The Power of a Lollipop
by Feena May
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Description
Awards & Endorsements
Author(s)

Feena May
Related Titles
| Publisher | Girl Friday Books |
| Publication | Jun 10, 2025 |
| Format | Paperback/Softback |
| ISBN | 978-1964721842 |
| Pages | 178 |
| Age | 18 - 99 |
| Price | $18.95 |
The Power of a Lollipop
Sitting at the intersection of inspiration and common sense, The Power of a Lollipop reveals how a simple human gesture of connection became the cornerstone to a powerful new vision of leadership.
In her twenty-eight years with the International Committee of the Red Cross, Feena May, PhD, travelled around the globe. No matter where she was posted, she always brought a bag of lollipops. May came to understand that offering a lollipop could often bring calm to even the tensest moments in the field, creating openness, trust, and connection. From these experiences the seed for the idea of the Lollipop Model was planted.
The heart and soul of leadership, whether in a small organization or on the global stage, is to create a positive impact. In The Power of a Lollipop, May guides leaders through simple and powerful tools to define their leadership style, build skills, and bring inspiration to employees while fostering a positive and authentic workplace culture. Both pragmatic and effective, the Lollipop Model brings joy, humour, and refreshing common sense to the complex world of leadership.
With real-life case studies and illuminating stories based on decades of research, The Power of a Lollipop is a lively, engaging read and a call to action-to think about leadership in bigger and more globally impactful ways.
Reviews, Awards & Endorsements
Praise
“The content is compelling and insightful. The reflection exercises are brilliant! Completely engage in this book and you will be transformed as a leader!” —Tricia Naddaff, president, MRG Assessments
“If you are slightly despairing of the state of leadership in the world today, then you need to look no further for an antidote than this marvellous book. Grounded in robust academic principles and road tested through years of Feena May’s personal field experience, The Power of a Lollipop has given us a glimpse of how real leaders show up—and we are all the better for it. I thoroughly recommend this.” —Karen Ward, systemic change practitioner, The Aditi Collection
“The author has a unique gift for unlocking leadership potential in others. This book is a powerful reminder that even small, thoughtful actions inspire great leadership.” —Thomas Knobel, programme director, masters degree in humanitarian leadership, University of Lucerne
“Powerful, practical, purposeful. Feena May shines an invaluable light on the true nature of leading and leadership. Should be made compulsory.” —Roger Delves, professor of practice in leadership, Hult Ashridge Executive Education
“The Power of a Lollipop provides a pragmatic and practical approach to the fundamentals of good leadership. It is grounded in personal experience of impactful leadership and is replete with real-world examples.” —Anne Sinnott, professor and deputy president, Dublin City University
“A masterpiece on good leadership for anyone who wants to make a positive difference. Full of warmth, author Feena May creates an immediate bond with the reader through personal stories that are simple yet thought-provoking. A definite must-read!”—Susanne Andreae, PhD, scientist and vice president of strategy, Leica Microsystems
“Reading The Power of a Lollipop made me aware that to be able to sustain any creative, educational, or other outcome requires that each participant ‘buy into’ and enjoy every stage of the process collaboratively—and as equals.” —Dr. Imelda Drumm, opera singer and lecturer, Royal Irish Academy of Music
“Building on a wealth of personal stories, Feena May offers a simple yet profound leadership model, rich in practical wisdom and insights that will resonate with leaders at every level.” —Julie Chamay, human resources director, International Organization for Standardization
“Just imagine for a moment all the changes possible in our world if existing leaders put service at the centre of their action . . . we all would sleep a lot better! One reason more to read this leadership book: it’s exciting and different from all the others.” —Christine Beerli, member of the Federal Assembly of Switzerland, 1991–2003
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