Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up book cover

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

Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up
Jerry Colonna
4.5 (2 Reviews)
Leadership
Psychology
Entrepreneurship
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up

In "Reboot," renowned "CEO Whisperer" Jerry Colonna combines Buddhism and Jungian therapy to revolutionize leadership. What if professional success requires emotional healing first? Discover why Silicon Valley executives seek Colonna's radical self-inquiry methods for both personal growth and compassionate business leadership.

Show more

Key Takeaways from Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up

  1. Radical self-inquiry reveals how childhood patterns shape leadership behaviors
  2. Emotional intelligence surpasses technical skills in building resilient teams
  3. Better humans make better leaders through vulnerability and accountability
  4. Confronting inner demons transforms toxic leadership into compassionate guidance
  5. Leadership maturity grows through ongoing self-reflection, not management hacks
  6. Childhood narratives dictate leadership styles until consciously rewritten
  7. Ego-driven success undermines meaningful work relationships and personal fulfillment
  8. Radical responsibility turns life's hardships into leadership superpowers
  9. Psychological safety at work begins with leaders modeling self-compassion
  10. Buddhist-Jungian frameworks help leaders integrate personal trauma with professional purpose
  11. Viewing work as self-discovery aligns professional goals with inner truth
  12. Compassionate leadership stems from addressing unmet emotional needs first

Overview of its author - Jerry Colonna

Jerry Colonna, bestselling author of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up, is a pioneering executive coach and CEO whisperer renowned for blending Jungian therapy, Buddhist principles, and entrepreneurial insights. A former venture capitalist who co-founded Flatiron Partners and led investments at JPMorgan, Colonna now helms Reboot.io, a leadership development firm that helps executives cultivate resilience and self-awareness.

His work focuses on transforming leadership through radical self-inquiry, addressing themes of emotional healing, adult maturity, and purposeful leadership rooted in his decades of experience coaching Silicon Valley founders and Fortune 500 leaders.

Colonna’s follow-up book, Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong, expands on his framework for authentic connection in professional and personal realms. He hosts the Reboot Podcast and chairs the board of Naropa University, a leading institution in contemplative education.

A sought-after speaker featured in Forbes, The New York Times, and NPR, Colonna’s Reboot has become a New York Times bestseller and a staple in executive coaching programs worldwide.

Common FAQs of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up

What is Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up about?

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.

Who should read Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up?

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.

Is Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up worth reading?

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.

What is radical self-inquiry in Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up?

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.

What are key quotes from Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up?

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.
How does Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up address burnout?

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.

What frameworks does Jerry Colonna use in Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up?

The book integrates:

  • Jungian shadow work (confronting repressed traits).
  • Buddhist mindfulness (non-attachment to outcomes).
  • Narrative therapy (rewriting limiting personal stories)
Are there criticisms of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up?

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.

How does Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up help with career transitions?

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.

How does Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up compare to other leadership books?

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.

What role does childhood play in Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up?

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.

How to apply Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up in teams?

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.

Similar books to Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up

Start Reading Your Way
Quick Summary

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

Key takeaways

1

When Success Feels Like Failure

play
00:00
00:00

What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted and still feel empty? Standing at Ground Zero after 9/11, wealthy and accomplished, a successful venture capitalist contemplated ending his life. This wasn't supposed to be how the story went. Years of climbing, striving, and accumulating had led to this moment of profound hollowness-seen but not truly seen, in life but not really living. This paradox sits at the heart of a transformative approach to leadership that has reshaped how thousands of executives understand their work. The insight is deceptively simple yet revolutionary: becoming a better leader isn't about acquiring more skills or strategies. It's about becoming a more whole human being. When we lead from a divided self-outer success masking inner turmoil-we create organizations that reflect our fragmentation. But when we dare to examine the patterns and beliefs driving us, when we face the ghosts that haunt our decisions, we discover something unexpected. Leadership becomes less about proving our worth and more about expressing our wholeness.

2

The Formula That Changes Everything

3

The Ghosts in Our Machines

4

Strong Back, Open Heart

5

The Dangerous Strategy of Constant Motion

6

Loving the Crow That Criticizes You

7

Taking Your Seat in the World

Explore Your Way of Learning
Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Leadership. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up Summary in 9 Minutes

Quick Summary
Quick Summary
Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up Summary in 9 Minutes

Break down key ideas from Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

play
00:00
00:00

Flash Card Mode - Top 11 Insights from Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up in a Nutshell

Flash Card
Flash Card
Top 11 Insights from Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up in a Nutshell

Distill Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Flash Mode Swiper

Fun Mode - Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up Lessons Told Through 23-Min Stories

Fun
Fun
Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up Lessons Told Through 23-Min Stories

Experience Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.

play
00:00
00:00

Personalize Mode - Read or listen to Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up Summary in 0 Minutes

Personalize
Personalize
Experience Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

Flash Mode Swiper

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star
Start your learning journey, now
Download This Summary

Get the Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.