From the Publisher
"Ungashick’s examinations of the nuts and bolts of D-Day make for very compelling reading, regardless of the business world implications he draws from them; even readers not looking for corporate leadership tips will find this detailed account of D-Day completely involving reading." —Kirkus Indies
BookLife excerpt:"Ungashick is exacting and methodical throughout, including extensive endnotes, helpful maps and illustrations, and photographs of the figures at the center of his research. Those finishing touches bring the people and battles to vivid life, as do the “history buff” sections that share fascinating historical context, such as diversity’s role in the war."—BookLife
"There’s advice for creating a culture of accountability, and there are considerations of delegation, logistics, and processes as well. All of the book’s points are complemented by historical examples, as of General Dwight D. Eisenhower gathering information from subject-matter experts, weighing all the options, and maintaining sight of the larger strategic objectives. Everyday insights are extracted from its accounts of World War II training, planning battles, and coordinating air campaigns." —Foreword Clarion
“Patrick’s book is a compelling read. I appreciate how he distills leadership lessons from D-Day into practical insights that can strengthen any team. His perspective is engaging and immediately applicable. As a lifelong learner, I particularly enjoyed his historical evidence, showing how we have always been stronger together in our nation’s most pivotal moments.”
—Fred Perpall, 67th President of the USGA and CEO of The Beck Group
“Patrick Ungashick has masterfully woven the most historic event of the 20th century—the 1944 D-Day invasion—into lessons in strategy development and leadership for today’s executives and the teams they lead. Utilizing the intricate planning by the D-Day Allied commanders as his standard, Patrick has delivered his readers a well-written series of case studies for developing and executing winning business strategies. A must-read for senior leadership teams of corporations, universities, and nonprofits alike.”
—Alec Taylor, chairman and CEO, retired, Foster Grant
“A Day for Leadership offers a gripping exploration of the decisions made by leaders on both sides of World War II leading up to D-Day, one of history’s most consequential events. Through vivid storytelling and detailed
case studies, the book examines the leadership strategies, tough choices, and critical moments that shaped the invasion and its outcome. What sets this book apart is its practical relevance: It’s a powerful tool for refining leadership skills in high-stakes situations.”
—Oneida DeLuca, owner, Birchwood Consulting
“A Day for Leadership by Patrick Ungashick brilliantly weaves historical context with practical leadership insights, making it both an easy and informative read. Ungashick’s approach provides valuable lessons that resonate deeply with leaders facing modern challenges, and it’s a great reminder of the sacrifices made by great leaders in World War II. It’s a compelling guide for anyone looking to draw wisdom from the past to inform today’s decisions.”
—Lin R. Sensenig, CEO, Houck Group Inc.
“Patrick Ungashick’s A Day for Leadership brilliantly blends captivating D-Day stories with timeless business principles. The book’s focus on adapting to unexpected challenges and the importance of strong, well-defined
processes deeply resonated with me. Its real-world examples of effective—and ineffective—leadership offer invaluable lessons for navigating today’s complex business landscape. I highly recommend it to any business leader seeking to enhance their team’s performance and achieve sustainable success.”
—Bill LaRosa, master group chair and CEO coach, Vistage International
“I totally loved this work! There are many applications I will make to my own business. Ungashick masterfully draws parallels between leadership moments from the WWII Battle of Normandy and everyday business decisions. His case studies from the deadliest war in history challenge business leaders to confront their most critical issues. Invaluable business
reading!”
—Mike Wagner, CEO, Wagner Foodservice
“A Day of Leadership does a remarkable job of connecting leadership theories with lessons from the most historic time in human history: World War II and D-Day. The author’s instructive and wise approach to these case studies show that, from the battlefield to sports to business, the art of leadership is as unique as each leader’s DNA. However, the examples also help us understand that the leadership styles that achieved a winning culture are fragile and must be monitored and amended to meet challenging moments in our ever-changing and highly competitive world.”
—John Rowady, president and CEO, rEvolution
“In A Day for Leadership, Patrick Ungashick unveils deeply personal and lesser-known stories that offer powerful lessons for today’s leaders. Through compelling narratives, Patrick explores the actions of both celebrated
figures and those overlooked by history, highlighting moments of remarkable triumph and devastating failure. By examining the pivotal decisions made before, during, and after Operation Overlord—decisions that reshaped the course of history—readers are invited to draw profound parallels to the challenges faced within their own organizations. Complemented by thought-provoking case studies and practical exercises, A Day for Leadership is a timeless resource for current and aspiring leaders, offering insights that will inspire and guide for years to come.”
—PJ Bain, CEO, Prime Revenue
“Patrick Ungashick’s book A Day for Leadership is an extraordinarily valuable teaching tool and an exceptional book for any organization or anyone in a position of responsibility—civilian or military. Using various D-Day case studies, Patrick weaves expert teaching points into each cited event. If you run a business or run an army, this is a ‘must’ book for both you and your people. The key points of building a culture and delegation
of complex requirements are as valid today as they were in 1944. Read this book and implement the points Patrick makes—you and your organization will be much better for the experience.”
—Col. (Ret.) Keith M. Nightingale, author, The Human Face of D-Day
“Compelling. Fascinating. Enthralling. As someone who is unfamiliar with the D-Day history, the gripping narrative reveals timeless leadership lessons that resonate powerfully with today’s executives and teams.”
—Craig Wood, CEO, Premier International
“This is an incredible and interesting read that provides not only the fascinating stories of D-Day and the decisions—both good and bad—that were made around that fateful day, but, more importantly, how organizations can use these lessons to create their own success ‘in the heat of battle.’ Patrick provides a solid blueprint and outline for thinking through your own strategic decisions in the context of one of the most consequential events of recent history. All my clients will be receiving a copy of the book!”
—Larry Hart, executive coach, Knowledge Experience Value LLC
“Amazing stories that contain real-world lessons for business owners and managers. I can’t wait to share this with my company’s team.”
—Murphy Panagiotou, cofounder and president, Infinity Energy
“Pleasurable read. Interesting post-mortem presentations with crosswalk analysis to today’s business challenges. Enjoy the history, ponder the alternate futures, then assess the applicability for current business use cases.”
—Rear Admiral (Ret.) Robert P. Wright
“Patrick’s unique approach to analyzing history while dissecting the leadership styles, decisions, and moments producing the historic narrative of D-day was brilliant. Not since the 1949 film Twelve O’Clock High and the leadership critiques that followed has there been a source as authentic as A Day for Leadership for assisting today’s business leaders on how to develop their team culture. I look forward to using this book and its enlightening case studies with my Vistage Members.”
—Pat Barron, group chair and executive coach,
Vistage International
“I thoroughly enjoyed A Day For Leadership. I am exclusively a nonfiction reader who likes serious tomes. This filled the bill. A great read, illustrating historical consequences and impacts from decisions that are hard to imagine having to make. I really enjoyed the ‘workshop’ tools at the end of each section. I plan to share this with my senior colleagues.”
—Steve Peplin, CEO, Talan Products
“I really liked what I read and found that the more I progressed through the pages, the more I wanted to continue. The stories coupled with the ‘For you History Buffs’ breakouts really addressed how D-Day was more than just a well-planned invasion. I’ll be re-reading this book with the idea of starting some of the leadership exercises right away. This is an excellent sampling in helping one understand what goes into great leadership: the tried-and-true steps already in place or being developed that play a huge role in making effective decisions. I’m convinced that whoever reads and practices the lessons revealed in this book will be a better leader and make better decisions.”
—Pat Kiernan, president, K-Con Inc.
“With the backdrop of WWII and specifically the strategies, planning, and execution of D-Day, Patrick Ungashick provides an expert framework for today’s business executive. Utilizing clear communication, strategic planning, visionary leadership, and the benefit of hindsight, Patrick has recreated the moments of truth for historic leaders that have many revelations for leaders of today.”
—Dan Rootenberg, CEO and cofounder, Spear
