What Is A changemaker? Leadership is never easy. Almost all leaders deal with both triumph and tragedy, oftentimes in equal measure. The fact of the matter is that leadership insists on constant rejection of the status quo. True leaders demand continuous reflection and improvement of those around them, and even more importantly, of themselves. True leaders are Changemakers. In Deke Copenhaver’s The Changemaker: The Art of Building Better Leaders, you will learn to become unafraid of doing something different in the service of a good cause and how to spark a movement that others can’t help but rally around. The Changemaker is a roadmap of sorts, designed to deliver comprehensive, common sense leadership strategies to people from all walks of life. Through personal and professional anecdotes, case studies, and the wisdom from Changemakers gone by, The Changemaker will inspire and empower you to embrace adversity, rely on creativity and character, and sometimes take the road less traveled in order to unlock your ultimate potential. "The Changemaker is a must read for anyone who wants to make a positive impact on the status quo. Deke's practical and pragmatic advice offers a heartfelt and authentic view into what is required of successful leaders ... or at least should be required. Deke embodies one of my favorite lines from my favorite band, U2: 'She's packing a suitcase for a place none of us has seen, a place that has to be believed to be seen.'" -Monty Hamilton CEO, Rural Sourcing Incorporated "Deke is a complete public servant, which is all too rare these days. He is a true independent who is not saddled with party ideology and group think. He has demonstrated that a dedicated leader can bring positive change and inspire their team to reject political expediency in working for the common good of the citizenry. My wife and I met Deke, Malisa, and their delightful family at their wedding in Bermuda twenty years ago. As a director of the Bermuda Community Foundation, I organized a gathering of the Bermuda government and business leaders who enjoyed the benefit of Deke's experience. I highly recommend Deke as a resource for leadership in addressing challenges facing business and public organizations." -Brian O'Hara Former President and CEO, XL Capital "As a community leader, Deke Copenhaver's inspiring memoir is a primer for anyone looking to shake up the status quo and become a Changemaker." -Jay Samit Bestselling Author, Disrupt You! "Ninety percent of people are ready for change, but only ten percent are ready to change. The Changemaker is the best book for those who are ready to change and gives readers the resources to make it happen. Read it to change your life so you can change the lives of people around you." -Mark Goulston Author, Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone "To know Deke is to know a great human being. The love and respect that he and dad shared was special. I witnessed it at the Tour de Georgia and many other times. His service to mankind and his community is a platform for change. Thank you, Deke!" -Deanna Brown Thomas President, The James Brown Family Foundation "With the trials and tribulations around us today, it's time to tap into your inner Changemaker and make a real difference in your world. Deke's passion comes through in equal part substance and story. It is entertaining and educational, and most of all inspiring. The Changemaker shows from the start that everyone can lead their world to a better place. If you want to improve your status quo, don't wait for others. Read this book and learn-chapter by chapter-each step in a process that can make you the leader that people will be proud to follow." -Tom Patterson Author, Mapping Security Security Advisor, DoD, FBI, NASA, and the White House. "Smart people will love this book. It challenges us to lead and implement positive, lasting change through listening and consensus rather than bullying and grandstanding. Deke gives us tools to connect and be open to growth outside of our comfortable zone. And most importantly, he lets us learn from his successes and failures. This book is a unifying call to the right kind of action, just when we need it most." -Eric Zachrison Founder, Context DEKE COPENHAVER currently serves as principal of Copenhaver Consulting, LLC. From 2005 through 2014 Deke served as mayor of Augusta, Georgia. After leaving office, he hosted There it is ... with Deke Copenhaver, a live daily radio show. He has also served as managing consultant for the Augusta Economic Development Authority. Deke has been recognized on multiple occasions by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians. Deke has spoken at many national conferences on topics including city design, economic development, healthcare, veterans’ issues, and the nonprofit industry. He currently authors a monthly column on leadership published by the Georgia Municipal Association. Deke earned