High Stakes: Four Field-Tested Disciplines That Define Real Leadership

5 reviews for High Stakes: Four Field-Tested Disciplines That Define Real Leadership

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   David O’Neal – August 14, 2026

   I received a complimentary advance copy of High Stakes for review. As a 33-year veteran of the fire service, this book resonated with me because it addresses leadership as it happens—when decisions are difficult, information is incomplete, and the consequences are real. Mike McKenna’s focus on deciding, confronting, upholding standards, and developing others provides practical lessons that leaders can immediately apply in their own organizations. I would recommend this book to anyone in a leadership position, but especially those working in public safety, emergency services, government, or other high-consequence environments where leadership decisions directly affect people. What sets High Stakes apart is that its lessons are grounded in real experiences rather than abstract leadership theory, making it both relatable and useful.

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Larry Rotters – Fire, EMS, EM (ret.) – August 13, 2026

   I received a free advance copy of this book for my review. Mike McKenna’s field stories — from disaster response to white-collar investigations — ring true. The chapters on confrontation (six and seven) stuck with me most: the point that many of us who can call out danger in an instant on scene will still defer the slower, interpersonal hard conversations is one I recognized immediately in myself and colleagues.

   Given my own background in EMS, fire, and emergency management — the world several of these stories are drawn from — I recognized the disciplines underneath them more than I discovered something new, which speaks to how accurately Mike translated that experience into a leadership framework.

   I’d recommend ‘High Stakes’ to founders and CEOs of growing companies who carry high-stakes decisions alone, and to anyone stepping into a leadership role for the first time or stepping back into one after time away.

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Robert Fagan – August 12, 2026

   High Stakes is a practical leadership book grounded in real-world crises rather than management theory, offering four clear disciplines that help leaders make sound decisions under pressure. Mike McKenna writes with the credibility of someone who has led through disasters, investigations, and high-consequence situations, making the lessons both authentic and immediately applicable. The emphasis on decisiveness, accountability, ethical standards, and developing future leaders makes this a valuable resource for military, government, emergency management, and business professionals alike. If you are looking for leadership principles that can withstand the stress of real crises rather than simply sound good in a classroom, High Stakes is well worth the read.

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   TCallendrillo – August 10, 2026

   Mr. McKenna has written a thought provoking book that is also entertaining to read. He blends hands on experiences with sharp, insight, showing leaders and future leaders a clear pathway to excellence.
   Highly recommended, especially for those raking on the mantle of supervising others.

5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Donald Felicella – August 10, 2026

   If you think High Stakes is just another leadership book, think again. Mike McKenna has once again delivered an outstanding read that is practical, thought-provoking, and grounded in real-world experience rather than leadership theory.

   From the very first pages, the book grabs your attention and immediately challenges you to reflect on the difficult decisions you’ve made—or perhaps the ones you avoided—as a leader. It doesn’t waste time with abstract concepts. Instead, it puts you in the mindset of making the kinds of decisions where the stakes are real and the outcomes matter.

   As I read through the book, I found myself reflecting on leadership decisions I’ve made throughout my career. I thought back to my time as a noncommissioned officer leading an infantry squad in the military, my years in law enforcement, my work as an expert witness, and my current role in search and rescue. Every chapter seemed to spark memories of situations where I had to make difficult calls, confront uncomfortable issues, uphold standards, or invest in developing others. More importantly, it challenged me to think about how I can be a better leader today.

   What sets High Stakes apart is that Mike writes from experience. His insights aren’t pulled from a textbook—they’re forged through years of making difficult decisions under pressure. That authenticity comes through on every page. His four leadership disciplines—Decide, Confront, Uphold, and Develop—provide a straightforward framework that leaders at any level can immediately apply. These aren’t just ideas to read about; they’re skills to practice and refine.

   Whether you’re leading a business, a public safety organization, a military unit, a nonprofit, or any team where people depend on your decisions, this book offers practical guidance that will make you stop, think, and grow as a leader.

   I’ve read several of Mike McKenna’s books, and High Stakes is another exceptional addition to his work. It’s the kind of book that you’ll likely revisit because each time you do, you’ll see something new through the lens of your own leadership experiences.

   I highly recommend High Stakes to anyone who carries the responsibility of leading others. If the buck stops with you, this book belongs on your shelf.
   Don Felicella – Deputy Chief Sparta White County Volunteer Rescue Squad