Salsa, Soul, and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age

This is a wonderful book with several important dimensions. It tells the story of the author, a Latina who emigrated from Nicaragua to the United States as a child, and succeeded in American society while staying close to her ethnic roots. It also tells the stories of Latino, Black, and American Indian leaders. Most important, it provides background on the history, faith, and values of Latino (salsa), Black (soul), and American Indian (spirit) leadership traditions. The principles Bordas draws from these leadership traditions are principles that our country badly needs today. They remind us that leadership is conferred by the community, and leaders are expected to work for the common good, not their personal gain. Leaders should also be guardians of public values. They need to learn from the past, honor the collective identity, and promote a spirit of generosity, gratitude, hope, and forgiveness. This book will help the read understand the Latino, Black, and American Indian leadership traditions. Even better, it will help the reader understand what good leadership really is.

Salsa, Soul, and Spirit is one of the most timely, relevant and up-lifting books I've read in recent memory. It should be read and studied by everyone from the President down to the grassroots community activist. In a country deeply divided by red state/blue state animosities, culture wars and "hot button" issues like immigration policy, Bordas shows us the way forward. She argues persuasively that the idea of a New Social Covenant and the leadership practices summarized in her Eight Principles of Multicultural Leadership are not theoritical and optional but are essential if America is to fully address its plethora of social ills and reach its full potential. After reading this book my concept of "leadership" will never be the same. Bordas' simple yet profound insight is that all positive social change begins with leadership and her choice of examples from the Black, Latino and American Indian communities is truly enlightening.

Juana Bordas' Salsa, Soul and Spirit belongs on the book shelf of every forward-thinking leader, management expert and leadership trainer. In compelling, personal language, she makes the case for the development of new leadership practices that reflect the realities of today's multicultural society. In challenging times when it is easy to feel discouraged by the divisions and "isms" of politics and social ills, the author shines a light on a new path of hope and collaboration. This book should find its way quickly into the required reading lists of leadership programs across the country and beyond.

Praise for Salsa, Soul, and Spirit "This wonderful book made me want to dance with joy. In Western society, we suffer from a loss of community and spirit because we're so disconnected. American Indian, Latino and African American cultures have never forgotten that we need to be together, and that diversity is not a problem, but a blessing. May this book lead you to discover what we've been missing-- each other." Product Link: Salsa, Soul, and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age

This is an amazing book, not just for corporate types and CEOs but those who want and need a better perspective on the elements of diversity already at work in our lives. Brava!! Run out and get copies for yourself, family, friends, libraries and workplaces.