Notes on the Nightstand captures the essence of a life well-lived by sharing the foundational lessons learned along the way. It’s a collection of essays that illuminate timeless leadership principles through storytelling. My journey with Phil Stassi began in 2009 when I was a regional sales manager preparing for a high-stakes pitch with Microsoft. Phil, then group vice president at Jacobs, brought a unique approach to the process. While others were caught up in instructions, Phil was calm, confident, and engaged. He trusted us, focused on core values, and led with composure. We won the project, and Phil’s approach left a lasting impact on me.

Years later, when I became group vice president for Jacobs’ global construction management, I had the privilege of working closely with Phil. His dedication to ethics, safety, and team empowerment prepared me for even greater challenges at Microsoft and Meta. This book distills Phil’s lessons in business and life, emphasizing empathy, discipline, authenticity, and connection.

Notes on the Nightstand is a practical guide to leadership, featuring bite-sized, principle-driven chapters. Phil discusses the power of genuine interaction and the importance of listening and understanding others’ perspectives as the foundation for trust. One of the most profound lessons here is Phil’s approach to empathy and listening—rare but crucial traits for effective leadership. Phil stresses that leaders should seek out and value diverse opinions, especially those that challenge their own views. Constructive criticism, he argues, prevents insular thinking, improves decision-making, and fosters innovation.

Discipline, intensity, and persistence are also central to Phil’s leadership philosophy. While empathy and openness are key, leaders should be intensely focused on their goals. Phil illustrates that passion, persistence, and a positive attitude often make the difference between success and failure. His stories underscore that persistence drives results and that maintaining a positive outlook, even in difficult times, sustains momentum.

Phil also delves into the importance of responsibility and ownership. He emphasizes that leaders should take responsibility for issues, avoid blame, overcome fears, and commit fully to the team. He discusses the power of clear-eyed decision-making, encouraging leaders to quit rationalizing, face facts, and act decisively. Additionally, he highlights how respectable behavior and conduct can motivate and inspire teams. Humility and respect are equally essential. Through personal anecdotes, Phil shows how great leaders inspire loyalty by valuing everyone’s contributions. They recognize that leading often requires serving others, and humility becomes a powerful driver of team support and morale.

Phil champions authenticity and goodness as fundamentals of leadership. His stories illustrate that the most successful leaders are genuine and honest. Authenticity builds strong relationships, and genuine care for others creates lasting connections. Phil reminds us that authenticity isn’t just admirable; it’s a strategic asset that sustains trust and loyalty. The book concludes with the art of persuasion, reframing selling as a critical leadership skill. Phil sees persuasion not as closing deals but as understanding others’ needs and delivering real value. Effective persuasion, he argues, builds long-term relationships based on trust and mutual benefit. In summary, Notes on the Nightstand provides a holistic view of leadership that integrates empathy, listening, humility, authenticity, and the ability to persuade and build relationships. Through personal stories and practical insights, the book offers a comprehensive guide for aspiring leaders. It is my honor to introduce you to this book, which I believe will be educational, inspiring, and potentially life-changing for future leaders.

—DOUG MOUTON

Retired colonel Army National Guard, former Microsoft vice president for global engineering, procurement and data center construction.