Robert Dilenschneider Shares Timeless Leadership Lessons in Character

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

In a time when leadership is often reduced to sound bites and social media clout, Robert L. Dilenschneider brings a refreshing, values-driven perspective with his new book, Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership. The author, communications expert, and founder of The Dilenschneider Group, draws on decades of global advisory experience to showcase what truly separates transformative leaders from the rest—character.

Published by Citadel Press, Character profiles 31 remarkable individuals across politics, business, science, and culture. From Nelson Mandela’s defiance in the face of injustice to Florence Nightingale’s unwavering courage under fire, the book offers real-world case studies of integrity in action. “I wanted to motivate people who want to be successful,” says Dilenschneider. “I wanted to show them examples of individuals... all different... and that’s why I wrote the book.”

The impact of the stories lies in their authenticity. These are not just historical icons—many were known personally by Dilenschneider himself. “I met Colin Powell as he walked by my apartment in New York. We ended up talking in a park for three hours,” he recounts. “I got a lot of insight from him.” That personal dimension gives the book emotional depth and unique authority.

Dilenschneider’s own journey reflects the principles he writes about. After receiving a bus ticket from his father in Columbus, Ohio, he moved to New York City with no connections, eventually rising to CEO of Hill & Knowlton. Later, he founded The Dilenschneider Group, a consultancy providing strategic counsel to Fortune 500 companies and global influencers. “We advise clients around the world, from revenue growth strategies to geopolitical concerns,” he explains. “But the biggest problem I see inside companies? Fear. People are afraid to speak up. That kills innovation.”

With 23 books to his name—two of which became bestsellers—Dilenschneider credits his writing discipline to advice once shared by literary icon Ernest Hemingway. “He told me to write from morning until noon every day, consistently,” he says. “Even if you think what you’re writing isn’t great, look at it a week later—you’ll often find it’s useful.”

The relevance of Character extends far beyond the boardroom. Figures like Lou Gehrig, who played over 2,100 consecutive games without seeking the spotlight, and Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin but refused attention, underscore a vital message: real leadership is built on substance, not status. “These individuals didn’t just change industries—they shaped the world,” says Dilenschneider.

His next book, already in development, will tackle the topic of respect—another quality he believes is increasingly lacking in modern society. “People need to respect one another more than they do,” he notes. “That’s what I hope to address next.”

In a noisy world filled with fleeting trends and surface-level success, Robert Dilenschneider’s Character stands as a powerful reminder that integrity, courage, and service are not just admirable—they’re essential.

Whether you're a rising professional or an established executive, Character offers a masterclass in timeless leadership from someone who has walked the walk. And in today’s climate, that’s a lesson worth learning.

You can listen to the full interview with Robert Dilenschneider on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience.