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What does it take to lead communities through change, build trust across boundaries, and create an impact that lasts? In her new book, Leadership Insights: From the Trailblazers Shaping the Communities Around Us, Joy Wilkins explores those questions through the experiences of 28 leaders who have helped shape the economic development profession and the communities it serves.

Published by Palmetto Publishing, Leadership Insights brings together more than a decade of conversations with leaders representing different communities, career paths, and perspectives. Their stories offer practical and personal lessons about integrity, purpose, relationships, resilience, collaboration, service, and leading through change.

"This book grew from a simple question: Why aren't we talking more intentionally about leadership in economic development?" said Wilkins. "Over the years, I had the privilege of talking with extraordinary leaders who were willing to share not only what they accomplished, but what they learned along the way. My hope is that their collective wisdom will encourage leaders at every stage of their journey."

The book traces its origins to a 2011 conversation between Wilkins and the late Denny Coleman, then chair of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and a longtime economic development executive in St. Louis. Their conversation about leadership inspired Wilkins to begin writing about the topic for IEDC's member publication, Economic Development Now. In 2014, that work evolved into the Leadership Insights interview series that ultimately became the foundation for the book.

The 28 conversations are organized around three interconnected dimensions of leadership: Become. Connect. Transform. Become explores the inner work of leadership — developing the integrity, purpose, stewardship, adaptability, and character that shape how leaders show up. Connect focuses on building trust, strengthening relationships, and bringing people together around shared goals. Transform explores how leaders translate character and connection into lasting impact by developing people, strengthening institutions, aligning systems, and helping communities thrive.

Together, they create what Wilkins describes as a continuing rhythm of leadership: Become. Connect. Transform. And then begin again.

The book includes forewords by Jeff Finkle, former president and CEO of IEDC, and Nathan Ohle, IEDC's president and CEO. Their perspectives place the book within the evolution of a profession increasingly called upon to connect people, organizations, and systems while navigating complex economic and community challenges.

"At the heart of these 28 voices is a shared belief that our work should ultimately improve people's lives," Wilkins said. "Leadership is not simply about what we accomplish. It is about who we become, the relationships we build, and whether the people, organizations, and communities we serve are stronger because we were there."

Leadership Insights: From the Trailblazers Shaping the Communities Around Us is published by Palmetto Publishing and is available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook formats.