This is a summary of the book titled “Master Mentors Volume 2: 30 Transformative Insights from Our Greatest Minds” written by Scott Jeffrey Miller and published by HarperCollins Leadership, 2022

In the world of leadership and personal growth, wisdom often arrives from unexpected sources. The author is a seasoned leadership consultant and podcaster who has made it his mission to collect and share transformative insights from some of the most influential minds of our time. In his second volume of Master Mentors, he expands his tapestry of wisdom by interviewing thirty remarkable leaders from diverse fields—among them thought leader Erica Dhawan, HR innovator Patty McCord, Tiny Habits creator BJ Fogg, and marketing visionary Guy Kawasaki. Their stories, though varied in circumstance and outcome, converge on a handful of critical attitudes and practices that underpin extraordinary achievement.

Success, as Miller’s mentors reveal, is as multifaceted as the individuals who attain it. Yet beneath the surface differences, there are common threads: a deep commitment to learning and living by one’s core values, an unwavering dedication to hard work, and a refusal to take shortcuts. These leaders demonstrate that greatness is not a matter of luck or privilege, but of deliberate choices and persistent effort. They remind us that the most impactful mentors may not be those we know personally, but rather authors, speakers, or public figures whose words and actions inspire us from afar.

One of the book’s most poignant stories centers on Zafar Masud, who survived a devastating plane crash in Pakistan. Emerging from this near-death experience, Masud returned to his role as CEO with a renewed sense of purpose. He embraced a philosophy of “management by empathy,” choosing to listen more, speak less, and genuinely care for those around him. His journey underscores the importance of discovering and staying true to one’s authentic values—not waiting for crisis to force reflection, but proactively seeking clarity about what matters most.

Self-awareness emerges as another cornerstone of success. Organizational psychologist Tasha Eurich points out that while most people believe they are self-aware, few truly are. Real self-awareness demands both an honest internal reckoning and a willingness to understand how others perceive us. Miller suggests a practical exercise: interview those closest to you, ask for candid feedback, and remain open—even when the truth stings. This process helps uncover blind spots and fosters growth. Building on this, Sean Covey distinguishes between self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence, emphasizing that while self-worth is inherent, self-esteem and confidence must be cultivated through self-forgiveness, commitment, and continuous improvement.

The mentors profiled in Miller’s book are united by their sky-high standards and relentless perseverance. They do not seek hacks or shortcuts; instead, they invest thousands of hours in their craft, making slow but steady progress. Figures like Tiffany Aliche and Seth Godin exemplify this ethic, consistently producing work and maintaining excellence over years. Colin Cowie, renowned for designing experiences for the world’s elite, never rests on past achievements, always striving to delight his clients anew. This mindset—persisting when others give up, solving problems creatively, and refusing to settle—sets these leaders apart.

Professionalism, consistency, and perspective are also vital. Miller recounts advice from Erica Dhawan on presenting oneself well in virtual meetings, from dressing appropriately to preparing thoroughly. Communication, he notes, should be intentional and adaptive, matching the style of those around us and always seeking to understand others’ perspectives. Business acumen is essential, too; knowing your organization’s mission, strategy, and challenges allows you to align your actions and decisions for maximum impact.

Habits, Miller explains, are best formed through neuroscience-based techniques. BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits approach advocates for simplicity and small steps, using prompts and motivation to create lasting change. By designing routines that are easy to follow and repeating them consistently, anyone can build positive habits that support their goals.

Humility and gratitude are recurring themes. Turia Pitt’s story of recovery after a wildfire teaches the value of accepting help and recognizing that success is never achieved alone. Miller encourages readers to appreciate their unique journeys and those of others, to listen and learn from different perspectives, and to practice generosity and empathy. Vulnerability, as illustrated by Ed Mylett’s humorous car story, fosters trust and psychological safety, making it easier for others to be open and authentic.

Hard work, not busyness, is the hallmark of the Master Mentors. They manage their time wisely, focus on productivity, and measure success by results rather than activity. Kory Kogon’s insights on time management reinforce the importance of planning, incremental progress, and avoiding last-minute rushes.

Finally, honesty and psychological safety are essential for growth. Pete Carroll’s “tell the truth Mondays” create a space for candid discussion and learning from mistakes. Leaders who own their messes empower others to do the same, fostering environments where challenges and opportunities can be addressed openly and improvement is continuous.