End Game First - Crisis Navigation, Leadership, Business Strategy

COVID-19, a time synonymous with conflict and turmoil, was the first time many businesses were forced to navigate a crisis of epic proportions. Whether your business faced exceptional obstacles during this time or has endured adversity before, the reality is undeniable: crisis is inevitable.

In End Game First, you’ll learn how to select a dynamic team, leverage capabilities, and utilize communication principles that stand the test of time. This is your playbook for moving past the perceived inevitable and embracing growth, no matter what comes your way.

Like financial management and project planning, crisis navigation is a skill vital for survival, sustainability, and—most importantly—success. No one knows this better than Mike LeFever and Roderick Jones. LeFever is a retired Vice Admiral with leadership experience in high-risk security environments. Jones is a former member of Scotland Yard’s Special Branch and a recognized expert in the security industry.

Together they translate their unique experiences in military and corporate life into a framework for navigating crises and anticipating next steps before conflict becomes unsurvivable.

Quotes & Reviews

Having served with Mike at CENTCOM during the real-world crisis of the Pakistan earthquake response, I have seen his process in action. As outlined in End Game First, Mike’s superb leadership lessons, along with Roderick’s business acumen, enable incredible insight for all readers, military and civilian alike.

In October 2005, I briefed General John Abizaid, the Commander of US Central Command, on the tragic earthquake in Pakistan. He asked what we had at hand to respond to the crisis, even as we were fighting in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Abizaid soon ordered Admiral Mike LeFever to lead the US military’s support of Pakistan’s national relief efforts. There are hundreds of books on leadership but none as compelling as LeFever’s, focused on his personal lessons from leading this crisis-response operation. Mike succeeded in the most difficult conditions: an unfamiliar setting, an unanticipated mission for which he had not specifically trained, and a pickup team that had never worked together. Yet, he succeeded. Read this fascinating book to learn how.

About The Authors

Mike Lefever

Vice Admiral (ret.) Mike LeFever, United States Navy, has over forty-five years of public and private sector leadership in high-risk, complex security environments. Mike’s success at the intersection of risk, leadership, and technology stems from his experience and expertise in leading disaster relief and humanitarian efforts, the full spectrum of warfare operations, and counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations. Renowned for building high performance teams, his leadership was directly responsible for numerous significant achievements that protected and enhanced the national security of the United States and private sector growth and profitability.

Roderick Jones

Roderick began his career with Scotland Yard’s Special Branch focused on international terrorism and the close protection of a prominent British cabinet member. Following his move to San Francisco, Roderick founded Concentric and served as CEO for seven years. His work during this period included the design and delivery of comprehensive security programs for a number of high-growth Silicon Valley companies. Roderick serves on the board of advisors for the Center for a New American Security and has a master’s degree in Medieval History from Cambridge University.

all profits will be donated to:

We believe security is paramount. In times of crisis, personal security can become a privilege, instead of a right. For those individuals left vulnerable due to circumstance or as a result of profound action, we can enable their return to safety.

The 188 Foundation is a direct philanthropy alliance formed by our generous donors, Concentric’s elite network an innate capability, and our carefully curated partners. The Foundation sits within a unique trifurcation of capability, access, and need. Due to our unique position, we believe it’s our moral responsibility and honor to assist those who need it most. Rescuing just one person creates perpetual ripples, affecting many. We inherently know that effort will always be worth it.