Description:
True leaders demand continuous reflection and improvement of those around them, and even more importantly, of themselves. True leaders are Changemakers.
Brief description: DEKE COPENHAVER currently serves as principal of Copenhaver Consulting, LLC. From 2005 through 2014 Deke served as mayor of Augusta, Georgia. After leaving office, he hosted There it is ... with Deke Copenhaver, a live daily radio show. He has also served as managing consultant for the Augusta Economic Development Authority. Deke has been recognized on multiple occasions by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians. Deke has spoken at many national conferences on topics including city design, economic development, healthcare, veterans' issues, and the nonprofit industry. He currently authors a monthly column on leadership published by the Georgia Municipal Association. Deke earned a BA in political science from Augusta College and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia and the Mayors' Institute on City Design. A passionate athlete, Deke has completed five Ironman 70.3s and several half marathons. He and his wife, Malisa, reside in Augusta with their dogs Sarah Bet, Buddy, and Johnny.
Review Quotes:
"The Changemaker is a must read for anyone who wants to
make a positive impact on the status quo. Deke's practical
and pragmatic advice offers a heartfelt and authentic view
into what is required of successful leaders ... or at least should
be required. Deke embodies one of my favorite lines from my
favorite band, U2: 'She's packing a suitcase for a place none
of us has seen, a place that has to be believed to be seen.'"
-Monty Hamilton
CEO, Rural Sourcing Incorporated
"Deke is a complete public servant, which is all too rare
these days. He is a true independent who is not saddled with
party ideology and group think. He has demonstrated that a
dedicated leader can bring positive change and inspire their
team to reject political expediency in working for the common
good of the citizenry. My wife and I met Deke, Malisa, and
their delightful family at their wedding in Bermuda twenty
years ago. As a director of the Bermuda Community Foundation,
I organized a gathering of the Bermuda government
and business leaders who enjoyed the benefit of Deke's experience.
I highly recommend Deke as a resource for leadership
in addressing challenges facing business and public
organizations."
-Brian O'Hara
Former President and CEO, XL Capital
"As a community leader, Deke Copenhaver's inspiring
memoir is a primer for anyone looking to shake up the status
quo and become a Changemaker."
-Jay Samit
Bestselling Author, Disrupt You!
"Ninety percent of people are ready for change, but only ten
percent are ready to change. The Changemaker is the best
book for those who are ready to change and gives readers the
resources to make it happen. Read it to change your life so you
can change the lives of people around you."
-Mark Goulston
Author, Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely
Anyone
"To know Deke is to know a great human being. The love
and respect that he and dad shared was special. I witnessed it
at the Tour de Georgia and many other times. His service to
mankind and his community is a platform for change. Thank
you, Deke!"
-Deanna Brown Thomas
President, The James Brown Family Foundation
"With the trials and tribulations around us today, it's time
to tap into your inner Changemaker and make a real difference
in your world. Deke's passion comes through in equal
part substance and story. It is entertaining and educational,
and most of all inspiring. The Changemaker shows from the
start that everyone can lead their world to a better place. If
you want to improve your status quo, don't wait for others.
Read this book and learn-chapter by chapter-each step
in a process that can make you the leader that people will be
proud to follow."
-Tom Patterson
Author, Mapping Security
Security Advisor, DoD, FBI, NASA, and the White House.
"Smart people will love this book. It challenges us to lead
and implement positive, lasting change through listening
and consensus rather than bullying and grandstanding. Deke
gives us tools to connect and be open to growth outside of
our comfortable zone. And most importantly, he lets us learn
from his successes and failures. This book is a unifying call to
the right kind of action, just when we need it most."
-Eric Zachrison
Founder, Context