Think Lead Succeed – The Admiral Way by Henry Engelhardt
⏰ Read time: 4 minutes
I was recently gifted a copy of Think Lead Succeed – The Admiral Way by Henry Engelhardt, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on this insightful book. A special thank you goes to Renee Rogers, owner of ONO, for kindly sending me this book—it’s been a fantastic read, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to dive into it.
✨ A Fresh Perspective on Leadership
In Think Lead Succeed, Engelhardt, the former CEO of Admiral Group, shares his leadership philosophy and principles that helped transform the company into one of the UK’s largest and most successful insurance providers. Engelhardt’s approach is straightforward yet powerful—focused on creating a positive, people-centred workplace culture, building trust, and encouraging employees to take ownership of their work.
What makes this book stand out is its practicality. Engelhardt doesn’t just offer abstract ideas about leadership. Instead, he provides actionable insights, grounded in his own experiences, that can be applied in both large corporations and smaller businesses. The Admiral Way isn’t just about financial success—it’s about fostering an environment where people thrive, feel valued, and work towards a common vision.
🎯 The Admiral Way: Leadership That Works
The core of the book revolves around what Engelhardt calls “The Admiral Way,” a philosophy that promotes a culture of openness, accountability, and empowerment. At the heart of this approach is the belief that leadership isn’t about control—it’s about trust and collaboration. Engelhardt encourages leaders to empower their teams, give them the tools they need to succeed, and most importantly, listen to their people.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of communication. Engelhardt emphasises that transparency, honesty, and regular communication are essential in building a high-performing organisation. He shares several examples from his own career, including how Admiral Group’s success was deeply tied to creating a work environment where employees felt like they were truly part of the company’s mission.
Another major theme of the book is the idea of learning and adapting. Engelhardt stresses that leaders must be willing to listen, learn, and evolve with the changing business landscape. The ability to lead with humility, recognise mistakes, and implement change is a crucial part of his leadership approach, which he credits for Admiral Group’s continued growth.
👩🏻👧🏽 A People-Centred Approach to Success
Engelhardt’s leadership style is undoubtedly people-centred, and this is perhaps what sets his approach apart from many others in the business world. While financial success is important, he argues that true success is about investing in people—whether that’s employees, customers, or the broader community. The Admiral Way encourages leaders to recognise the potential in others and support them in reaching their full potential, which in turn drives success for the business as a whole.
The book’s focus on company culture and its role in organisational success is also incredibly relevant today. As businesses continue to navigate remote working, globalisation, and rapidly changing market demands, Engelhardt’s principles offer timeless wisdom on how to lead effectively through times of uncertainty and change.
🎓 Practical Lessons for Leaders at All Levels
One of the most powerful aspects of Think Lead Succeed is that it’s not just for CEOs or senior executives—it’s a book that provides valuable insights for leaders at all levels. Whether you’re managing a small team or running a multinational corporation, Engelhardt’s advice can help you create a more dynamic and productive work environment. His clear and concise writing style makes it easy to digest, and each chapter is filled with real-world examples and practical tips that can be immediately applied.
The book also encourages reflection, challenging readers to consider their own leadership styles and how they can improve. Engelhardt invites us to ask ourselves tough questions about our priorities, our teams, and the values we hold as leaders. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact on their organisation.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Think Lead Succeed – The Admiral Way is an inspiring and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in leadership, company culture, and organisational success. Engelhardt’s insights are grounded in real-life experience, and his approach is refreshingly people-centric and practical. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your leadership journey, this book offers valuable lessons that can help you build stronger teams, foster innovation, and lead with purpose.
Once again, thank you to Renee Rogers for kindly gifting me this book. If you’re looking for a leadership book that provides actionable advice and a fresh perspective on creating a successful organisation, I highly recommend Think Lead Succeed.
🔎 Stay curious, keep learning, and let history be your guide to understanding the present and shaping the future.