Leading teams isn’t easy… so I’ve put everything I’ve learnt into one book | Graeme Cowan

Last week I met one of my heroines – Amy Edmondson, the #1 global expert on team psychological safety, and who I have interviewed for my new book GREAT LEADERS CARE.

The book I wish I’d had when I felt overwhelmed and burnt out.

Twenty two years ago, I was a VP at a global consulting firm. On paper, I had everything. In reality? I was falling apart.

I stopped exercising. Stopped seeing friends. Stopped being present with my family. I told myself I should be able to handle it.

Then the burnout hit. Then the depression. Then five years of not being able to work.

Today, I have some great news

My new book “GREAT LEADERS CARE: Developing safe, resilient, and successful teams” has finished editing.

Launch is April 2026.

I’m very grateful that Mike Schneider, MD of Bunnings, has written the front cover endorsement:

“Leading teams isn’t easy, but this practical playbook is simple and actionable. Highly recommended.”

Simple. Actionable. That’s exactly what I wanted. Not another leadership book full of theory—a practical playbook for building teams that thrive.

Here’s what I’ve discovered after interviewing 80+ leaders in The Caring CEO podcast

The best teams aren’t thriving because they work less. They’re thriving because their leaders care differently. I’ve been able to weave in the interviews from some of these amazing leaders into the book

This is the framework I’ve tested with thousands of leaders (and backed by science) in my presentations:

• Self-Care: Build your own resilience first
• Crew Care: Building psychologically safe and resilient teams
• Red Zone Care: Support those who are struggling
• Code Green: Staying optimistic, energetic, resourceful

The best teams have each other’s backs. They encourage each other. They genuinely care.

In the age of AI, being human isn’t optional. It’s your competitive advantage

Grateful to Amy Edmondson, Todd Harper, Steven Worrall, Ellen Derick, and the other brilliant leaders who shared their insights. And to the WeCARE365 team—Brenden Carter, Jenny Thomson, Amine Haddad—who helped make this real.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about caring enough to find them together.

April 2026 is the launch date.