Heart First: What Exceptional Leaders Do in Extraordinary Times

The second edition of Heart First is designed for leaders at all levels who are seeking critical insights to guide their organizations through a pivotal time of change and complexity in a post-pandemic world.

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 David defines as Heart First Leadership.

This second edition of Heart First, post-pandemic, is for any leader who seeks 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, David 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 often quoted in media, providing expert commentary and analysis on how leaders and companies can build trust and keep employees engaged through crisis and change, employee well-being and burnout, and more. He’s been featured on “NBC Nightly News,” in CBS MoneyWatch, Directors & Boards, Forbes, Great Place to Work, Newsweek, and the World Economic Forum.

His vision is to empower every leader and communicator with insights on leadership so they Lead with Heart. As part of his mission to pay it forward, he’s giving away copies of Heart First – for free – to leaders who want to make the workplace better. To date, he’s given away more than 15,000 copies of his Heart First books.

Praise for Heart First

If you want to lead effectively through significant crisis or change, consider Heart First your playbook to do it right.

John Greisch, Chairman of The Board, Viant Medical

David does a beautiful job capturing real-life lessons learned from the frontlines of pandemic and social change related communications.

Cy Wakeman, New York Times Bestselling author of No Ego

His simple yet profound message about the power of kindness, authenticity, and caring will inform…dare I say, transform…even the most skeptical of leaders.

Jeff Outten, Chief Change Officer, FORVIS

Inspired and inspiring – that is what Heart First is for leaders.

Farah Speer, SVP, Corporate Communications and External Relations, AviadoBio

In these times of unprecedented change, David has provided an inspirational yet practical guide that will allow leaders to enhance their organizations and create opportunities from challenges.

Keith Weidman, CEO, Form Technologies

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

Julie Peffer, CFO, BigBear.ai

David Grossman’s Heart First is both timeless and timely. The lessons, stories, and insights remind us of what great leaders through the centuries have known…

Paul LeBlanc, President of Southern New Hampshire University

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about Heart First: What Exceptional Leaders Do in Extraordinary Times

How is the second edition of Heart First different from the original Heart First?

David Grossman wrote the first edition of Heart First during the global pandemic and ensuing social unrest, when leaders faced a level of turmoil not seen in a century.

We’ve learned a lot since 2020 and 2021 about what makes for great leadership. This second edition of Heart First, shares learnings gained since 2021 for leaders looking to meet the complex challenges they face today in a post-pandemic world.

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?

Leaders at any level – from people leaders to the CEO – who seek the secret behind exceptional leadership in an extraordinary time will find real value in this edition of Heart First. The insights from David as well as a variety of leaders in a range of prominent positions will help anyone who wants to excel at inspiring and motivating their teams to achieve great things.

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, copies for your team, or gift a copy to someone you know who will benefit here.

Does David present keynotes or training on Heart First Leadership?

Yes, he does. Learn more about the programs David offers, and/or invite David to speak to your organization or team here.

Is Heart First available outside the United States?

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

If you order Heart First 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.

Is there an audiobook or eBook version of Heart First?

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

Invite David to Present a Powerful Keynote on Heart First Leadership

Are you inspired by the principles and strategies shared in Heart First?

David has delivered dozens of impactful keynotes to top organizations. These talks inspire leaders to lead with empathy, humanity, and authenticity, providing them with the strategies and tools they need to engage employees and drive business results.

Customized for leaders at all levels – from people managers to top executives – David’s sessions leave a lasting impression and a positive, sustaining impact for attendees, teams, and the organization.