Dr. Joe Sanfelippo is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, andretired school superintendent who works with leaders across the country to build clarity, culture, and connection. After serving communities for twenty-six years as a teacher, counselor, principal and his final twelve years as the Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Wisconsin, Joe shifted his focus to supporting leaders in education, healthcare, and business who want to lead with intention and humanity in real, everyday moments. Under his leadership, Fall Creek was twice recognized as an Innovative District by the International Center for Leadership in Education.
Joe is the author of six other books, including the best-selling Hacking Leadership and Lead From Where You Are, and his work has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, District Administration, and in 2019, he was named National Superintendent of the Year by Education Dive.
At the core of Joe’s work is a simple belief: leadership is less about position and more about the choices we make in how we show up for people. He spends his time helping leaders align who they are, how they treat others, and the systems they build, so their leadership is sustainable, human, and real.
For more information on leadership consulting, resources, or all staff connections please visit: www.jsanfelippo.com
The rhythms in this book aren’t about doing more work, they are about doing the right work more. Leadership isn’t something you finish, it’s something you practice. The real work happens after the last page, in the moments when you’re tired, distracted, or unsure, and still choose how you show up, and when you show up knowing who you are, you give yourself a better chance to serve the people you lead.
In Lead From Who You Are, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo blends practical insights with timeless principles that help leaders in every season see themselves in the stories and grow—sometimes with a smile, sometimes with a knowing headshake. It’s the kind of book that stays with you, making you a better leader and strengthening the people you lead every day.
-Dr. Amber Teamann, Executive Director of Technology and Innovation
Through heartfelt stories and practical, human-centered rhythms, Dr. Sanfelippo beautifully reinforces that leadership isn’t about titles or positions, but about presence, intention, and the everyday moments that build trust and shape culture.
-Dr. Tony Sinanis, Superintendent