Books
Across her books, Jennifer P. Wisdom examines how people navigate power, leadership, identity, and responsibility in complex systems—from workplaces and organizations to social movements and personal relationships. Her work blends psychology, organizational insight, and real-world experience to make visible what is often left unspoken: the informal rules of power, the psychological cost of leadership, and the consequences of ignoring trauma and institutional dynamics. Collectively, these books are united by a central concern—how individuals and organizations can act with clarity, integrity, and accountability in environments shaped by pressure, hierarchy, and change.
Leadership, Organizations, and Power
Books in this theme examine how leadership actually works inside organizations—especially under pressure—and how power, systems, and authority shape outcomes. In addition, these books explore how people are shaped by experiences of leadership, work and change, and how meaning, identity, and integrity are reconstructed afterward.
✔️ Administrative Intelligence: The Leader’s Strategy for Operational Clarity and Scalable Change. Jennifer P Wisdom and Cynthia Drake Morrow. (in contract with Taylor & Francis). [summary] This book introduces Administrative Intelligence, a practical framework for aligning leadership, structure, and process so strategy reliably becomes execution. It shows leaders how to reduce friction, clarify decision rights, and design systems that scale—especially in complex, high-pressure organizations. Written for leaders who are tired of improvisation and want durable, operational clarity.
✔️ When Leading Hurts: Understanding and Healing Traumatic Experiences of Leadership. Jennifer P Wisdom and Nina Nabors (Editors). (forthcoming 2026). Drawing on psychology, organizational research, and case examples, this edited volume explores how leadership roles uniquely expose individuals to trauma — including betrayal, humiliation, moral injury, and systemic undermining —and how leaders and organizations can respond effectively. Written for people in organizations who want to understand how to make leadership more effective and less harmful.
✔️ Millennials’ Guide for Navigating Workplace Politics: What No One Ever Told You About Power and Influence. Book by Mira Brancu & Jennifer Wisdom. Workbook by Sarah A. Rose, Mira Brancu, & Jennifer P. Wisdom (2021/2024, Winding Pathway Books). This book and hands-on workbook demystify workplace politics by explaining how power, influence, and informal systems really work. It helps readers recognize political dynamics early and respond strategically rather than reactively. Ideal for professionals who want to advance without compromising their values.
✔️ Leaving Revolution: How We are Learning to Let Go and Move On. Jennifer P. Wisdom, (2022, Winding Pathway Books). This book explores what happens when people leave jobs, movements, causes, or identities that once defined them. Drawing on psychology and social change research, it examines grief, identity loss, and meaning-making after disillusionment. It offers a compassionate framework for moving forward without erasing what came before.
Mentoring and Guidance for Generations at Work
✔️ Millennials’ Guide to Management and Leadership: What No One Ever Told You About How to Excel as a Leader. Jennifer P. Wisdom (2020, Winding Pathway Books). This book introduces foundational leadership and management skills often missing from formal education. It addresses motivation, power, ethics, and responsibility through a practical, real-world lens. Designed for emerging leaders who want to lead competently and consciously.
✔️ Generation Z’s Guide to Work: What No One Ever Told You About How to Achieve Success and Respect. Nora Del Rosario & Jennifer P. Wisdom (2022, Winding Pathway Books). Written for Gen Z entering the workforce, this book decodes workplace norms, expectations, and power dynamics that are rarely taught explicitly. It offers practical guidance on communication, professionalism, and earning respect without losing authenticity.
✔️ Millennials’ Quick Guide to Being a Boss: What No One Ever Told You About Being a True Leader. Jennifer P. Wisdom (2021, Winding Pathway Books). A concise, practical guide for new managers stepping into authority for the first time. The book focuses on decision-making, boundaries, accountability, and leading former peers. It helps emerging leaders avoid common pitfalls while building credibility and trust.
✔️ Millennials’ Guide to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: What No One Ever Told You About How to Change the World. Book by Lisa D. Jenkins & Jennifer P. Wisdom. Workbook by Jennifer P. Wisdom & Lisa D. Jenkins (2021, Winding Pathway Books). This guide and practical workbook introduce core DEI concepts in accessible language while emphasizing accountability and sustained change. It helps readers understand systems of power, privilege, and exclusion—and their role in addressing them. Written for people who want to engage thoughtfully and effectively.