It's Not in the Manual

Reviews / Votes

Leadership, especially in the Security industry, is often a lonely road. Many of us have walked it without a map, learning through trial, error, and the occasional hard fall. That's why this book is such a gift. It doesn't just illuminate the path-it walks it with you.

Michael Gips has crafted more than a leadership manual; he's created a companion for those navigating the complex, often isolating world of security and risk leadership. What makes this book stand out is its global reach. From the streets of Whitefish, Montana, to the corridors of power in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, it showcases some of the finest examples of security leadership from around the world. These stories aren't just inspiring-they're instructive.

Every chapter is packed with golden nuggets: insights that are practical, profound, and often deeply personal. Whether it's a lesson in humility from an executive protection course, a moment of moral clarity in a crisis, or a quiet act of servant leadership, each story reinforces the idea that leadership is less about titles and more about impact.

This book is a must-read for anyone who leads-or aspires to lead-in the security profession. It's not in the manual, but it should be.

Kevin Palacios, Executive Protection Leader and Member, Global Advisory Board, International Foundation of Protection Officers, Ecuador

The esteemed and well-respected author of this book, Michael Gips, understands today's backdrop of quickly evolving risk well. In this erudite but accessible book, he helps both experienced and novice leaders navigate this complex landscape with authority, humility, and grace. The useful lessons come a mile a minute, but the author tries to not take himself too seriously. He instead articulates the "bigger picture" with ample entertaining yet instructive vignettes and personal experiences. Wisdom is packed into every paragraph.

Brian Harrell, Corporate CSO and 6th Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, USA

What a fantastic read! The voice, tone, stories, it all reads so authentically. The content is substantive but also very conversational and approachable. I felt the book was speaking to me, not at me. The book avoids the dryness that has a tendency to creep into academic or theory based books. It really leans into the lessons of author Michael Gips's career, and his earned wisdom all interwoven with the academic theory, which makes the book very easy to resonate with. Volunteer leadership is close to my heart, and I appreciated how intentionally and thoughtfully the author elevated it throughout the book with the prominence and nuance it deserves.

Mike Brzozowski, MBA, CISSP, CPP, PSP, Germany

Michael Gips is one of the most respected voices in our industry, someone who I admire and trust deeply, and this book is a testament to why. It's more than a guide on leadership for security and risk professionals; it's a powerful reflection of Michael's integrity, insight, and unwavering commitment to elevating the security profession. Every page resonates with real-world wisdom, hard earned experience, and a deep understanding of what it truly means to lead under pressure. He focuses on the reality, focusing on human behavior, stakeholder engagement, community spirit, and cultural understanding, which all speak to my love languages in my own chosen path. As you flick through every page you can feel and see his energy, and personality shine through. This isn't just a book, it's a legacy! I'm proud to know Michael, honored to call him a friend, and even prouder to learn from him through this incredible work.

Lee Oughton, Security Author, Speaker, and Kindness Crusader, Mexico

This book is a refreshing and vital contribution to the evolving landscape of security and risk leadership. Michael Gips masterfully weaves personal experience, practical insights, and stories from the front lines into a compelling guide that bridges the gap between theory and real-world application. His emphasis on whole-of-person leadership, emotional intelligence, and risk-informed decision-making aligns closely with the principles of Presilience and the dynamic demands of our time. It's an essential read for any security professional looking to lead with authenticity, agility, and purpose.

Dr. Gavriel Schneider, RPP, CPP, CCRO, Award winning Security and Risk Expert and Author of Presilience: How to Navigate Risk, Embrace Opportunity, and Build Resilience, Australia

Michael Gips has crafted a thoughtful and engaging book that brings leadership to life through both timeless wisdom and practical insight. Drawing on his extensive experience and the perspectives of leading security and risk professionals worldwide, he offers guidance that is both grounded and inspiring. It challenges the reader to reflect on what kind of leader they aspire to be and the leadership styles that align with their values. One of the book's greatest strengths is that it offers real-world leadership examples, volunteer opportunities, and networking advice you can apply right away to enhance your career journey. Whether you're an experienced executive or just starting your career, you'll find valuable tools and fresh perspectives to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Lisa Oliveri, CPP, PCI, Senior Security Executive, International NGO, USA

It's Not in the Manual: Real-World Leadership for Security and Risk Professionals by Michael Gips is an insightful yet fun tour of leadership development. Based on Mike's decades of experience, he provides numerous examples of how readers can develop their own leadership skills. Full of wisdom and wit, the book is a great research-backed examination of leadership principles and frameworks. These are amplified with anecdotes from his own experiences and those of his vast network of friends and colleagues. Yet, Mike keeps it entertaining, sprinkled with humor and pop culture references such as movies, streaming series, advertising campaigns, and more. In sum, Mike provides a great mix of leadership theory, humor, and actionable insights that will help current and aspiring leaders grow their skills. It is a must-read for leaders of any level.

Christopher Stitt, Supervisory Special Agent (ret.) EMBA, CPP, CEM, Crisis Management Expert, Adjunct Faculty Member, Author, and Speaker, USA

This is excellent read from an outstanding business mentor who has devoted years to developing the next generation of leaders. It's Not in the Manual: Real-World Leadership for Security and Risk Professionals not only provides practical resources to help advance leadership skills, but it's also entertaining, enriched by Michael Gips's unique storytelling style and powerful insights gained from his decades of experience. His sensible guidance will challenge leaders to reflect on their style while giving them the tools they need to be successful -- in the security industry and beyond. Gips has given us an honest guide for real-world leaders with real-world problems. This must-read book accurately reflects the leadership style of its author, a seasoned mentor who's always looking for ways to help others grow and discover new opportunities.

Solveiga Jaskunas, "The Immigrant Voice in HR," Consultant, Mentor, Speaker, USA/Lithuania

Michael Gips is one of the few truly globally renowned experts in the field of holistic risk/security and leadership. He did not follow any of the traditional routes into the industry, which gave him a unique perspective. In his book It's Not in the Manual: Real-World Leadership for Security and Risk Professionals, Mike shares his exceptionally broad knowledge in ten chapters to stimulate security risk leaders. Peppered with real life examples and humor, it is an informative and enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to everyone in the security and risk profession.

Godfried Hendriks, Past President, ASIS International, Netherlands