Book excerpt: For more than three decades, award-winning leadership and communication expert David Grossman has helped scores of leaders become great leader communicators who drive impressive results for their organizations. He wrote the first edition of Heart First in the midst of the global pandemic and ensuing social unrest, when leaders faced a level of turmoil not seen in a century. Despite the upheaval, many leaders rose to the occasion, often by drawing not just from experience, but from being human as they led, what Grossman defines as Heart First leadership. This new edition of Heart First is tailored to emerging leaders seeking the secret behind exceptional leadership in an extraordinary time. Change is constant and the needs of employees and customers are increasingly complex, yet empathy, humanity, and authenticity remain the keys to greatness.In this edition of Heart First, Grossman shares his own insights as well as guest columns from a variety of senior leaders, each of whom offer thought-provoking and helpful strategies for being the best leader you can be.