We live in a time of unprecedented speed, connection, and uncertainty. While many organizations are adapting to this new reality by reinventing business models, significantly fewer are examining the implications of these changes for developing effective leadership. In Intentional Leadership , Rose M. Patten draws on her expertise as one of Canada’s most influential leaders to shine a spotlight on this emergent and often neglected space. Drawing on learnings and a framework tested with over 900 senior leaders across industries and geographies, Intentional Leadership presents a guide for continuous renewal, focusing on the human side of leading. Patten debunks common myths, emphasizing that leadership capabilities do not just develop over time, but require self-awareness, feedback, intention, adjustment, and practice. Whether you are a CEO of a large corporation, an activist, raising a family, working in government, or leading a not-for-profit organization, Intentional Leadership meets you where you are and provides the necessary tools for self-reflection and growth as a leader. "Having worked closely with Rose M. Patten for close to three decades, through a time when Canadian institutions have been repeatedly acknowledged among the tallest trees in global finance, I have awaited the arrival of this book with great anticipation. As you will discover in reading, Rose has a deep understanding of the power of decision frameworks in problem-solving, in business strategy, and on broad issues. She argues persuasively for the reconciliation of divergent stakeholder interests through rigorous, observation-based thinking while maintaining an empathetic view of human motivation. In a world defined by uncertainty and polarization, she builds a compelling case for intentional leadership and explains eight capabilities for leaders to achieve their full potential, both in early and in accomplished stages of leading." ―William Downe, C.M., Former CEO, BMO Financial Group "Rose M. Patten is a proven senior leader in the banking sector and in academia. Her depth and diversity of experience resonates throughout this book. In Intentional Leadership , Patten provides powerful leadership observations and a leadership framework attuned to the complex challenges facing all leaders today. Unlike some books that put forward easy, snappy answers, this book looks at the enduring and fundamental pillars of leadership – making it more relevant and meaningful." ―Donald Guloien, President, Guloien Capital, and Former President and CEO, Manulife "While there are numerous books on leadership, this work stands out as it is built on a variety of real-life experiences. Leaders across sectors were interviewed, many at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in very timely insights on leading through disruption and change. This easy-to-read book makes clear that in this complex and rapidly evolving world, leadership requires an open mind, adaptability, and resilience. Rose M. Patten shows that leading today requires a good understanding of oneself, clear personal values, and the ability to collaborate with a diverse set of partners. This book will be of interest to aspiring and seasoned leaders alike." ―Vivek Goel, President and Vice Chancellor, University of Waterloo "In a world of dramatic change, leaders must change too! This is the key message of Rose M. Patten’s Intentional Leadership , and one that I wholeheartedly support. At the Center for Creative Leadership, we have long developed leaders who make a difference in their organizations and in the world through the power of creative, human-centered leadership. These qualities are now more important than ever as leaders face a host of complex challenges that require new capabilities. As Patten writes, ‘leadership is not timeless. What got us to here in the past has changed.’ She outlines key shifts in the context of work that require leaders – both experienced and new – to become more intentional about how they lead and to cultivate new mindsets and practices for leading in a world of unprecedented change and disruption. I have had the pleasure of working with Rose over the years to develop BMO’s top leaders. In every instance, she has shown herself to be a passionate expert, advocate, and advisor to many. In this book, she draws from her lifetime of experience in both distinguished business and academic positions to provide a valuable resource and leadership framework enabling leaders to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow." ―Mark Holt, Organizational Leadership Practitioner, Center for Creative Leadership "More than 15,000 books on leadership have been published in the last twenty-five years. So, why should you read this new book on leadership? First, because the world of work is dramatically different from yesteryear’s workplace and will continue to change rapidly. Traditional business models and management and leadership practices need updating. Rose M. Patte