About the author
Jesse Valdez was born in New Jersey eighteen days before the second largest oil disaster in history, the Exxon Valdez oil spill. After relocating to Washington with his mother and siblings, his proximity to the effects of the spill created a stronger association with it, along with a nascent sense of leadership.
From an early age, he had an interest in design, particularly building and mathematics. In high school, he studied computer science and programming, and discovered weight training. A love of sports cars and sound systems led him to an auto mechanics program, but he eventually left to pursue other interests. He met his soul mate Alessandra, an English graduate, now a Special Education elementary school teacher. Through a firm commitment to personal growth, they continue to learn, grow and challenge each other in every aspect imaginable.
In 2013, during an intense phase of bodybuilding, he came upon a Harvard Leadership lecture series on YouTube that fundamentally changed his perspectives on life. Taught by Professor Tal-Ben Shahar in 2006, the concepts present a deep psychological overview of leadership, leadership that has ultimately impacted the United States in the 8 years following the presidential election of Barack Obama. Jesse has adopted and integrated this leadership style, the “Janusian thinking” the “&” culture, in all aspects of his life with great success. This thinking is discussed in his theories, and in practical applications throughout the book.