Publications

Lead Like People Matter

Dr. Helen Fagan invites you on a transformational journey that begins not with strategies or spreadsheets—but with you. Blending memoir, research, decades of experience, and practical wisdom, this timely book challenges leaders to go beyond surface-level actions to develop the emotional intelligence and cultural humility required to lead in an increasingly divided world.

From her early life as an Iranian international student navigating culture shock and loss, to her pioneering work in healthcare and education, Dr. Fagan shares deeply personal stories and actionable insights to challenge and inspire leaders.

“[Helen] weaves together neuroscience, research, and real-world stories to show how leaders can rewire mindsets, bridge differences, and create environments where people feel truly valued.” – Cohagen Wilkinson, Bloom Growth Coach

Published Work

University of Nebraska Lincoln

To better understand the link between team effectiveness and leaders high in cultural competency and emotional intelligence, we reviewed how leadership scholars, researchers, and authors have described these leaders’ attributes and impacts.

Books on Cultural Competence & Emotional Intelligence

Lee Gardenswartz, Jorge Cherbosque, Anita Rowe: Emotional Intelligence for Managing Results in a Diverse World
Michael A Moodian: Contemporary Leadership and Intercultural Competence
Anne Fadiman: The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down | A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures
Phillippe Rosinski: Coaching Across Cultures | New tools for Leveraging National, Corporate & Professional Differences
Stella Ting-Toomey: Communicating Across Cultures
Dan Landis & Rabi S. Bhagat: Handbook of Intercultural Training 2nd Edition
Patty Lane: A Beginners Guide to Crossing Cultures
Duane Elmer: Cross-Cultural Servanthood | Serving the World in Christlike Humility
Richard D. Lewis" When Cultures Collide | Leading Across Cultures

Books on Leadership

Bruce J. Avlio and Fred Luthans: The High Impact Leader
Vince Poscente: The Ant and the Elephant
Fred Luthans, Carolyn M. Youssef, Bruce J, Avolio: Psychological Capital
Kathryn Goldman Schuyler: Leading with Spirit, Presence, & Authenticity
Kouzes & Posner: The Leadership Challenge 4th Edition
Kevin Cashman: Leadership from the Inside Out | Becoming a Leader for Life
Susan R. Komives, Wendy Wagner, and Associates: Leadership for a Better World | Understanding the Social Change Model of Leadership Development
Sharon Daloz Parks: Leadership Can Be Taught | A Bold Approach for a Complex World
The Arbinger Institute: Leadership and Self-Deception - Getting out of the box | Expanded Second Edition of the book that is changing lives and transforming organizations
Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky: Leadership on the Line | Staying Alive through the Dangers of Leading
Robert E. Quinn: Deep Change | Discovering the Leader Within