The Leadership Journeyman: Insights from a CEO Coach on Lifelong Growth, Meaning, and Purpose from the Camino de Santiago

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By Pily Rivero

The Leadership Journeyman: Insights from a CEO Coach on Lifelong Growth, Meaning, and Purpose from the Camino de Santiago immediately stands out as a rare leadership book that blends professional insight with deep personal reflection. Peter D. Schwartz takes readers on a journey that is as much inward as it is outward, using his experience walking the Camino de Santiago as a metaphor for the path of growth, resilience, and purpose. It feels less like a manual and more like a friend helping smart leaders take meaningful action from the very first pages.

This book makes me think and feel inspired. It makes me think of times when I was quiet, challenged in a gentle way, and able to think clearly. Schwartz gives readers real tools to help them become more self-aware, flexible, and productive. He also encourages them to think about their habits, values, and how they affect others. The end result is a combination of self-reflection and a plan of action that gets both the mind and the heart involved. This makes readers think about how leadership relates to life in general.

The main ideas of the book are about having a purpose, being strong, and growing as you go through life. Schwartz's main point that being a leader means always learning, getting clear on your own thoughts, and connecting with other people is true in many areas of life, not just business. These rules should be followed by anyone who wants to be a good leader, make important choices, or be honest in tough situations.

It's simple to read and understand Schwartz's writing, and it makes you think. There are personal stories, stories from the workplace, and activities that get people involved. It's easy for him to switch between telling personal stories and giving good advice, which creates an interesting and relaxing rhythm. Some people may want more case studies or longer examples, but the work feels close and important because it's about personal growth.

Schwartz's writing is clear, easy to understand, and thought-provoking. It includes personal stories, professional anecdotes, and exercises that encourage readers to get involved. His structure flows naturally between narrative reflection and practical advice, creating a rhythm that is both interesting and calming. Some readers might want more case studies or longer examples, but the focus on personal growth makes the work feel close and important.

About the Author 

Peter D. Schwartz

Peter Schwartz is an award‑winning CEO Coach, author/speaker, and longtime Vistage Master Chair who has worked with over 379 chief executives throughout his CEO coaching career. With more than 30 years of business experience—including founding and scaling companies—Peter understands that leadership mastery requires continual development of both the “inner and outer games”of leadership effectiveness.

Since becoming a Vistage Chair in 2005, Peter has earned the organization’s highest honors, including Best Practice Chair for the Washington DC/Baltimore region, four STAR Awards, the 2016 Robert Nourse “Vistage Chair of the Year,” and the prestigious 2020 Don Cope Memorial Award—the highest recognition given to a Vistage Chair worldwide.

He holds several certifications including The Leadership Circle 360 and System , tools he routinely applies in his work with CEOs and executive teams. He frequently guides executive teams through immersive developmental programs, recently a year‑long initiative for a regional bank

His nuanced approach integrates insights from neuroscience, systems thinking, leadership psychology, spiritual traditions and 30+years of business acumen, enabling leaders to align who they are with how they lead. Drawing inspiration from the Camino de Santiago, Peter uses the metaphor of the journey as a framework for navigating complexity, ambiguity, and transformational growth. His writing and coaching invite leaders to walk their path with courage, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose.

Peter holds a BS in Psychology from Old Dominion University, a Leadership Coaching Certification from Georgetown University, and training in Harvard Professor Robert Keegan’s Immunity to Change program. He co‑leads the Vistage/Stanford Executive Leaders Program for select CEOs in the Mid‑Atlantic. Peter resides in Reston, VA, and Mt. Pleasant, SC.