What Defines a Leader? Sometimes, It's the Quietest Moments

Aloha friends,

As you know, at Aloha Publishing, we believe the best leaders aren’t defined by their titles, but by their willingness to reflect, grow, and stay curious.

That’s why we’re so honored to introduce you to Dr. Ron Bonnstetter and his powerful new book, Defined by Moments.

You might know Dr. Ron as a global thought leader in behavioral science. He is a researcher whose work has impacted leaders and learners in over 20 countries. But when you meet him through the pages of his new book, what you’ll find is something even more extraordinary: a man who isn’t afraid to revisit the awkward, sometimes painful, but always beautiful moments that shaped him.

And it all started with coffee.

After a serious accident left his wife recovering from a head injury, Ron began making her lattes each morning. Over time, those simple acts of care turned into a creative ritual where he painted tiny masterpieces in milk foam.

And those quiet mornings stirred more than just coffee. They stirred a desire to understand how the past still shapes us, and what we can do about it.

In Defined by Moments, he opens the door to stories most of us would keep hidden: the class he was told he didn’t belong in, the shame of early failures, the struggle to understand where faith ends and identity begins. And then, through each story, he does something rare: he reflects. He asks what these moments taught him about courage, self-awareness, and what it really means to lead with heart.

This isn’t a typical leadership book. It’s a deeply human one full to the brim (pardon the pun) with his story.

If you’ve ever wondered how your past shapes your leadership (and whether it’s possible to rewrite the script), you’ll find both comfort and challenge in these pages.

Mahalo for being part of our publishing ‘ohana. We hope Ron’s story reminds you of your own strengths, and inspires you to reflect on the moments that have made you who you are.

With aloha,

Heather Goetter and The Aloha Publishing Team

P.S. You don’t have to be a researcher or a writer to share a powerful story. If you have a defining moment that shaped who you are, we’d love to help you turn it into a book others can learn from too.