“It’s been five years . . . what are we thinking? While we openly acknowledge the challenges and limitations of long-distance relationships, we accept the concept of remoteness at work—why? The research on eye contact alone is telling—eye contact transfers charisma, conveys support, and heightens motivation. Building remarkable teams is a contact sport. Leadership requires difficult work—and complex tasks require committed teams. Muted calls the question on our slide into remoteness.” MICHAEL GENTRY, CEO, Kettering Health

“This book addresses a persistent gap in leadership—the need for true presence. As digitization and rapid information exchange have accelerated, the connection between leaders and their people has often been compromised. Becky Sawyer brings this issue into sharp focus, providing practical tools for improvement at every level of an organization. This is a must-read for aspiring leaders navigating complex environments and for established executives looking to reengage and refresh their connections. It offers a vital and refreshing perspective on modern leadership.” ROD HOCHMAN, MD, former CEO and president, Providence Health

“There are very few executives who don’t recall March 12, 2020, and all that followed, and I assume most reflect deeply about that period—and, more importantly, what it means going forward . . . for our organizations, for the talent that will carry those organizations forward, and for the responsibility we have to position that talent to lead. I’ve certainly done my fair share of contemplation, but Becky’s brilliantly and candidly written perspectives help frame one’s thinking even more. Through the caring presence that Becky speaks of, we can ensure that we are setting our next generation up to succeed with their own modern-day intersection of insight, fortitude, and humility to lead through what none of us know about tomorrow. Becky outlines a timely and practical approach for doing so that is digestible and doable—and desperately needed.” BRIAN SCHOOLS, president and CEO, Chartway Credit Union

“If you are an aspiring leader, this is a book you must read and fully digest. Whether you are just starting out on your leadership journey or looking to hone your skills mid- or late-career, you will want Sawyer’s development of the concept of 'presence' to be an essential element of your leadership toolbox. This book is especially timely in today’s hybrid world where leaders are struggling to build organizational integrity and direction in a setting where in-person interaction is, at best, sporadic. Read this book, digest it, read again—you will be glad you did.” PETER BROOKS, cofounder and former managing director, CornerStone Partners LLC and coauthor of Survival to Success: Leading Small, High-Growth Enterprises