"Extreme Leadership" is not a theoretical textbook or a glossy leadership manual - it is a boots-on-the-ground account of what it really means to lead when the pressure is on, the odds are stacked against you and failure is not an option. In his book, Dr. Johnny Kula draws on years of experience as an officer in the Massachusetts Army National Guard and a successful entrepreneur to provide a clear, disciplined and brutally honest perspective on leadership.
At its core, the book is about the principles that matter most when everything is on the line: courage, accountability and service. These values guided Kula through his military career, where he learned the discipline to stay calm under fire, the decisiveness to make difficult choices quickly, and the humility to accept responsibility for both victories and setbacks. Far from being abstract concepts, these principles are presented through real stories, lived experiences and lessons shaped in high-pressure environments.
“Real leadership isn’t about being perfect,” Kula writes. “It’s about showing up when it’s hard, owning your failure, and making bold decisions when the pressure is on.” That unfiltered philosophy runs throughout "Extreme Leadership." Kula makes it clear that leadership is not about avoiding mistakes - it is about how leaders respond when mistakes happen, how they set the example for their teams and how they create an environment where others can succeed.
The book doesn’t just focus on military experiences. Kula weaves in his entrepreneurial journey, showing how the same qualities required on the battlefield - resilience, adaptability and integrity - apply equally in the business world. Leading a company, like leading soldiers, requires the ability to build trust, rally people behind a mission and navigate uncertainty with confidence. By combining tested military principles with the flexibility of entrepreneurship, "Extreme Leadership" offers a model for leaders in any field who are serious about growth.
The book’s defining qualities are its practicality. Rather than relying on abstract theories or overly polished anecdotes, Kula shares lessons that are raw, actionable and immediately useful. He speaks to leaders at all levels - seasoned professionals, small business owners, community leaders, or young people just beginning their careers. His goal is to help readers see that leadership is not reserved for the elite; it is a daily choice to step up and serve others.
