Why Risk-Taking Is the Secret Sauce of Leadership: Lessons from Mike Pompeo’s ‘Never Give an Inch’

In the high-stakes arena of national security and diplomacy, hesitation can be fatal. Mike Pompeo’s memoir, Never Give an Inch, reveals the critical importance of risk-taking as a hallmark of effective leadership. From clandestine missions to bold policy shifts, Pompeo’s experiences underscore that leadership is not for the timid.

One of the most striking insights from the book is the transformation of the CIA from a risk-averse bureaucracy into a nimble, action-oriented agency. Pompeo recounts how the agency had become so cautious that it avoided even the word 'spy,' a metaphor for a culture that stifled innovation and bold action. Changing this mindset was essential to confronting threats like North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and global terrorism.

Pompeo also stresses the necessity of swift pivots when policies fail. The premature withdrawal from Iraq and the flawed Iran nuclear deal illustrate how clinging to mistakes can have dire consequences. Leadership requires the courage to admit errors and change course decisively to protect national interests.

Diplomacy, according to Pompeo, is as much about showing up and building relationships as it is about formal negotiations. Personal engagement, consistent presence, and pragmatic alliances—even with imperfect partners—are key to wearing down adversaries and advancing security goals.

Throughout the memoir, the theme of honoring those who serve and sacrifice is ever-present. Leadership is not just about strategy but about respecting the human costs of conflict and the moral responsibilities leaders bear.

In a world that is often mean and nasty, Pompeo advocates for realism tempered by prudence. The balance of power and restraint, guided by constitutional principles and historical wisdom, is essential to sustaining America’s leadership role.

‘Never Give an Inch’ is more than a memoir; it is a call to embrace the virtues of courage, adaptability, and relentless commitment. For anyone interested in leadership, national security, or the inner workings of American diplomacy, Pompeo’s book offers rich lessons grounded in firsthand experience.

For further reading, see reviews and insights from Amazon, Google Books, and The Globe and Mail, which provide additional context and perspectives on Pompeo’s narrative and style. 1 2 3