Over a 40+ year career across a half dozen Fortune 500 financial services and insurance companies, Brian learned the hard way - but he had help from a host of great leaders, mentors, peers, and employees. Now looking to fill every day with something meaningful and impactful for himself and others, including fulfilling a promise to share the many lessons he's learned across his long career, he has shifted his focus to help foster and mentor the next generation of corporate leaders.In addition to writing fiction and non-fiction, Brian enjoys teaching and learning in classes on Cape Cod, brushing up on foreign language skills at home and abroad, trying to put notes together on a piano keyboard again after a 50-year break, all while advising and celebrating success with friends and former colleagues, traveling, and spending time with his family.
""As someone who's been in leadership for decades, I can say that the lessons in this book are spot-on. It offers a unique perspective on leadership-grounded in experience but with a forward-thinking approach that makes it relevant to aspiring leaders of today. And while the lessons of the past continue to be relevant, what I especially appreciate is the focus on the future. It doesn't just tell you how to be a good leader today, but how to prepare for tomorrow's challenges. It's a refreshing approach to leadership that blends practical advice with long-term vision."" -Tom McInerney; CEO, Genworth ""I know Brian as an approachable and relatable leader who connects with you as a person, not just a professional. He takes genuine interest in understanding you-listening more than he speaks, ensuring that you're heard, understood, and matter. Reading the stories in this book feels like talking with a sage and insightful family member who only wants the best for you. Candid, yet gentle. Thorough, yet clear."" -Ron Edwards; Senior Director for Talent, Fortune 100 Financial Services Company ""As a woman in tech, I found Brian's book both practical and deeply inspiring. It feels like having a trusted mentor by your side-offering honest insight, real-world wisdom, and thoughtful guidance on navigating growth and leadership with purpose. I especially appreciate how he balances the technical side with people management, showing how to lead with empathy while staying grounded in results. It's a rare combination of heart and practicality that truly resonates."" -Amy T. (34); Digital Platform Manager, Fortune 10 Company ""Corporate Campfire Stories nails what most leadership books miss: the messy, human middle where people, process and results meet. The stories are practical, punchy and immediately useful; perfect for emerging leaders who want to turn real world friction into forward motion."" -Ahmad O. (38); AI and Machine Learning Leader, International Consulting Firm ""As a finance professor, I know that my MBA and Executive MBA students crave practical wisdom, not just theory. Brian Haendiges delivers. His story-based lessons are consistently a massive hit when shared with my classes. It's fantastic to have those real-world stories captured in this book, providing accessible examples in practical leadership in an invaluable guide for emerging leaders."" -Pete Vatev; Assistant Professor of Finance, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business ""This book is a master class in real-world leadership, filled with engaging stories, hard-won lessons, and practical insights every emerging leader can apply. A must-read for anyone looking to grow their impact and navigate their career with confidence."" -Jeff L. (31); Senior Associate, Investment Technology Firm ""This is more than just another business book. The guidance for advancing your career is rooted in engaging and memorable stories, each giving a framework for how a fundamental principle can be applied, with practical next steps. The powerful imagery of Brian's stories sticks with you, and I've both used and repeated his advice to countless aspiring actuaries over the years."" -Amanda Hug; Past President, Society of Actuaries ""If I only had this book when I was starting out! This is no-nonsense advice for everyone, designed to take you on an informative journey leading to an incredible and more satisfying professional career."" -Adam Hallet; President and Owner, Hallet Enterprise