The playbook for leading when everything falls apart. No fluff, no theory — just what works under pressure, pulled from three decades on the battlefield and in the boardroom.
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This isn't a book about overnight success. It's about the grind. The setbacks. The moments where everything falls apart — and the choices that turn failure into fuel.
From leading in high-stakes military operations to scaling businesses, navigating career shifts, and learning the hard way about money, leadership, and resilience, this book lays it all out. No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just the real lessons forged in the fire of experience.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone looking to take control of your own path, these lessons will give you the mindset and strategies to build something that lasts. Because real success isn't about luck — it's about what you do when things go wrong.
What military leaders, entrepreneurs, and readers who've actually led under pressure are saying.
"You feel like you’re learning from a mentor who’s been in the trenches."
"Instantly draws you in to successful paths in leadership, business, and the legacy you leave by becoming a better human."
"I will remember those words for the rest of my life. “Show up, put the effort and work hard.”"
What separates those who lead from those who follow?
For over three decades, Dr. Johnny Kula lived the answer — through military operations, business ventures, and personal trials that tested everything. From high-stakes missions in the Army to building and scaling multimillion-dollar companies, his path has been shaped by failure, resilience, and a relentless drive to adapt.
This book is not a theory. It's a playbook.
Dr. Johnny Kula is a veteran, entrepreneur, and business leader who has built several successful companies across multiple industries. With over 30 years of experience in leadership, operations, and strategy, he knows what it takes to win — on the battlefield and in the boardroom.
This is the guide for anyone ready to level up — whether you're leading in the military, in business, or in your own life. No shortcuts. No excuses. Just results.
Extreme Leadership has been featured across regional press, celebrating its launch and the stories of the communities that shaped Dr. Kula.
"Extreme Leadership — a grit-filled journey through failure, resilience, and success. It strips away the clichés and delivers an unfiltered look at what it truly takes to lead."
Read the full article →"Real leadership isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up when it's hard, owning your failure, and making bold decisions when the pressure is on."
Read the full article →"Extreme Leadership was featured on the front page of the paper — a full-circle moment linking the values instilled in Dr. Kula early on to the mission he carries forward today."
Read the full article →"A former Tewksbury resident and dedicated youth hockey coach, Dr. Johnny Kula offers readers an insightful guide on how to lead and thrive under pressure."
Read the full article →Score yourself on the 10 dimensions of leadership under pressure. This isn't a personality quiz — it's the same assessment Dr. Kula uses as the starting point with every leader he coaches. Be brutally honest. The numbers don't lie.
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