Read the first chapter of The River You’re Carving free.
Three times my college team finished second at the national cross country meet.
Seven seconds. If I run seven seconds faster in any one of those races, we’re champions instead. I carried that number around for a long time, filed under things I almost did.
I was wrong about what it meant.
Since then I’ve spent thirty years around teachers, coaches, parents, and the person who quietly shows up early to set up the chairs. None of them were handed a title. All of them changed the direction of the people around them anyway. Slowly. Without announcing it. Often without noticing.
That’s what this book is about. Nine chapters on the kind of leadership that doesn’t look like leadership until you turn around and see what you’ve carved.
Put your email below and I’ll send you the prologue and Chapter 1. No cost, no catch. If it lands, the rest is on Amazon.
What readers are saying
The River You’re Carving is a refreshing reminder that growth doesn’t happen in a single breakthrough moment — it unfolds gradually, in the quiet spaces of everyday life. What struck me most was the author’s ability to show how leadership isn’t reserved for titles or positions; it’s woven into the choices we make, the patience we practice, and the way we respond when things don’t go as planned.
One of the strongest themes throughout the book is the idea of letting things happen over time, rather than forcing progress before it’s ready. The author illustrates how meaningful change often comes from consistency, reflection, and trust — not urgency. As someone who tends to believe everything needs to happen ‘right now’, I found myself pausing more than once to reconsider the pressure I put on myself.
The book also highlights that lessons are everywhere, especially in our mistakes. Instead of treating missteps as failures, the author reframes them as essential parts of becoming better leaders and better humans. That perspective felt both grounding and liberating.
Stylistically, it’s an easy, enjoyable read; conversational, relatable, and filled with stories that feel familiar even if you’ve never lived them yourself. I found many parallels to my own life, from the moments where I’ve stepped confidently into leadership to the ones where I’ve second‑guessed myself. At the same time, the book offered new perspectives on areas where I’ve been carrying unnecessary expectations or urgency.
Overall, this is a thoughtful debut from a first‑time author — one that encourages readers to slow down, pay attention, and recognize the leadership potential already within them.
Are you looking for long-term change?Are you looking for guidance that’s palpable? I’m only on chapter 3, and I’m already hooked. And also super proud to know this local author, Luther Olson. I would highly suggest this very quick read for your personal life, for your relationships and for your careers. There are some powerful nuggets in this book. It’s taking me so long to get through 3 chapters because I am continuing pausing and thinking and adding his words to my life.
About Luther
Former cross country All-American, recovering middle school teacher, college coach for ten years, now VP of a medical manufacturer in Holmen, Wisconsin. Married to Lindsey. Dad to Amelia and Parker.
I’ve never had a leadership title that arrived before the leading did. That turned out to be the point.