Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry Colonna Summary

Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up explores how radical self-inquiry—examining one’s emotional patterns and childhood influences—can transform leadership and personal growth. Jerry Colonna blends personal stories, client case studies, and frameworks from Buddhism/Jungian therapy to help leaders confront self-sabotage, build resilience, and align their professional lives with deeper values.

This book suits entrepreneurs, CEOs, and professionals seeking to overcome burnout, self-doubt, or toxic work patterns. It’s particularly valuable for leaders ready to examine their emotional baggage and childhood narratives to foster healthier teams and relationships.

Yes, Reboot is praised for its raw honesty and actionable insights. Unlike generic leadership guides, it provides deep psychological tools for self-discovery, making it ideal for readers willing to engage in vulnerable introspection to improve their leadership and personal lives.

Radical self-inquiry involves relentlessly questioning one’s motives, fears, and behavioral patterns. Colonna uses prompts like “How am I complicit in creating the conditions I say I don’t want?” to help leaders uncover subconscious biases and break cycles of exhaustion or conflict.

Notable quotes include:

• “Leadership is the path into adulthood.”
• “How am I complicit in creating the conditions I say I don’t want?”
  These emphasize self-accountability and the link between maturity and effective leadership.

Colonna argues burnout stems from misalignment between one’s actions and core values. By examining family narratives and societal expectations, readers learn to set boundaries, delegate effectively, and lead from a place of wholeness rather than depletion.

The book integrates:

• Jungian shadow work (confronting repressed traits).
• Buddhist mindfulness (non-attachment to outcomes).
• Narrative therapy (rewriting limiting personal stories)

Some may find its introspective approach overly intense or impractical for quick fixes. It requires vulnerability and time, which could challenge readers preferring structured, step-by-step leadership strategies.

The book guides readers to differentiate between externally imposed goals (e.g., societal success metrics) and authentic desires, reducing anxiety during career shifts. Case studies show how clients rebuilt careers aligned with their true selves.

Unlike tactical guides (e.g., Atomic Habits), Reboot focuses on emotional and psychological growth. It complements Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability but adds venture capitalist-turned-coach pragmatism.

Colonna asserts childhood experiences shape leadership styles—e.g., people-pleasing from unstable upbringings. By revisiting these stories, readers can rewrite narratives that no longer serve them.

Leaders can use its principles to foster psychological safety, model vulnerability, and encourage team members to explore their own growth edges. Colonna’s group coaching examples demonstrate healthier communication dynamics.