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The Most Unlikely Leader: An Unbelievable Journey From GED To CEO Hardcover – May 31, 2022

by Roger Smith (Author)
5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 74 ratings
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For the first time ever, Roger Smith, the former President and CEO of American Income Life Insurance and Liberty National, takes readers on an unflinching journey through his remarkable life; a life that includes astronomical business success alongside family struggles and a life-threatening battle with addiction. 

Written in a fast-paced, no-holds-barred style, The Most Unlikely Leader is a tour-de-force. Why ‘unlikely’? By the time Smith was a teenager he was living on the streets of Santa Monica and addicted to drugs. He dropped out of high school, ran into trouble with the law, had his best friend shot right next to him while running away from a failed robbery attempt and, at one point, was so down and out and desperate for a fix in his early thirties that he walked into the Pacific Ocean expecting never to come back. 

While the first third of Smith’s story deals with his life as a functional addict, The Most Unlikely Leader reveals how he got clean, got his mind right, got his career back and ascended to the highest role in a massive corporation. From Smith’s first foray into entrepreneurship as a young boy selling comic books on the streets of New York City, to his first sales job in Compton, California, to his taking over American Income Life, this book shares the philosophy, the decisions (both good and bad) and the grit that resulted in a man without a high school diploma being put in charge of one of the largest life insurance companies in the world. 

Oklahoma City. Arkansas. Baltimore. Chicago. Dallas. Washington, D.C. These are just a few of the stops we’ll visit as Smith rose through the ranks of American Income relying on nothing but his wit, work ethic and his evolving understanding of what it takes to build teams and lead national organizations.

 Part leadership manual, part business manifesto and part memoir, The Most Unlikely Leader is the rare leadership book you won’t be able to put down.

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  1. Print length
    232 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Ballast Books
  4. Publication date
    May 31, 2022
  5. Dimensions
    5.51 x 0.94 x 8.35 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1955026130
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1955026130
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

Photo of author Roger Smith
" I was going to have to transform myself to be the leader that I knew I could be."
"Trust isn't about keeping your word..."

Editorial Reviews

Review

The arc of Smith’s life is extraordinary—he managed to become an accomplished businessperson and family man after years of drug-addled purposelessness. His candor is also remarkable—he spares no punches when it comes to self-judgment and chronicles his foibles in granular detail. —Kirkus Reviews

I rate this book 4 out of 4 because it was exceptionally well edited. The language of writing is easily comprehensible. [...] I recommend this book first to parents. This book reminds them that any neglect can get their child damaged. Also for teens, this book teaches them that regardless of their circumstances and how debasing their situation is, they can still achieve success. Finally, this book is a perfect fit for anyone seeking to improve his or her life.—Owuamanam, OnlineBookClub.org

About the Author

Roger Smith is the past CEO of American Income Life Insurance Co, National Income Life Insurance Co. And Liberty National Life Insurance Co. He is also the recipient of the Yitzhak Rabin Legacy Award, Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award, Healthcare For All Champion Award, Sol Stein Award, as well as numerous other awards and publications.  He is the father of 5 adult children ( Nicole, Conrad, Emily, Adam, Amiah), proud grandfather of Maggie Mae,  and currently resides in Florida with his wife Demi and his 2 dogs Penelope and Chrome.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ballast Books (May 31, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1955026130
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1955026130
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.51 x 0.94 x 8.35 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 74 ratings

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Roger Smith

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Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
74 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story inspiring and motivating. They describe the book as an easy, informative read that is relatable for anyone in business.

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Inspirational storyReadability
19 customers mention "Inspirational story"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the story inspiring and motivating. They appreciate the author's determination and courage to overcome challenges. The memoir is a perfect guide for leaders and those struggling with addiction. Readers find the advice on point and life-changing.

"...Just wanted to thank you for everything, being a pioneer, and Pilar of perseverance... Well written, attention grabber and holder, and very inspiring..." Read more

"...The book is relatable for anyone in business and touches on perseverance during difficult times...." Read more

"...It’s a story of courage and sheer determination to make for a better life and demonstrating that no matter the circumstances there is a way to get..." Read more

"...It’s heart warming, honest and last I want to thank Roger for writing this book and giving others the courage to turn their lives around...." Read more

18 customers mention "Readability"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relatable and informative. They say it's a great read and an attention-grabbing story that provides life lessons.

"...I feel like anyone will enjoy this story, will be inspired to persevere through whatever they may be going through, and to not take opportunities..." Read more

"...The book is relatable for anyone in business and touches on perseverance during difficult times...." Read more

"...He was not only respected but he was respectful in return. Great read and one I couldn’t put down!" Read more

"...If you’re looking for some motivation, some guidance on starting or continuing your business, or just want to hear an unbelievably amazing story…The..." Read more

Fantastic story, well written, highly recommend
5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic story, well written, highly recommend
I’m absolutely loving this book/memoir. I personally know Roger through my early days at AIL. Having also come through an incredible amount of adversity myself in the past 13 years, including losing teams, friends, family, becoming paralyzed, picking myself up from failure or tragedy to failure or tragedy and continuing moving forward, I appreciate this book immensely.I suggest it to anyone honestly, not just AIL people, entrepreneurs, etc. I feel like anyone will enjoy this story, will be inspired to persevere through whatever they may be going through, and to not take opportunities for granted.Thank you Roger for writing this book and inspiring me to do the same. I will definitely be joining you as an author and writer of my own story. Just wanted to thank you for everything, being a pioneer, and Pilar of perseverance... Well written, attention grabber and holder, and very inspiring. Cheers brother, look forward to you reading mine some day. Only just begun! Hope to see you and Richard on my boat soon! 🤙🏽
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Matt Ficarra
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic story, well written, highly recommend
    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I’m absolutely loving this book/memoir. I personally know Roger through my early days at AIL. Having also come through an incredible amount of adversity myself in the past 13 years, including losing teams, friends, family, becoming paralyzed, picking myself up from failure or tragedy to failure or tragedy and continuing moving forward, I appreciate this book immensely.

    I suggest it to anyone honestly, not just AIL people, entrepreneurs, etc. I feel like anyone will enjoy this story, will be inspired to persevere through whatever they may be going through, and to not take opportunities for granted.

    Thank you Roger for writing this book and inspiring me to do the same. I will definitely be joining you as an author and writer of my own story. Just wanted to thank you for everything, being a pioneer, and Pilar of perseverance... Well written, attention grabber and holder, and very inspiring. Cheers brother, look forward to you reading mine some day. Only just begun! Hope to see you and Richard on my boat soon! 🤙🏽
    Customer image
    Matt Ficarra
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Fantastic story, well written, highly recommend

    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2022
    I’m absolutely loving this book/memoir. I personally know Roger through my early days at AIL. Having also come through an incredible amount of adversity myself in the past 13 years, including losing teams, friends, family, becoming paralyzed, picking myself up from failure or tragedy to failure or tragedy and continuing moving forward, I appreciate this book immensely.

    I suggest it to anyone honestly, not just AIL people, entrepreneurs, etc. I feel like anyone will enjoy this story, will be inspired to persevere through whatever they may be going through, and to not take opportunities for granted.

    Thank you Roger for writing this book and inspiring me to do the same. I will definitely be joining you as an author and writer of my own story. Just wanted to thank you for everything, being a pioneer, and Pilar of perseverance... Well written, attention grabber and holder, and very inspiring. Cheers brother, look forward to you reading mine some day. Only just begun! Hope to see you and Richard on my boat soon! 🤙🏽
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    3 people found this helpful
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  • Simon Arias
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read from a legend in the industry
    Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Roger is someone I respect both in business and on a personal level, so I had to jump on the first opportunity I could to read this memoir.

    Fantastic read from a legend in the industry with over 40 years of experience. The book is relatable for anyone in business and touches on perseverance during difficult times. He’s living proof that anything is possible if you GRIND. His story is like a 12 round boxing match, standing victorious with his hands raised by the end of it.

    Thank you Roger for your leadership and for sharing your story with the world. This book is a true testament to not letting adversities define you. Absolutely a MUST READ! - Simon Arias
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  • Diana Crosby
    5.0 out of 5 stars Roger’s story is incredible!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I had the privilege of working directly for Roger at American Income and knew there were early struggles. This book takes you through those years when his life could have gone either way. It’s a story of courage and sheer determination to make for a better life and demonstrating that no matter the circumstances there is a way to get there. It’s not easy but it’s there for one to pursue. He had an amazing career taking AIL to record places and was a fair leader to so many when doing so. He was not only respected but he was respectful in return. Great read and one I couldn’t put down!
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  • Kyle Wrobel
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone looking to better themselves.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Roger has been a mentor and friend to me for over a decade and when I heard he was writing a book I was extremely excited.

    My favorite thing about learning from someone like him is he’s been on both the right AND the wrong side of the tracks. He speaks from a position of authority and extreme credibility, having self made himself from next to nothing, all the way to being the leader of a billion dollar publicly traded company.

    If you’re looking for some motivation, some guidance on starting or continuing your business, or just want to hear an unbelievably amazing story…The Most Unlikely Leader is for you. Roger’s story proves that as long as you never give up, ANYONE can make it to the top…no matter where they’re currently at! Highly recommend!
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  • Sheila E. Ormiston-burch
    5.0 out of 5 stars Roger Smith is prodigious writing the story of his ups and downs as he goes through life.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Loved Rogers honesty in being open with his life’s ups & downs even though it may have given him exposure most people would not welcome.
    I knew Roger back then, but had no idea what he has gone through. I can say his love for his work and family comes through in a powerful way.
    Thank him for his patronage. I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks they are far too gone to rebound into sobriety and then be successful. It’s heart warming, honest and last I want to thank Roger for writing this book and giving others the courage to turn their lives around.

    Sheila Ormiston Burch
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  • Lleison Martinez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jason Martinez - Most impactful personal story I’ve read!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This was the first book I ever ever completed in less than 24hrs. This journey of Roger Smith left a profound impact on me. Not just because of the success he attained but more because of the pain and suffering he went through to get it together and exceed expectations. Reading about his early struggles and how he was able to preserve to become CEO really left a profound impact on me. His vision and being able to adapt and stay open to change stuck with me.This book should serve as a reminder that with a relentless work ethic, faith, and having a support system anything is possible! Serves as proof that you can truly overcome any obstacle to be that leader that leaves a legacy behind!
    Customer image
    Lleison Martinez
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Jason Martinez - Most impactful personal story I’ve read!

    Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2022
    This was the first book I ever ever completed in less than 24hrs. This journey of Roger Smith left a profound impact on me. Not just because of the success he attained but more because of the pain and suffering he went through to get it together and exceed expectations. Reading about his early struggles and how he was able to preserve to become CEO really left a profound impact on me. His vision and being able to adapt and stay open to change stuck with me.This book should serve as a reminder that with a relentless work ethic, faith, and having a support system anything is possible! Serves as proof that you can truly overcome any obstacle to be that leader that leaves a legacy behind!
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    3 people found this helpful
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  • Patti from Louisiana
    5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT READ!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I worked for this company for 27 years and had the privilege and honor to retire recently having the longest tenure of PR Director with 16 years! Roger was a great leader and was always insightful in his love for the PR team. He is a generous & fair man that continues to treat people with utmost respect. I so appreciate Roger affording me the opportunity.

    I got my book yesterday and read it all as I could not put it down! I am hoping more people will read about how one man’s struggles made him strong, successful and human....

    I can’t wait for the next chapter of Roger’s journey!
    One person found this helpful
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  • RPS
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is the perfect memoir.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is the perfect memoir to inspire both leaders and those struggling with addiction.After reading the story of the author’s battles, struggles with self destruction and his fight for survival I would say that these are his truest most miraculous accomplishments. He literally rose from Hells fire to become a compassionate, relentless leader that brought thousands of people to personal success and financial freedom always with the ability to make one feel the sky is the limit. This is a must read for anyone struggling in any path of life.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Very inspirational, Roger came from so little and accomplished so much. I ecommens this read, particularly as a former employee of AIL
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and inspring
    Reviewed in Canada on July 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    An excellent read and an inspiration for many. Roger Smith by his own words was an unlikely leader and yet he is an inspiration to many. Well worth the read.
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