Forged in Crisis Book Summary

In 'Forged in Crisis', Nancy Koehn delves into the lives of five extraordinary leaders who faced seemingly insurmountable challenges. Through their captivating stories, she uncovers the elements that shaped their character and visions during tumultuous times. Koehn reveals how adversity can ignite profound personal and societal transformations. This compelling narrative explores not just the triumphs, but the trials that defined these iconic figures. What lessons can we draw from their struggles and successes to navigate our own crises?

By Nancy Koehn

Published: 2017

""Crises can become the crucible of change, where our true character is forged and where we discover the resilience that lies within us.""

Book Review of Forged in Crisis

Presents a portrait of five extraordinary figures--Ernest Shackleton, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Rachel Carson--to illuminate how great leaders are made in times of adversity and the diverse skills they summon in order to prevail.

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"Crises can become the crucible of change, where our true character is forged and where we discover the resilience that lies within us."

Forged in Crisis

By Nancy Koehn