ANAHEIM, Calif. — Award-winning CEO of Branded Group Michael Kurland writes about what it takes to be a successful leader in his new book Broken to Better: 13 Ways Not to Fail at Life and Leadership (Houndstooth Press; July 19, 2022). It’s part business book, part memoir written to motivate and inspire readers to take positive action and become the purpose-driven leaders they desire to be.
“Back in the early 2000s, I lacked any sense of purpose. I basically had hit rock bottom in both my personal life and career, and if I didn’t do something about it,” writes Kurland about his early years, “I knew I would never be happy with myself.”
So began a journey that led Kurland to a period of self-examination, laying the groundwork for a new vision for his life and guiding him to both professional and personal triumphs.
In Broken to Better, Michael details how he made informed decisions that would bring about the changes he wanted. He quit his job, adopted a healthier lifestyle and moved from NY to Calif. to launch his business, which would eventually become the award-winning facilities management company, Branded Group.
“I had to get out of my old ways of thinking,” Kurland says about these initial actions. “It was definitely a risk to pack up everything and head to the West Coast, but, if I wanted to change the trajectory of my life, I knew the changes needed to be radical. I needed to challenge the status quo, get out of my comfort zone and start with a clean slate.”
It was during this time that Kurland’s 13 principles for being a successful leader in an evolving business climate began to take shape. Some of these principles include consistently expanding your network of contacts, making a difference through innovative social impact programs and developing a culture of inclusiveness and empathy. These principles would influence every interaction he had with others and every decision he made in his business and personal life.
Kurland writes, “One of my biggest realizations at the start of the journey was that I couldn’t separate my personal and professional worlds. When you seek improvement, it’s important to #BeBetter in all aspects of your life—to be a better CEO, manager, employee, friend, coworker, or whatever shoes you fill.”
“This is not a book about white-knuckling your way to the top,” he says. “Rather it’s a book about taking a critical look at how you can become the best version of yourself so that you can do good for others. If this book can help someone else rise above their challenges and #BeBetter, then I’ve achieved my goal.”
According to Kirkus Reviews, “Kurland puts a positive spin on each principle, writing with an enthusiasm that is infectious. His candid advice, based on his own experience, is steeped in practical wisdom.”
Broken to Better: 13 Ways Not to Fail at Life and Leadership is available at Amazon and BN.com.
About the Author
Michael Kurland is the award-winning founder and CEO of Branded Group, a company dedicated to delivering exceptional facility management for multi-site commercial facilities. He is a well-established author of thought leadership articles in online publications on topics such as leadership, company culture, social impact and employee engagement and retention, as well as on his philosophy for personal and professional success, known as #BeBetter. His vision for business and life has resulted in deep and long-lasting client and partner relationships, innovative facility maintenance programs that drive client satisfaction, social impact programs that change lives and a respected position in his industry.
Branded Group was among the Financial Times Fastest Growing Companies in America (2021, 2022), the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) and has been named a Great Place to Work® for five consecutive years.
Michael is also the host of the long-running podcast, #BeBetter with Michael Kurland. Now in its fourth season, the show examines the importance of strong and motivating leadership through interviews with business leaders and noted experts.
Michael lives in Huntington Beach, CA with his wife, Alejandra and their dog, Harvey.