Book Review: BOM – Be The Unicorn by William Vanderbloemen

Welcome to another BOM (Book of The Month) review. As you may know, I am Victor Menasce, the host of the Real Estate Espresso podcast, where we explore inspiring ideas for real estate investors. This month we delve into a very special book, one that I believe holds the potential to reshape our understanding of leadership. ‘Be The Unicorn,’ by the author and executive search firm owner, William Vanderbloemen, ticks all our BOM boxes by offering transformational insights structured around 12 critical leadership habits.

The Book’s Message and Impact

Be The Unicorn promises to help reader’s become leaders set apart from the pack. Vanderbloemen utilized his vast experience, having interviewed over 30,000 people, to identify key habits that elevate leaders. Rather than being purely character-based, these habits can be molded and taught, making the book’s proposition incredibly practical.

Key Themes

The book is structured around twelve essential leadership habits. Each is backed by data and real-world examples, making the content easy to connect with and implement. Particularly compelling is Vanderbloemen’s emphasis on self-awareness and continuous learning. Effective leadership is depicted as a result of active curiosity, constant learning, relationship building, and focused strategy. And through it all, Vanderbloemen encourages the fostering of a culture that champions innovation and isn’t penalized for mistakes.

Key Themes Description
Self-awareness Understand strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers to manage oneself/teams better.
Continuous learning and adaptability Keep an open mind to new ideas, foster a growth mindset within the organization.
Relationship-building Cultivate trust, empathy and effective communication for better collaboration.
Visionary thinking Create a compelling vision and align teams towards it for effective strategic planning.
Innovation and creativity Create a work culture that encourages creativity and experimentation to stay ahead.

The Final Word

What I personally appreciate about Be The Unicorn is its approachability. It’s data-driven, validated by real-world experiences, and breaks down complex ideas into digestible concepts. These features make it not just an engaging read but also a practical guide. Among the twelve habits, three stand out as most impactful — swift response, authenticity, and self-awareness. Cultivating these can significantly elevate one’s leadership effectiveness.

On a personal note, I found this book insightful and inspiring, and I am dedicated to implementing these 12 habits for further growth. Remember, a book can be entertaining, but its true value lies in the ability to inspire lasting personal transformation.

Stay connected and discover more about my work in real estate and by visiting and following me on various platforms:

Real Estate Espresso Podcast:

Y Street Capital: