A FIRST-RATE MADNESS Uncovering the Links between Leadership and Mental Illness

Which is more beneficial in a leader—mental health or mental illness? If you answered health, Nassir Ghaemi’s assertion that mental illness—specifically depression and bipolar disorder—makes for the best crisis leadership may surprise you. Narrator Sean Runnette presents Ghaemi’s fascinating hypothesis with steadfastness and conviction. The author’s claim is well supported; he compares leaders who were contemporaries and faced similar situations, exploring how their mental health or illness influenced their actions. Runnette’s delivery will go a long way toward convincing listeners of the validity of Ghaemi’s well-researched and well-laid out theory. A FIRST-RATE MADNESS will have listeners reconsidering their views of mental illness and what makes a capable leader. J.L.K. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2011]