Conway, Arkansas Aug 2, 2025 – For years, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and athletes have emphasized mental toughness, high performance, and grit. However, Jeff Standridge, a technology executive, investor, and leadership strategist, believes that true strength requires more than just these qualities.
In his new book, Grit and Grace: How the Pursuit of Mental Toughness and Emotional Intelligence Changes Everything, Standridge challenges the idea that increased pressure leads to better results. Instead, he argues for resilient leadership that prioritizes intentional recovery, self-awareness, and emotional agility, which he terms grace.
Standridge states, “Our problem isn’t a lack of resilience, but a tendency to react impulsively. Leaders have been trained to persevere at all costs, without taking time to pause, reflect, or adjust. Grace is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom.”
Standridge’s perspective is based on his own experience as a former corporate VP who oversaw global projects and helped startups scale to acquisition. Grit and Grace is informed by his personal journey and his decades of experience coaching executives in various industries, including healthcare and high tech, who are seeking ways to maintain their well-being while continuing to perform at a high level.
A Message That’s Striking a Nerve
Since its release, Grit and Grace has quickly become the #1 book in three of Amazon’s most competitive business categories:
- #1 in Workplace Behavior
- #1 in Knowledge Capital
- #1 in Business Etiquette
Readers have described the book as “eye-opening,” “reassuring,” and “essential reading for every executive before their next board meeting.” It provides support for leaders navigating demanding environments, going beyond simple leadership strategies.
Get a copy of Grit and Grace at .
Standridge’s message acts as both a manifesto and a reflection. While hard work remains important, he emphasizes clarity, boundaries, and emotional control as crucial elements of effective leadership.
The New Leadership Edge: Clarity, Not Chaos
Throughout the book, Standridge presents frameworks that combine neuroscience, habit formation, and strategic reflection. Key topics include:
- Managing uncertainty without succumbing to emotional reactions
- Creating a team culture that values stability and optimism
- Balancing periods of intense activity with sufficient recovery
- Understanding why mental toughness alone can lead to fragility and how grace fosters resilience
“The most effective leaders understand when to step back, not just when to push forward,” Standridge writes. “They are able to lead with both strength and empathy.”
His aim is to empower leaders not only to achieve success but also to sustain it over time.
About Jeff Standridge
Dr. Jeff D. Standridge is a respected advisor, speaker, and educator who helps organizations foster innovation, strategy, and growth. He previously served as VP of Global Operations at Acxiom Corporation, overseeing business units across five continents. Currently, he is the Chief Catalyst for the Conductor, Co-founder of Cadron Capital Partners, and a faculty member at the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. Standridge, a decorated veteran and accomplished business leader, applies his global experience, military discipline, and award-winning training in his work with companies and executives worldwide. He resides in Conway, Arkansas, with his wife, Lori.
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