Book details

  • Genre:self-help
  • Sub-genre:Personal Growth / Self-Esteem
  • Language:English
  • Pages:88
  • Paperback ISBN:9798317843779

iRise

A Leadership Journey for Teens

By Sarah Taylor

Overview

What if the students who feel the most overlooked are the ones with the greatest potential to lead? "iRise" is a powerful, psychology-informed teen leadership and mental health wellness book designed for the students who often get missed—the ones struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, discouragement, emotional overwhelm, or feel as if they are "not enough." Blending evidence-based mental health strategies with leadership development, resilience training, and real-life emotional skills, "iRise" helps teens discover that leadership is not about popularity, perfection, or having it all together. It's about influence, courage, empathy, and learning to lead yourself well. Grounded in research on growth mindset, emotional intelligence, resilience, peer connection, and self-efficacy, "iRise" teaches young people how to understand and manage their emotions; build confidence and self-awareness; challenge negative self-beliefs; develop healthy coping skills; strengthen relationships; find purpose through service and connection; and recognize the impact they already have on others. Unlike traditional leadership programs that focus on students who already appear confident or successful, iRise was intentionally created for teens who may not yet see themselves as leaders. Through relatable examples, engaging activities, practical tools, and encouraging insights, students learn that growth is possible and that their voices, stories, and presences matter. At its core, "iRise" carried one transformational message: "You are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are leading today." Whether used in schools, youth groups, leadership programs, counseling settings, or personal growth journeys, "iRise" equips teens with the emotional tools, mindset, and confidence they need to rise into resilience, purpose, and positive influence now.
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Description

What if leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room? What if some of the strongest leaders are the students quietly battling anxiety, self-doubt, loneliness, discouragement, or the feeling that they are somehow "not enough?" "iRise" is a powerful, psychology-informed leadership and mental wellness book created specifically for teens navigating the real emotional pressures of growing up today. Combining evidence-based mental health strategies with leadership development, emotional resilience, and identity-building. "iRise" helps young people discover that leadership is not about popularity, perfection, or having everything figured out—it is about influence, courage, empathy, and learning to lead yourself well. Unlike traditional leadership programs that focus on students who already appear confident or successful, "iRise" was intentionally designed for the students who often feel overlooked—the students who may not see themselves as leaders yet. Grounded in research on growth mindset, emotional intelligence, resilience, self-efficacy, positive psychology, and peer connectedness, "iRise" translates complex psychological concepts into relatable, practical tools teens use in everyday life. Through engaging lessons, reflective activities, real-world applications, and encouraging insight, readers learn how to: * Understand and regulate emotions. * Challenge negative thought patterns. * Build confidence and self-awareness. * Strengthen coping and resilience skills. * Develop healthy relationships. * Manage stress and emotional overwhelm. * Support peers with empathy and compassion. * Recognize the influence they already carry At the heart of "iRise" is a simple but transformational truth: "You are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are leading today." This book explores how even small actions—encouraging a friend, choosing kindness, speaking up, asking for help, showing integrity, or persevering through challenges—can create powerful ripple effects in schools, friendships, families, and communities. Teens are reminded that leadership is not reserved for a select few—it is something developed through everyday choices and authentic growth. "iRise" also addresses the emotional realities many teens face but rarely talk openly about—anxiety, comparison, pressure to fit in, fear of failure, loneliness, emotional exhaustion, identity struggles, social media pressure, low self-worth, and more. Rather than approaching these issues from a place of shame or weakness, "iRise" reframes them through the lens of growth, resilience, and hope. It helps students understand that leadership can deepen empathy, strengthen character, and build emotional wisdom. Designed for use in schools, youth groups, leadership programs, counseling settings, mentorship programs, or personal growth journeys, "iRise" creates a bridge between mental health and leadership in a way that feels accessible, encouraging, and empowering for today's generation. More than just a leadership book, "iRise" serves as a reminder to young people that their voice matters, their story matters, their presence matters—and perhaps most importantly—they do not have to wait until someday to rise. They can begin today.
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About The Author

Sarah Taylor is an educator, behavioral consultant, mental health advocate, and emerging author whose work is rooted in one central belief: young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow—they are leading today. With a background spanning psychology, education, behavioral support, and youth mental health, Sarah is passionate about helping teens recognize their value, build resilience, and discover the influence they already carry. Sarah holds a master's degree in psychology with specialized training in behavior analysis, emotional regulation, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. For more than eighteen years, she worked within pediatric healthcare and neurodevelopmental services, supporting children, youth, and families navigating complex behavioral, developmental, and mental challenges. Her work has included crisis support, behavioral consultation, emotional skill development, and collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare and educational teams. In addition to her clinical and behavioral background, Sarah has worked within educational leadership and school systems, where she has seen firsthand the growing emotional needs of students. Through both professional experience and personal connection with youth, she recognized a gap in traditional leadership programming: many opportunities were designed for students who already appeared confident, capable, or successful, while students struggling with anxiety, discouragement, low self-esteem, or emotional overwhelm were often overlooked. That realization became the foundation for "iRise." Sarah's approach is deeply informed by evidence-based research on growth mindset, self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, peer connectedness, and resilience-building. But beyond the research, her work is driven by a desire to help young people feel seen, valued, and capable of growth, even in the middle of struggle. Sarah's writing style combines emotional honesty, humor, practical insight, and encouragement in a way that resonates with both teens and adults. Her work explores themes of identity, courage, belonging, mental wellness, leadership, and hope. She believes that leadership is not about perfection, popularity, or personality; it's about influence, integrity, empathy, and learning to lead yourself well. As both a professional and a parent, Sarah understands the realities today's youth face—social pressure, anxiety, comparison, emotional exhaustion, loneliness, and the constant feeling of needing to "have it all together." Her work aims to create spaces where young people can safely grow, develop emotional skills, and discover that vulnerability and strength are not opposites. Through "iRise," Sarah hopes to inspire a generation of teens to recognize that their voice matters, their story matters, and their presence matters. She believes that when young people are surrounded by belief, encouragement, and authentic connection, trajectories can change. Students who once saw themselves as invisible can become courageous. Teens who doubt their worth can become sources of hope for others. Young people who once felt stuck can rise into purpose and influence. Currently, Sarah lives in Eastern Ontario with her husband and their five children. Whether she is writing, speaking, mentoring, or developing programs for youth, her mission remains the same—helping young people rise into who they were always capable of becoming.
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