It’s Not in the Manual: Real-World Leadership for Security and Risk Professionals (Security, Audit and Leadership Series) 1st Edition
What makes a great leader in security and risk? It’s not in the manual.
It’s Not In the Manual shatters the illusion that effective leadership in security, risk, and resilience is all about titles, certifications, or rigid frameworks. In a world where cyber threats, insider risk, reputational landmines, and geopolitical chaos overlap, this book delivers something far more valuable: hard-earned wisdom, human vulnerability―and a wry sense of humor.
Written with both erudition and pop culture sensibility, the book blends field-tested insights with sharp wit, drawing from sources as varied as Socrates and Snoopy, Bill Gates and Bill Bryson, quantum physics and playground fistfights. If you're looking for a dry leadership tome, keep looking. This is leadership with levity, candor, and conscience.
Whether you're navigating a crisis, building a converged risk function, mentoring the next generation, or just trying to get your team to stop using “password123,” the lessons here are real-world, actionable, and often unexpected.
Drawing on hundreds of conversations with practitioners, thought leaders, and executive coaches―from museum security directors to startup founders to crisis-tested veterans―the book moves fluently between the tactical and the philosophical. You’ll find leadership lessons in Texas Hold ‘Em and trauma, case law and commercials, streaming series and streaming data.
If you’ve ever felt unprepared to lead in the face of chaos, contradiction, or moral ambiguity, this book is for you.
praise for it’s not in the manual
“A deeply relevant and highly recommended read for anyone serious about leadership in high-responsibility environments.” (Thomas Tidiks, CSO)
“A candid exploration of leadership in a world of constant crisis and complexity.” (The Security Edit)
“Wisdom is packed into every paragraph.” (Brian Harrell, CSO)
“A field guide for security and risk professionals.” (Brilliance Security Magazine)
“Gips blends decades of experience with practical insights, humor, and global perspectives to show what leadership in security and risk really looks like.” (Gary Craven)
“If you lead (or aspire to lead) in security, risk, resilience, or adjacent disciplines, and you want guidance that’s candid, usable, and human, this book belongs on your shelf.” (Gigi Agassini)
“A handbook for navigating chaos, complexity, and humanity.” (The Security Circle)
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