“Just about everywhere we look, our faith in political leaders has hit rock bottom; mediocrity, fanaticism, and moral cowardice abound. Nelson Mandela, who remained as generous as he was shrewd, despite spending twenty-seven years in jail, stands as a timeless reminder and a timeless inspiration. Humanity is, and always has been, capable of great things, and there is always room and reason for us to be better.” – John Carlin, Knowing Mandela

In these times of global strife and uncertainty, we need role models we can turn to for inspiration, guidance, and genuine leadership. Now more than ever, we need to take stock and push the default setting button. The default setting for global leadership in modern times is Nelson Mandela.

Andrew Russell is an ordinary white South African who lived through the most tumultuous period of our history, during which the oppressive system of apartheid was dismantled and South Africa enjoyed its first-ever democratic elections.

The Leadership We Need is a book full of hope, a place for all of us to draw strength from the life of Nelson Mandela, the rural Eastern Cape boy who, against all odds, became president of a democratic country. It is a book for people of all ages, learners and educators, leaders and followers.