In an era when business leaders can turn to countless management books, podcasts, online courses and AI-powered productivity tools, Don Gregori believes something is still missing: practical guidance for navigating the realities of leadership.
Gregori, chief operating officer of five-time Inc. 5000 honoree First Factory, addresses that gap with his first book, The Emergent Leader: A Guide to Brand Building, Leadership, and Self-Mastery. Published by Torchflame Books, the book offers what Gregori describes as a 360-degree approach to leadership, bringing together business strategy, personal development and organizational challenges.
Drawing on 25 years of experience leading operational transformation across startups and Fortune 500 companies, Gregori organizes the book into 61 short chapters spanning six categories. His professional background in theater and film also informs his approach, adding another perspective to his discussion of communication, leadership and building a strong professional identity.
Rather than requiring readers to work through a lengthy management philosophy from beginning to end, The Emergent Leader is structured as a tactical resource. Each chapter concludes with a “Take Away,” distilling the central lesson into one sentence, followed by a “Take Action” designed to give readers a concrete next step.
That format allows readers to move through the book sequentially or turn directly to a topic that addresses a challenge they are currently facing.
Gregori’s intended audience includes startup founders, first-time managers, experienced executives and professionals working toward leadership positions. The book focuses on the idea that professional growth and organizational growth are interconnected, particularly as businesses navigate rapidly changing workplace cultures and technology.
“Where most books go a great distance in a narrow lane — or a short distance across too many — this book covers the full spectrum of what leaders actually face,” Gregori said.
The book has also received advance praise from Barry Z. Posner, Ph.D., bestselling author of The Leadership Challenge, who describes it as “the starting point for anyone serious about leveling up their leadership.”
Gregori emphasizes that the book is designed to stand on its own rather than serve as a gateway to additional consulting services or courses.
The Emergent Leader was released June 16, 2026, in paperback, large-print, ebook and audiobook editions. The paperback edition is published under ISBN 978-1-61153-724-6.
With its short chapters and action-oriented format, Gregori’s book aims to give today’s professionals a practical resource for thinking about leadership, building their professional brand and developing the self-awareness needed to navigate an increasingly complex business environment.