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Breaking Ice & Breaking Glass: Leading in Uncharted Waters

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Leaders eager to make a difference by helping people and organizations be at their best will find Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass: Leading in Uncharted Waters their go-to resource. Today, our nation is like a ship being tossed in tumultuous seas. The winds and waves of change have divided and distanced our society, threatening to wash away the very principles upon which our nation was founded. Decency and civility have been thrown overboard in favor of outrage and intolerance. The forces of change are driving us into uncharted waters.

Leading in uncharted waters requires character-centered leadership. Now more than ever, our nation needs leaders of character—those anchored with the moral courage to stand strong and steady against the battering waves that threaten to erode our core values. Such leaders would unite people in support of a shared purpose by building the trust and respect necessary for organizations and their people to thrive.

In Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass: Leading in Uncharted Waters, Admiral Sandy Stosz draws upon 40 years of extensive leadership experience and wisdom to provide tools that will help leaders navigate complexity to reach their goals and succeed at every level.

 

Praise

"Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass creates a pathway for leaders from their first responsibility through the executive level—one of the few true “cradle to grave” books on leadership. Vice Admiral Stosz pursues building leaders with character and ethical judgment as if it were the Holy Grail of leader development, and she now places the chalice in our hands with her new book. Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is my top choice for this year’s graduation book for new leaders—we desperately need Vice Admiral Stosz’ character-based approach to take our youth, as well as our seasoned leaders, to a level of performance that is ethically and morally straight. Our country’s future depends on it.”

Thomas A. Kolditz, PhD
Director, Doerr Institute for New Leaders, and author of Leadership Reckoning: Can Higher Education Develop the Leaders We Need?

Sandra Stosz
2021-02-26T13:33:49+00:00

Thomas A. Kolditz, PhD
Director, Doerr Institute for New Leaders, and author of Leadership Reckoning: Can Higher Education Develop the Leaders We Need?

"Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass creates a pathway for leaders from their first responsibility through the executive level—one of the few true “cradle to grave” books on leadership. Vice Admiral Stosz pursues building leaders with character and ethical judgment as if it were the Holy Grail of leader development, and she now places the chalice in our hands with her new book. Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is my top choice for this year’s graduation book for new leaders—we desperately need Vice Admiral Stosz’ character-based approach to take our youth, as well as our seasoned leaders, to a level of performance that is ethically and morally straight. Our country’s future depends on it.”
“Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is a barrier-breaking book by a barrier-breaking leader. Admiral Sandra Stosz writes with brilliant clarity, revealing transparency, and absolute integrity about her experiences in navigating uncharted waters. The lessons she shares are timeless, yet especially relevant at this moment in history. Admiral Stosz is a role model for all leaders and living proof of the power of grace, skill, character, and determination. From the opening story to the closing one, this is a book about adhering to core values and how that simple principle is what earns you respect, rank, and reputation. Her moving stories and experience-based tips make this book practical, but it’s her honesty and transparency that make Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass a must-read. This book, and its author, will restore your trust and faith in the capacity of leaders to put others before self and the greater good before personal gain.”

Jim Kouzes
Coauthor of the bestselling The Leadership Challenge, and Fellow, Doerr Institute for New Leaders, Rice University

Sandra Stosz
2021-03-27T13:14:47+00:00

Jim Kouzes
Coauthor of the bestselling The Leadership Challenge, and Fellow, Doerr Institute for New Leaders, Rice University

“Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is a barrier-breaking book by a barrier-breaking leader. Admiral Sandra Stosz writes with brilliant clarity, revealing transparency, and absolute integrity about her experiences in navigating uncharted waters. The lessons she shares are timeless, yet especially relevant at this moment in history. Admiral Stosz is a role model for all leaders and living proof of the power of grace, skill, character, and determination. From the opening story to the closing one, this is a book about adhering to core values and how that simple principle is what earns you respect, rank, and reputation. Her moving stories and experience-based tips make this book practical, but it’s her honesty and transparency that make Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass a must-read. This book, and its author, will restore your trust and faith in the capacity of leaders to put others before self and the greater good before personal gain.”
“The capacity to lead in difficult times is a skill that is timeless in its value and is a necessity in today’s world. This capacity has its essence in true character, which is both critical and essential in order to lead decisively, perform confidently, and to inspire successfully in even the most difficult circumstances. Sandy Stosz, in her 40-year career as a Coast Guard officer, embodied and regularly demonstrated leadership qualities and principles that will never become dated. In “Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass: Leading in Uncharted Waters” she brings these vital skills forward in a manner that every aspiring leader can learn from and use successfully every day. This book is a “must read” for leaders in all walks of life!”

Sandy Ogg
Founder – CEO.works and author, Grow: the CEO's Master Playbook for Coaching Value into Existence. US Coast Guard Academy Class of 1976

Sandra Stosz
2021-03-05T00:30:55+00:00

Sandy Ogg
Founder – CEO.works and author, Grow: the CEO's Master Playbook for Coaching Value into Existence. US Coast Guard Academy Class of 1976

“The capacity to lead in difficult times is a skill that is timeless in its value and is a necessity in today’s world. This capacity has its essence in true character, which is both critical and essential in order to lead decisively, perform confidently, and to inspire successfully in even the most difficult circumstances. Sandy Stosz, in her 40-year career as a Coast Guard officer, embodied and regularly demonstrated leadership qualities and principles that will never become dated. In “Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass: Leading in Uncharted Waters” she brings these vital skills forward in a manner that every aspiring leader can learn from and use successfully every day. This book is a “must read” for leaders in all walks of life!”
“Admiral Sandy Stosz’s captivating book, Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass, details her compelling rise as one of the first women to reach the executive ranks in the Coast Guard. Her proven principles provide a roadmap for others to follow, showing leaders how to develop and employ the character attributes and core values necessary to lead and succeed with an ever more diverse workforce.”

Carol Mutter
Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps (ret.) and first woman in the U.S. Armed Forces nominated to the grade of three-star

Sandra Stosz
2020-12-17T15:03:53+00:00

Carol Mutter
Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps (ret.) and first woman in the U.S. Armed Forces nominated to the grade of three-star

“Admiral Sandy Stosz’s captivating book, Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass, details her compelling rise as one of the first women to reach the executive ranks in the Coast Guard. Her proven principles provide a roadmap for others to follow, showing leaders how to develop and employ the character attributes and core values necessary to lead and succeed with an ever more diverse workforce.”
“I have had the privilege of knowing Sandy Stosz for almost 30 years as Kellogg business school classmates. After a very successful trailblazing career, Sandy shares her leadership lessons and experiences in a book that will be extremely valuable not only for military leaders but also for those leading in the corporate, not-for-profit, and academic sectors. Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is a necessary resource for current and aspiring leaders. What a fantastic gift from a terrific leader!"

Ana Dutra
Corporate Board Director, former CEO Korn Ferry Consulting, and author of Lessons in LeadershiT: Detoxing the Workplace

Sandra Stosz
2021-02-05T15:12:23+00:00

Ana Dutra
Corporate Board Director, former CEO Korn Ferry Consulting, and author of Lessons in LeadershiT: Detoxing the Workplace

“I have had the privilege of knowing Sandy Stosz for almost 30 years as Kellogg business school classmates. After a very successful trailblazing career, Sandy shares her leadership lessons and experiences in a book that will be extremely valuable not only for military leaders but also for those leading in the corporate, not-for-profit, and academic sectors. Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is a necessary resource for current and aspiring leaders. What a fantastic gift from a terrific leader!"
“Vice Admiral Stosz's expansive addition to leadership literature considers both the tactics and the deep heart of leadership based on her forty years of service in the US Coast Guard, including as the first woman to lead the Coast Guard Academy. Stosz offers exceptional generosity of heart and spirit in a missive of leadership for a changing world. Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is universal in time and situation, and invaluable to every leader navigating uncharted waters.”

Shannon Huffman Polson
Author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience and Leadership in the Most Male Dominated Organization in the World

Sandra Stosz
2021-03-05T00:29:30+00:00

Shannon Huffman Polson
Author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience and Leadership in the Most Male Dominated Organization in the World

“Vice Admiral Stosz's expansive addition to leadership literature considers both the tactics and the deep heart of leadership based on her forty years of service in the US Coast Guard, including as the first woman to lead the Coast Guard Academy. Stosz offers exceptional generosity of heart and spirit in a missive of leadership for a changing world. Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is universal in time and situation, and invaluable to every leader navigating uncharted waters.”
"All leaders will face times of crisis that require navigating in uncharted waters. In Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass, Admiral Stosz draws upon lessons learned throughout her 40-year leadership journey to show leaders how to keep clear of shoal water and succeed by steering on their moral compass."

Robert Wray, Jr.
Rear Admiral, US Navy (ret.), CEO of BlueStar SeniorTech, and author of Saltwater Leadership

Sandra Stosz
2021-02-05T15:04:09+00:00

Robert Wray, Jr.
Rear Admiral, US Navy (ret.), CEO of BlueStar SeniorTech, and author of Saltwater Leadership

"All leaders will face times of crisis that require navigating in uncharted waters. In Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass, Admiral Stosz draws upon lessons learned throughout her 40-year leadership journey to show leaders how to keep clear of shoal water and succeed by steering on their moral compass."
“Sandra Stosz is the uncommon combination of leader and trailblazer, reflected in her shining character and integrity. Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is a must-read for those who seek to lead in both military and civilian life.”

Jeh C. Johnson 
Former Secretary of Homeland Security

Sandra Stosz
2021-01-22T16:43:19+00:00

Jeh C. Johnson 
Former Secretary of Homeland Security

“Sandra Stosz is the uncommon combination of leader and trailblazer, reflected in her shining character and integrity. Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is a must-read for those who seek to lead in both military and civilian life.”
“Admiral Sandy Stosz reveals how to succeed as a leader of character by standing by one’s core values in the face of adversity. Her proven principles show leaders how to emerge with their honor and integrity intact, having earned the trust to become respected, successful influencers. Those yearning to serve a greater purpose and make a positive impact on an organization and its people will find a roadmap to success in Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass.”

Guillermo Barrera
Admiral, Columbian Navy (ret.), former Commander of the Columbian Navy, and Distinguished International Fellow at the U.S. Naval War College

 

Sandra Stosz
2020-12-17T15:05:00+00:00

Guillermo Barrera
Admiral, Columbian Navy (ret.), former Commander of the Columbian Navy, and Distinguished International Fellow at the U.S. Naval War College

 

“Admiral Sandy Stosz reveals how to succeed as a leader of character by standing by one’s core values in the face of adversity. Her proven principles show leaders how to emerge with their honor and integrity intact, having earned the trust to become respected, successful influencers. Those yearning to serve a greater purpose and make a positive impact on an organization and its people will find a roadmap to success in Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass.”
“In this engaging and invaluable book, Vice Admiral Stosz has delivered a prime resource for any leader’s library. Principled, pragmatic and personal, her passion for teamwork is succinctly delivered. Sharing her wisdom from decades of sea service, illuminated by enduring wisdom drawn from classic literature, she reveals how character shapes our success.”

James Mattis
General, U.S. Marines (ret.) and 26th Secretary of Defense

Sandra Stosz
2020-12-17T15:02:33+00:00

James Mattis
General, U.S. Marines (ret.) and 26th Secretary of Defense

“In this engaging and invaluable book, Vice Admiral Stosz has delivered a prime resource for any leader’s library. Principled, pragmatic and personal, her passion for teamwork is succinctly delivered. Sharing her wisdom from decades of sea service, illuminated by enduring wisdom drawn from classic literature, she reveals how character shapes our success.”
“I’ve admired Admiral Sandy Stosz for over a decade and am thrilled she’s sharing what she’s learned over her extraordinary career. Who better to help us navigate the uncharted waters unleashed by the disruptions of 2020 than the first woman to lead a US Service Academy, commanding ships and leading all male teams? Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is the kind of navigational tool we need now."

Sally Helgesen
Author of How Women Rise, The Female Advantage, The Web of Inclusion

Sandra Stosz
2021-03-27T13:15:14+00:00

Sally Helgesen
Author of How Women Rise, The Female Advantage, The Web of Inclusion

“I’ve admired Admiral Sandy Stosz for over a decade and am thrilled she’s sharing what she’s learned over her extraordinary career. Who better to help us navigate the uncharted waters unleashed by the disruptions of 2020 than the first woman to lead a US Service Academy, commanding ships and leading all male teams? Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is the kind of navigational tool we need now."
"If you or your organization is adrift in a sea of change, Admiral Sandy Stosz's new book, Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass: Leading in Uncharted Waters will be just the buoy you need. Admiral Stosz brings 40 years of leadership experience to help leaders at all levels learn how to work with role models and mentors, how to improve teams, and how to embrace diversity. Highly recommended!"

Cathy Fyock
Author, Authority: Strategic Concepts from 15 International Thought Leaders to Create Influence, Credibility, and a Competitive Edge for You and Your Business

 

Sandra Stosz
2021-02-05T15:06:34+00:00

Cathy Fyock
Author, Authority: Strategic Concepts from 15 International Thought Leaders to Create Influence, Credibility, and a Competitive Edge for You and Your Business

 

"If you or your organization is adrift in a sea of change, Admiral Sandy Stosz's new book, Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass: Leading in Uncharted Waters will be just the buoy you need. Admiral Stosz brings 40 years of leadership experience to help leaders at all levels learn how to work with role models and mentors, how to improve teams, and how to embrace diversity. Highly recommended!"
“Through engaging, insightful stories, Admiral Sandy Stosz illustrates how to lead with character, build trust, and earn respect in a diverse workplace. The proven principles in this indispensable guide are for leaders at every level. It is a must-read for anyone who wishes to inspire others to achieve their full potential."

Donald T. Phillips
Author, Lincoln On Leadership and Character In Action

Sandra Stosz
2020-12-17T15:03:05+00:00

Donald T. Phillips
Author, Lincoln On Leadership and Character In Action

“Through engaging, insightful stories, Admiral Sandy Stosz illustrates how to lead with character, build trust, and earn respect in a diverse workplace. The proven principles in this indispensable guide are for leaders at every level. It is a must-read for anyone who wishes to inspire others to achieve their full potential."
"Vice Admiral Stosz has combined her unique experience as a high-ranking officer in the Coast Guard with the character-building lessons she experienced coming up through the ranks at sea and in her exceptional leadership in presiding as Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy. Her insights about how character builds great leaders are true life lessons for anyone seeking a first-hand look through the lens of someone Newsweek named 'one of the women who shake the world.”

Joe Moglia
Former Chairman of the Board at TD Ameritrade, former head football coach at Coastal Carolina University, and author of Coach Yourself to Success: Winning the Investment Game

Sandra Stosz
2020-12-17T15:04:32+00:00

Joe Moglia
Former Chairman of the Board at TD Ameritrade, former head football coach at Coastal Carolina University, and author of Coach Yourself to Success: Winning the Investment Game

"Vice Admiral Stosz has combined her unique experience as a high-ranking officer in the Coast Guard with the character-building lessons she experienced coming up through the ranks at sea and in her exceptional leadership in presiding as Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy. Her insights about how character builds great leaders are true life lessons for anyone seeking a first-hand look through the lens of someone Newsweek named 'one of the women who shake the world.”
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Sandra Stosz

Admiral Stosz started her career as a cadet in the third class to admit women at the US Coast Guard Academy. She returned over 30 years later as superintendent, becoming the first woman to lead one of the four US armed forces service academies. On her journey to the executive level, she often served as the first woman leading mostly all-male teams in front-line leadership positions, including command of two ships. To succeed, she summoned her core values to overcome adversity by building trust and earning respect as a leader of character in a complex military organization.

Those who are eager to advance to positions of greater responsibility while discovering joy and satisfaction in both work and life will find inspiration in Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass. Character-centered, proven leadership principles emerge from Admiral Stosz’s engaging, personal stories that teach leaders how to:

  • Find and then become an inspiring mentor and role model
  • Unite and strengthen teams and organizations
  • Implement successful diversity, inclusion, and equity programs
  • Manage stress and sustain mental and physical wellness
  • Successfully lead in a complex environment
  • Master the art of decision-making
  • Set a vision and strategy grounded in organizational values

Learn how Admiral Stosz applied these proven principles, instilling a sense of purpose deepened by a spirit of passion and pride in the people and teams she led. Discover how to achieve both personal and professional success at all levels in an organization by leading with character—being true to yourself, to your coworkers, and to the organization you serve.

Follow Admiral Stosz’s roadmap to success and explore her model, how to succeed in an organization. Examine her reading list of which books influenced her leadership development. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership toolbox! Become the leader of character that others want to follow by adding Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass: Leading in Uncharted Waters to your collection and consult it frequently to navigate to higher levels of success, both personally and within your organization.