An insightful book, eloquently arguing for what should be obvious – but sadly is often not – which is that great leadership demands great engagement skills. CEOs are now also chief reputation officers for the organizations that they have the privilege to lead. Charlotte Otter’s tightly written analysis gives new currency to this old idea, highlighting the urgency of prevention rather than cure (or ‘vitamins rather than aspirins’ in Otter’s words) when it comes to building and protecting the perceptions that matter. Her call for new more neuro-diverse leaders to step up is urgent, powerful and timely. This book, jam-packed with great stories from interviews with over 40 people from different backgrounds, shows how leaders can reshape themselves in practice. It is a must read for the marzipan layer of emerging talent who are considering if they have what it takes to make the leadership leap. - Rupert Younger, Director, Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation

This book double clicks on a range of critical leadership topics and is enriched with real voices from diverse perspectives. As a chief communications officer, I know that trust and credibility are built over years and potentially destroyed in minutes. With increasing geoeconomic complexity, navigating this has never been more ‘interesting’. We Need New Leaders offers so many insights of value to any aspiring leader, but particularly for those looking to deepen their craft as a communications professional. How refreshing to read that authenticity and a focus on inclusion are valued leadership superpowers. - Lynette Jackson, Chief Communications Officer, Siemens

We Need New Leaders is a compelling call to action for a new generation of leaders who understand that navigating today’s complex landscape requires more than just competence – it demands authenticity, empathy and the ability to build trust through consistent, meaningful actions. Charlotte Otter’s insights on how reputation shapes leadership success provide a powerful guide for anyone looking to lead with purpose and impact. A must-read for aspiring leaders and those seeking to redefine the status quo in the C-Suite. - Frank Wolf, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Staffbase, Author of The Narrative Age

Careers are built on a strong reputation, and safeguarding it is far too important to be left to chance. We Need New Leaders provides valuable insights to every leader on how to actively manage their reputation by working closely with the communication team. - Hala Zeine, Chief Strategy Officer, ServiceNow