“I’m fine.” Two words that leaders often say but rarely mean. In Healthy Mind, Healthy Profits, a new business leadership book, Rick Stevens shatters the myth of the invincible leader, exposing the hidden toll of leadership on mental health. Drawing from personal experience, including a career-altering breakdown and late-in-life diagnoses of bipolar disorder, ADHD, and autism, Stevens takes readers behind the façade of strength to reveal the struggles many leaders, including those with no predisposition to mental health conditions, face in silence. With vulnerability and candor, he drops the masks leaders wear and invites readers to explore how embracing their authentic selves can lead to greater resilience and success.

Stevens, the Author of “The 21st Century Entrepreneur” highlights a staggering reality: mental health issues among leaders and entrepreneurs are twice as common as in the general population. The economic cost of poor mental health in the workplace runs into billions annually, as stress and burnout undermine not only individuals but entire organizations. Through his deeply personal narrative, Stevens doesn’t just recount his journey—he equips readers with practical strategies to protect their mental health while fostering healthier, more productive teams. The book emphasizes that mental well-being and executive stress management isn’t just an individual responsibility; it’s a leadership imperative that directly impacts team dynamics, innovation, and organizational success.

One of the best Business Leadership Books

The first part of the book captures Stevens’ raw and relatable story, where he recounts his struggles with sleepless nights, crushing pressure, and the eventual breakdown that led him to rethink everything he thought he knew about leadership. His openness provides readers with permission to confront their own vulnerabilities. But this book is more than a memoir. It transitions seamlessly into a hands-on guide, offering actionable advice for building resilience, managing stress, and cultivating a mentally healthy workplace culture.

Healthy Mind, Healthy Profits is as much about personal transformation as it is about leading by example when it comes to workplace mental health. It’s a blueprint for creating sustainable success by fostering environments where people can thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned CEO, a manager, or an aspiring leader, Stevens’ insights will inspire you to balance ambition with self-care and show how doing so can elevate the well-being of your entire team—while driving performance and productivity. If you’ve ever questioned the cost of saying “I’m fine,” this book is your roadmap to a healthier, more impactful approach to leadership.