Early Reviews

In a world brimming with complex challenges, Developing Servant Leaders at Scale is not just a book; it’s a roadmap to a better, brighter future.

Laura Gassner Otting
ABC Contributor and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of Wonderhell

The Inner Development Goals (IDG) initiative is built on the insight that large-scale transformation is only possible when inner growth is integrated into leadership, organizations, and institutions. In Developing Servant Leaders at Scale, Max Klau provides a powerful roadmap for integrating inner development into large-scale systems. Drawing from his years of experience designing and refining a national nonprofit’s approach to inner growth, he shares hard-earned insights on what works, the obstacles that arise, and how to navigate them. At a time when organizations worldwide are recognizing the urgency of this work, Klau’s book is an essential resource for those seeking to embed inner development at the heart of leadership and change.

Jan Artem Henriksson
Executive Director, The Inner Development Goals Initiative
& Co-Founder of the Inner Development Goals Foundation

Max Klau’s latest book gives you the tools to cultivate leadership that’s both transformational and deeply human. He challenges leaders to reflect on their core values and step boldly into the courage required to lead with authenticity. This book isn’t just about building better organizations—it’s about building better people. If you’re serious about scaling servant leadership and fostering inner growth in yourself and others, this is the guide you’ve been waiting for.

Lt. Colonel Amy McGrath 
US Marine Corps (ret.) a political and national security expert, a former fighter pilot and founder of Democratic Majority Action PAC, and former Democratic nominee for the U.S. House and Senate from Kentucky

The first move I made after launching the New Politics Leadership Academy was to hire Max.  Nobody else knew how to do this kind of deep inner work at scale.  Thanks to the approach shared in this book, the thousands of servant leaders who have come through our programs are more connected to their own “why”, more conscious of their own shadow, and more able to lead with clarity and integrity.  And now hundreds are elected leaders at every level from School Board to Congress.  Max’s approach is proven, tested, powerful, and vitally important at this critical moment for democracy here in the US and around the world. 

Emily Cherniack
Founder and Executive Director of New Politics and the New Politics Leadership Academy, named to the Politico 50, a list of "thinkers, dreamers and doers driving politics" in 2018.  

Max Klau’s book, Developing Servant Leaders at Scale, is a comprehensive “Tour De Force” regarding both the conceptual underpinnings and the practical how-to of developing leaders dedicated to the common good.  I was privileged to work alongside of and learn from Dr. Klau at City Year for more than a decade as he developed the “Idealist Journey” curriculum. I witnessed the care and evolution of the process. He skillfully guided a cadre of young leaders across the nation capable of navigating a transformative experience in making meaning of a year of community service in our nation’s schools and communities.   Dr. Klau makes a compelling case for why this work is vital to the future of our society.  This book captures the essence, magic and impact as well as the pragmatic steps needed to create a new generation of servant leaders which are so desperately needed as we confront the challenges before us.

Charlie Rose
Senior Vice President and Dean, City Year

In a world increasingly dominated by self-serving leaders who prioritize power over purpose, Max Klau's "Developing Servant Leaders at Scale" arrives as an urgently needed blueprint for cultivating the kind of leadership our troubled times demand. Drawing from decades of experience building leadership capacity at organizations like City Year and New Politics Leadership Academy, Klau presents a sophisticated yet practical framework for developing leaders who put service above self. His "Flame and Journey" model, refined through years of real-world application, offers organizations a proven approach to nurturing the inner development and outer skills required for authentic servant leadership. This book is essential reading for anyone committed to developing leaders who can help heal our divided world through the transformative power of serving others first.

Ejaj Ahmad
Founder, Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center & Global Youth Leadership Center

Developing Servant Leaders at Scale recognizes a profoundly important, but often overlooked foundation for getting things done and for creating a more just world: As you address local, national and international challenges, make sure to invest in and nurture the potential of the people who are working hard to make a difference. This book draws upon years of hands-on work on the ground and the wisdom Klau brings us thanks to his sharp, thoughtful mind, always eager to learn from the people with whom he works. This is a book that will help you make a difference and will make a difference in you. 

Dan Rothstein
Co-founder, The Right Question Institute

We are living in an age that desperately needs to develop more (and more!) servant leaders. No one is better positioned than Max Klau to know what’s required to take on this daunting but essential  task. In this book, Klau blends fascinating personal stories with deep expertise with well-researched theories with practical tools to offer just the roadmap that our organizations, communities, and society need now more than ever. If a central task of leadership is to develop more leaders, this book is required reading for every leader whose impact and legacy matters to them.

Jeff Wetzler
Co-Founder of Transcend and Author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life

“This book is a game-changer for those who want to enter the arena of public service. Max's approach to servant leadership is not only simple but profoundly powerful -  and was instrumental as I prepped for my mayoral campaign. I wholeheartedly endorse this book for anyone who wants to make a lasting difference in the world.”

Philip Jones
Mayor of Newport News, Virginia & Marine Corps Vet

In a world torn by division and crisis, how do we cultivate leaders who truly serve? This groundbreaking book reveals how to develop servant leaders at scale—expanding leadership beyond individual efforts to create systemic change. Drawing on decades of experience, Max Klau maps a must read blueprint for leaders who prioritize improving the lives of others.
Betsy Myers
Chief Operating Officer for Obama’s 2008 national campaign. Founding director of the Center for Women and Business at Bentley University and former Executive Director of the Center for Public Leadership Harvard’s Kennedy School. Author of Take the Lead:  Motivate, Inspire and Bring Out the Best in Yourself and Everyone Around You.