The CEO's Catalyst
What if the wisdom that transforms a CEO doesn’t come from the boardroom, but from the receptionist’s desk?
Join the book launch celebration
Join me in celebrating the launch of The CEO’s Catalyst on October 22 in downtown Seattle.
The CEO’s Catalyst is a modern leadership fable about how the most meaningful leadership breakthroughs often emerge from unexpected places.
The story follows Mac McCallister, a founder CEO overwhelmed by the pressures of scaling his company, and Lucia “Luc” Quinn, a newly hired receptionist in the later stages of her career, whose quiet insight begins to challenge everything Mac believes about leadership.
As Mac confronts his blind spots and learns to truly listen, he reshapes not only how he leads his executive team, but how he leads himself. Through candid conversations and real-world leadership challenges, Mac develops a simple yet powerful framework that is woven throughout the narrative. Mac applies these to daily decisions and defining moments, turning insight into practice.
Just as Mac puts these ideas into practice throughout the story, the workbook at the end of the book invites you to do the same. With two exercises for each concept, you’ll have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned to your own work, leadership, and life.
Unlike traditional leadership books, The CEO’s Catalyst blends timeless leadership principles with new-thought philosophy in a raw, real-world voice that reflects today’s workplace. One that connects professional success with personal fulfillment.
Why I wrote the book
I wrote The CEO’s Catalyst after years of working alongside executive leaders in moments of real pressure and change. Again and again, I saw capable, thoughtful leaders doing their best in complex environments, often carrying more responsibility than anyone realized.
What stood out to me wasn’t a lack of skill or commitment. It was how little space there was to pause, reflect, and listen beneath the urgency of growth and decision-making. I chose to write this book as a story rather than a manual because leadership isn’t just about what we do. It’s about how we show up, how we listen, and how we understand our own worth and potential in the process.
This book is for
Leaders ready to find deeper joy in their work
Leaders navigating growth, pressure, or transition
Leaders who feel the weight of responsibility and decision-making
Leaders interested in the human side of leadership, not rigid frameworks
“One of the most important lessons I learned from Leslie was that People leadership should never be constrained by traditional HR boundaries. She taught me to approach every challenge with creativity, intention, and a deep understanding of how our work impacts the broader business.”
— Christina Sullivan, Chief People Officer
Connect with Leslie
If you’re interested in working with Leslie, have a question about The CEO’s Catalyst, or would like to explore speaking opportunities, Leslie would love to connect.
Please note: Leslie is not currently accepting new clients, but you’re welcome to get in touch. She’ll reach out when new availability opens up.