grown into a sustaining movement. To date, David has given away more than 15,000 copies of his Heart First books.

You can request a copy for yourself, or copies for your communications students, mentees, team, or PRSSA Chapter here.

How can educators use this book?

Educators are invited to use the book in the classroom as required or optional reading. It teaches leadership and communication skills that will set any communications student apart in the workplace.

The book is available for free to students through their teachers, instructors, or professors, who can order copies for their classrooms here.

Is Heart First for Emerging Leaders available outside the United States?

Currently, Heart First for Emerging Leaders ships to the U.S.

If you live outside of the U.S. and want to place a bulk book order, please submit your inquiry here.

When will my book arrive?

If you order Heart First for Emerging Leaders through the Great Giveback Giveaway, your book(s) will ship within two weeks. Depending on your location within the U.S., your book will arrive 3-7 business days after shipping. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico can take up to 7-10 business days once shipped.

If you buy Heart First on Amazon, it typically arrives within 2 business days via Prime shipping.

Is there an audiobook or eBook version of Heart First for Emerging Leaders?

No. Heart First for Emerging Leaders isn’t your typical business book in content – or design. It’s best consumed in its condensed, easy-to-read paperback format.