Why ‘This Is Day One’ Will Redefine How You See Leadership Forever

Discover the surprising truth about leadership and why it’s within your reach—starting today.

What if leadership wasn’t about corner offices, big salaries, or impressive titles? What if it was about the quiet, daily choices you make—the way you greet a colleague, the courage to speak up when it matters, or the decision to forgive yourself and start again? Drew Dudley’s ‘This Is Day One’ explodes the myth of leadership as something reserved for the elite, instead offering a deeply optimistic and actionable vision for everyone.

From the very first chapter, Dudley invites readers to reconsider their self-perception. He shares the startling fact that less than 1% of people in any group are comfortable calling themselves leaders, and he asks us to reflect on why. The answer, he suggests, is that society has conditioned us to see leadership as rare and unattainable. But as Dudley’s now-famous ‘Lollipop Moment’ story illustrates, leadership often happens in fleeting, forgotten moments—a kind word, a small act of encouragement, a gesture that changes the course of another person’s life. These moments may go unrecognized by the leader, but they are unforgettable to those who receive them.



The heart of the book is the Day One philosophy: treat every day as a new beginning. This mindset, inspired by Dudley’s own journey through addiction recovery, is about letting go of yesterday’s failures (or even triumphs) and focusing on who you choose to be today. The book’s practical approach is grounded in the belief that values are only meaningful when they guide action. Dudley encourages readers to define their own leadership philosophy—a concise statement of the values and beliefs that will serve as their compass.

But how do you turn values into real-world behaviors? Dudley introduces the ‘Big Six’—Impact, Courage, Empowerment, Growth, Class, and Self-Respect—each with a daily question. For example, ‘What have I done today to recognize someone else’s leadership?’ or ‘Did I try something today that might not work?’ These questions are not rhetorical; they are tools for reflection and accountability. By tracking your answers—using a simple tally sheet or journal—you create a feedback loop that drives consistent growth.



The book is filled with inspiring, sometimes funny, always relatable stories of ordinary people making an extraordinary impact. Dudley’s message is clear: you don’t need to be perfect, and you don’t need to wait for permission. Leadership is about showing up, living your values, and forgiving yourself when you fall short. The Day One mindset is especially powerful when setbacks occur; instead of giving up, you simply recommit and begin again.

Perhaps most moving is the book’s exploration of legacy and the ripple effect. Dudley reminds us that most of our leadership impacts will never be seen or celebrated by us—our influence spreads through small acts, often in ways we’ll never know. But by celebrating and recognizing leadership in others, we multiply our impact, creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to lead.

‘This Is Day One’ is not just a leadership manual; it’s a guide to living a life of meaning, resilience, and hope. Whether you’re a student, a manager, a parent, or simply someone who wants to matter, Dudley’s book offers the tools and inspiration to make every day count.

Ready to start your own Day One? The journey begins now.

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