(Isstories Editorial):- Goshen, Indiana Feb 13, 2026 – In a time when executives are being pushed to do more with less, a transformative new book offers hope, clarity, and a practical path forward. The Intentional Executive: A Purpose-Driven Playbook to Transform Your Leadership, Your Team, and Your Results, by seasoned leadership experts Patrick Farran, PhD, MBA, and Melissa Norcross, PhD, MBA, is now available on Barnes and Noble.
Nearly half of all executive transitions fail–but Farran and Norcross argue that it doesn’t have to be that way. Drawing on decades of combined leadership experience, extensive research, and a ringside view of hundreds of executive journeys, The Intentional Executive provides leaders with the tools to thrive, not just survive.
“This book shatters the myth that leaders must choose between driving results and staying true to their values,” said co-author Melissa Norcross. “Purpose and performance are not at odds–they’re mutually reinforcing.”
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This comprehensive playbook equips leaders to clarify what truly matters and connect with their authentic purpose. It guides readers through assessing their organizational landscape with strategic clarity and crafting a compelling vision that aligns and inspires. Through the authors’ practical insights, executives learn to build resilient, high-performing teams, even amid disruption and resource constraints, while maintaining personal fulfillment and well-being.
Farran and Norcross outline how intentional leadership requires investing in the right capabilities–fostering cultures of purpose alignment, psychological safety, operational excellence, and innovation. Readers will also gain essential tools to master their executive roles, lead with confidence and agility, and drive sustainable success across the organization.
The Intentional Executive: A Purpose-Driven Playbook to Transform Your Leadership, Your Team, and Your Results is now available on Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-intentional-executive-patrick-farran/1147793092?ean=9798895761182
About the Authors
Melissa Norcross, PhD, MBA, is a global strategy executive with a rich background in software, technology, and financial services. She coaches leaders through the Naval Postgraduate School, Emeritus, and Collaborative Gain, and holds degrees from MIT, Harvard, and a PhD in Values-Driven Leadership from Benedictine University.
Patrick Farran, PhD, MBA, brings nearly three decades of cross-industry leadership experience. As CEO of Ad Lucem Group and former Director of Consulting at SAS Institute, he specializes in executive performance and organizational transformation. He has taught and coached executive leaders through the University of Notre Dame’s MBA, Global Executive MBA, and Executive Master of Non-Profit Administration programs.
Together, as co-founders of Ad Lucem Group, they equip purpose-driven leaders to engage their whole selves, inspire their teams, and achieve exceptional results. Their framework blends decades of hands-on executive experience with rigorous research, offering practical frameworks for navigating complex transitions and aligning purpose with performance.
