Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky: Lessons We Can All Learn from an Unexpected Leader

Kanzer (Don’t Just Sit There, Do Nothing) gleans unremarkable lessons from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s response to the ongoing Russian invasion of his country. Kanzer, who grew up in the Soviet Union and had a bit part (“girl in sports club #1”) in a 2009 rom-com in which Zelenskyy starred, captures his unlikely ascent from comedian to actor to politician, and the qualities that make him “a profound philosophical leader of our generation,” including the self-confidence to request support and weapons from other countries without groveling, and a steadfast (albeit nonreligious) faith—in himself, and in the Ukrainian people— he nurtured even in the war’s “darkest days,” which Kanzer contrasts with the “Russian cynicism” that Zelenskyy believes has stymied “any sort of agreement” for peace. Despite some inspiring moments, Kanzer’s insights tend to repeat across chapters, making for a somewhat hazy and circuitous structure—the notion of Zelenskyy as an “ordinary superman” recurs often—and the advice itself can feel hackneyed (“There are no limits when you realize you’re limitless”). It adds up to an earnest yet lackluster portrait of a leader thrust onto the world stage. (Oct.)