Inspirational Journeys of Higher-Level Leadership
What does leadership look like when it is shaped by values, tested by adversity, and guided by purpose? Written by distinguished alumni, faculty, and administrators of the University of Notre Dame, Fighting Irish Wisdom brings together personal stories from leaders across business, public service, education, medicine, faith, and the military.
"Fighting Irish Wisdom is an inspiring collection of what 'Higher-Level Leadership' looks like in real-world examples, often from unexpected places… truly remarkable leaders in all facets of life share some common traits that set them apart… I hope that this book will, like it did me, inspire the next generation of Higher-Level Leaders. The world needs more of them."
— Condoleezza Rice, 66th Secretary of State & Director of the Hoover Institution
Higher-Level Leaders are not defined by their title or position. They are defined by what they do when it is hard — when the right choice costs something, when the path forward is unclear, when the people counting on them are afraid.
In this book, contributors from across the Notre Dame family — generals and physicians, judges and educators, entrepreneurs and priests — share the moments and mentors that shaped them. Their stories span boardrooms and battlefields, inner-city schools and jungle clinics, boxing rings and Capitol corridors.
Higher-Level Leaders inspire others to believe they can achieve not only what is expected of them, but even more.
What unites them is not their industry or their accolades. It is a shared conviction: that leadership is ultimately an act of service, and that the most enduring leaders are the ones who make others better.
Fighting Irish Wisdom is organized around six recurring qualities — doing what is right, not what is easy; working for a greater good; recognizing potential in others; seeing challenge as opportunity; staying true to purpose and values; and putting others above self. Each story illuminates a different facet of what it means to take the high road.
Press play on the video below...
Leadership is not a title.
It is a calling shaped by character,
tested by adversity, and guided by purpose.
The stories in this book reveal many timeless principles of leadership and practical guidelines for life — drawn from the lived experience of leaders who have navigated real challenges with integrity, purpose, and service.
"This wonderfully inspirational book affirms the undeniable Leadership Principle that 'Leaders Give and Givers Get!' Servant leaders give their time, talent, and treasure to help others succeed. This book provides great examples for leaders of all ages to learn from."
— Dick Smith, VISTAGE Peer Group Master Chair and CEO Coach
Leadership grounded in trust, character, and responsibility — the foundations that endure when everything else shifts.
Decision-making in moments of crisis and uncertainty — what it looks like when conviction meets consequence.
Leading with mission and purpose, not position or power — the difference between managing and truly leading.
The role of failure, humility, and resilience in personal growth — and how setback becomes the crucible of wisdom.
How leaders shape communities, organizations, and culture over time — and what endures long after the moment passes.
Each chapter offers a distinct voice — together forming a unified vision of leadership that endures across generations.
Here are video overviews of three sample stories from the book, one from each of the three editors. If you like these, there are 17 more just like them in the book. Each story starts with a photo of one of the iconic locations on campus, and it concludes with a brief editorial perspective on the story meaning and content.
Lessons in Life and Leadership from a Brother's Keeper
Charles R. Crowell, Ph.D., '70
The Ripple Effect
Jeff Sucec, '76
Leadership in Crisis: How Hope and Recovery Was Inspired by a Golden Dome and an Iconic Tower
Paul J. Bonitatibus, '71
Rooted in the Notre Dame tradition.
Guided by integrity, service, and the pursuit of excellence.
A primary goal of this book was to offer a compilation of stories from evolving or experienced leaders who readers might never otherwise meet — stories that reveal many realistic, practical, and inspiring aspects of leadership. The common link across these stories is that the authors all share the same values for which the University of Notre Dame stands: about leading by doing what is right, rather than what is easy; being of service to those for whom they are responsible; and helping make the world a better place for all.
"Leadership requires developing practical wisdom—the ability to discern the right thing to do in a particular situation and the courage to do it. This book is a wonderful collection of stories that reveal how leaders have developed that wisdom through their own experiences."
— Meghan Sullivan, Director, Notre Dame Institute for Ethics and the Common Good
'70, Notre Dame (BA, Psychology); PhD, University of Iowa
Emeritus professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame. Served as Director of the Computer Applications Program (CAPP) and founding director of the Computing & Digital Technologies (CDT) Program. His work focuses on applications of psychology and technology to learning, productivity, and performance improvement in organizations.
'76, Notre Dame (BA); MBA, University of Illinois
Principal and co-founder of Performance Potential, Inc., with over 45 years’ experience helping organizations reach the "next level" of performance. A thought leader in aligning business goals with employee productivity, he served as an adjunct professor at Notre Dame for 15 years and is a sought-after keynote speaker on leadership and innovation.
'71, Notre Dame (BA, Political Science)
Experienced banking executive and consultant. Served as president and CEO of First Metropolitan Bank and held numerous senior executive roles at Hibernia National Bank. Past president of the University of Notre Dame Alumni Association and former ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees.
'66, Notre Dame
Retired executive who grew a North American design/sales organization for a Hong Kong-based display company to $35M. Career focused on organization-building, team development, and innovation.
'69, Notre Dame (BS Electrical Engineering)
50+ years as a business executive. Retired as President of Emerson in 2005; now partner at Clayton, Dubilier and Rice. Founder of the Berges Family Foundation.
Christian Brothers University (BSME, '71)
Retired CEO of Hexcel Corporation. 40+ years at GE, Honeywell, and Hexcel. Recognized turnaround leader emphasizing principled decision-making and boundaryless culture.
'77, Notre Dame (Biology); MS, Oregon State
Academic advisor for Energy Studies at Notre Dame and professional educator for 50 years. Interdisciplinary, values-based approach shaped by family, faith, and global friendships.
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (BA, '79)
Retired executive with decades in manufacturing, retreat ministry, and education. Known for creativity and empathy shaped by years of volunteer service and community leadership.
'01, Indiana University (BA, General Studies); '03, JIU (MA, Business and Leadership)
CEO of Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute. Founder of H3 Leadership. Previously held roles at UPS, Covidien, and Medtronic. Known for building high-performing, values-driven teams worldwide.
'11/'13/'20, Notre Dame (BA, MEd, MEd Leadership)
Principal of Benedictine High School in Cleveland. Leader in instructional leadership and organizational culture with measurable gains in student achievement across NY, LA, and OH.
'87, Notre Dame (BBA, Marketing)
Retired Army 4-star General and 13th Commander of USSOCOM. 38 years in national security. Leadership shaped by Coach Lou Holtz, Admiral Bill McRaven, and Secretary Madeleine Albright.
'84, Notre Dame (BBA, Accounting)
Physician, public health expert, and Co-Founder of Andean Health & Development. 30 years living and working in Ecuador delivering healthcare to marginalized communities.
'58, Notre Dame (BA, Sociology)
Founded Irish Forum in San Francisco — the first in the world to host fair dialogue for all parties to The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Helped shape the 1998 Good Friday Peace Agreement.
'76, Notre Dame (BA); D.Phil, Oxford
President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame (2005–2019). Led ND's growth into a preeminent global research university while deepening its Catholic mission and identity.
'71, Notre Dame (BA, Liberal Arts); '74, University of California Berkeley (JD)
California Retired/Assigned Judge. Trial work restructured jury selection in CA. Co-editor of Black Domers. Teaches at Berkeley Law. Leads community initiatives on youth empowerment and Black Catholic heritage.
'09, Notre Dame (Finance)
Professional IBF and USBA World Boxing Champion. Fought at Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand, and Cowboys Stadium. Leadership work focuses on resilience and high-performance mindset.
Notre Dame (BA); PhD, Saint Louis University
Professor in Educational Initiatives and Africana Studies at Notre Dame. Co-editor of The Handbook of Montessori Education (2023). Research focuses on educational equity and youth empowerment.
'84, Notre Dame (BA, Liberal Studies, Government); '88, Notre Dame (MA, Peace Studies)
Vice President for University Relations at Notre Dame. Former executive director of the South Bend Center for the Homeless. Led global pastoral initiatives for the Catholic Diocese of Orlando.
'78, Notre Dame (BBA, Accounting)
Regional Director of Development at Notre Dame. 30+ years in collegiate athletics administration. Captain of Notre Dame's 1977 national championship football team. Former AD at UCF and SMU.
Hampton University (BA, History); Harvard University (PhD, Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations)
Professor of Theology & Africana Studies and VP for Belonging, Engagement, and Mission at Notre Dame. Hebrew Bible scholar whose research spans early poetry, mysticism, and the Blues aesthetic. Core value: love.
MA, Notre Dame; PhD, University of Denver
66th Secretary of State and National Security Advisor. Director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford. Founding partner of Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel LLC. Author of numerous books on leadership and foreign policy.
'11, Notre Dame (BA Political Science); MBA, Kellogg '20
Venture capital investor and operator. Led successful growth and exit of DynaTrap. 10+ years of venture and operational insight building mission-driven brands and resilient teams.
'15, Notre Dame (BA English)
Technology founder expanding access to ethical tech education. Leadership spans entrepreneurship, regional workforce development, and responsible AI — with a focus on equitable access and community impact.
'00, Notre Dame (BS, Science and Business)
Global commercial leader with 20+ years in medical devices and pharma. Leadership roles at Merck, Covidien, Medtronic, and Omnicell. Focused on innovation and developing people to solve complex global challenges.
'79, Purdue University (PhD, Strategy)
Former President & CEO of Catholic Relief Services and Dean of Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame. Author of Working for a Better World (2015) and Rising (2022).
'72, Notre Dame (Premedical Studies)
Retired cardiologist. Founded the 'Poorest of the Poor' program (1995) and a medication assistance program (2001) in northeastern Ohio. One of the former cardiologists who advised Mother Teresa.
"A must read for anyone in a leadership position — or anyone who dreams of becoming a leader. It offers meaningful insights and actionable lessons designed to elevate your leadership and transform how you inspire and influence others."
— Karen Kimsey-Sward, COO, Dale Carnegie Chicago
Alumni & Friends of the University of Notre Dame
Current & Emerging Leaders Across All Professions
Executives, Educators & Public Servants
Students Seeking Real-World Leadership Perspective
Anyone Who Believes Leadership Is About Service & Stewardship
Those Who Lead with Integrity, Humility & Purpose
"Choose Hard are the words that define our program. What does that mean? It means never taking the easy path. It means consistently doing the right thing, even when it is hard. It means putting the needs and success of others ahead of yourself. Striving for team glory over individual glory. It means challenging the norm and always searching to find a better way. I am passionate about helping our student-athletes grow into becoming the best version of themselves.
The elite leaders who contributed to this book share that same passion for creating a culture of excellence. Throughout the stories in this book you see many of the same Higher-Level Leadership qualities reflected in their teachings. Their mission is to make the world a better place for everyone, not just a few, and this book provides great guidance on how to do that."
— Marcus Freeman, Dick Corbett Notre Dame Football Coach
"When all is said and done, perhaps there is no greater source of inspiration for Higher-Level Leadership than the advice from ancient scripture that is so nicely illustrated by the stories in this book, and that is a foregone conclusion at the University of Notre Dame: Love Mercifully, Do Justly, and Walk Humbly."
— Martin Sheen
Film and television actor, Emmy award winner, Golden Globe award winner, Screen Actors Guild Award winner, and 2008 recipient of the Laetare medal from the University of Notre Dame
as of August 24, 2026
We thank the following corporations, institutions, and individuals who have supported this project through their donations and/or large purchases of our book. We are most appreciative and grateful for this generous support.
Labor Solutions
The University of Notre Dame
Association of the United States Army
Suncoast Chapter
John David Chlopecki
on behalf of Topel Forman Information Services
(www.tfisllc.com) — Gold Sponsor
Deana and Len Grandy and Family
Silver Sponsor
The Sidney Lassen Family
In Loving Memory of Marilyn Lassen — Silver Sponsor
Finny Rajchel
State Farm Agent — Bronze Sponsor
Individual and corporate sponsorships for this book are available. If you would like more information about becoming a sponsor, use the contact form below.
Have a story about Higher-Level Leadership or interested in a sponsorship? We'd love to hear from you.
Discover Leadership That Lasts. A reflection on what it means to lead with conviction in a complex world. Order your copy and explore leadership shaped by experience, guided by values, and inspired by the Notre Dame tradition.
