“These books,” he told us, “inspired me and helped shape the way I approached leadership, collaboration, and economic development in Rowan County.”
From community-building to strategic thinking and purpose-driven leadership, Greg’s curated reading list offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the philosophies that helped guide major initiatives like Growing Rowan and the county’s broader economic resurgence.
Here are the 7 books Greg recommends for anyone passionate about leading change in their community:
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Grassroots Leaders for a New Economy
By Douglas Henton, John G. Melville & Kimberly Walesh
This foundational read examines how communities across the U.S. rebounded from economic hardship by coming together with a shared vision and grassroots action. Greg was so moved by it, he bought and distributed over 80 copies to local leaders in Rowan County.
“I started going on Amazon and buying used copies of this book, and I ended up giving over 80 copies… to leaders across the community.”
“By the time I stopped buying them, they’d jacked the price up on me!”
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Strategic Doing: Ten Skills for Agile Leadership
By Edward Morrison, Scott Hutcheson, Elizabeth Nilsen, Janyce Fadden & Nancy Franklin
After Greg’s election, a study group led by Craig Lamb of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College used this book to guide local leaders in creating actionable strategies to shape Rowan’s economic future.
“We kind of used principles from this and principles on how to come together and do as a community.”
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Civic Revolutionaries: Igniting the Passion for Change in America’s Communities
By Douglas Henton, John Melville & Kimberly Walesh
A companion to Grassroots Leaders, this book calls for bold, transformative civic leadership—a theme that resonates strongly with Greg’s approach to commissioner-led community planning.
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Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
By Simon Sinek
Greg credits this bestselling title for reinforcing the importance of vision and clarity of purpose—two pillars of the Growing Rowan initiative and his overall leadership philosophy.
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The Power of Positive Leadership
By Jon Gordon
Leading with optimism isn’t always easy, especially when tackling systemic issues. This book helped Greg adopt a forward-thinking mindset grounded in positivity and belief in the people around him.
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Nehemiah People: Destiny & Purpose Rediscovered Through the Nehemiah Template
By Paul L. Cuny
A faith-based perspective on rebuilding communities, this book echoes the themes of calling, restoration, and moral courage that Greg sees as vital in public service.
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The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential
By John C. Maxwell
For Greg, leadership isn’t just about position—it’s about growth. Maxwell’s practical framework offers insight on leading with influence, development, and intentionality.
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These books aren’t just for elected officials—they’re for anyone who believes in the power of community, collaboration, and courageous leadership.
We’ll be sharing more of Greg’s reflections and direct quotes from the podcast in the weeks ahead. For now, consider this your reading list for the road to revitalization.
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