#LeadershipBookClub: “The First 90 Days” by Michael D. Watkins

Join fellow leaders for a focused, one-hour virtual discussion of "The First 90 Days" by Michael D. Watkins, a helpful guide for leaders navigating transitions and accelerating success in new roles.

This interactive Leadership Book Club session is designed for senior professionals who want to master the critical early months of leadership, build credibility quickly, and create momentum for long-term impact. While anyone may attend, directors, VPs, executives, entrepreneurs, and other leaders in nonprofit, public, or private sectors will find it especially valuable.

What to Expect

• A focused, one-hour virtual meeting held over Google Meet.
• A guided discussion on Watkins’ proven strategies for onboarding, building alliances, and securing early wins.
• Practical reflection on how to apply these principles during career transitions or organizational changes.
• An opportunity to exchange insights with other forward-thinking leaders who value growth through preparation and adaptability.
  

Important Preparation

Participants are required to read The First 90 Days before attending. The discussion will assume familiarity with the book so we can focus on application and meaningful dialogue rather than summary.

Who Should Attend

This session is most helpful for individuals who:

• Hold director-level, VP, executive, or entrepreneurial roles (or equivalent)
• Are preparing for or currently navigating a leadership transition
• Want to learn strategies for accelerating success in new roles
• Appreciate a structured, discussion-based approach to leadership development

Why Join

The most successful leaders don’t just adapt, they accelerate. This session will help you:

• Deepen your understanding of transition strategies that drive impact
• Learn actionable steps to secure early wins and build trust
• Gain insights from other leaders applying these principles in diverse sectors

Facilitator Bio

Your facilitator for this session is Alex Rășcanu, a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience spanning government, non-profits, and the private sector. Alex has worked at the intersection of public policy, stakeholder engagement, revenue development, and social impact. He has held marketing, technology, and program delivery leadership functions, advised on health data, intellectual property and accessibility policy, and built platforms for people to learn and grow. As someone who actively creates spaces for connection (both in-person and online), Alex brings energy, practical insight, and a collaborative spirit to the discussion.

How to Participate

• Register to receive your Google Meet link.
• Read The First 90 Days before the session.
• Join us on Friday, November 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST.
• Come ready to share what resonated most and how you plan to apply it in your leadership journey.

Leadership Book Club: “The First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter” by Michael D. Watkins