In “Lead Like an Editor: Hire Passionate Teams, Tell Stories That Inspire, and Build Brands People Love,” Victor Maze presents a compelling and accessible guide to modern leadership. The book’s core premise is that the skills of a successful editor—storytelling, building trust, and understanding an audience—are directly applicable to effective business leadership. Maze, a veteran creative director and journalist, structures his advice around the MY STAMP method, a seven-pillar framework designed to help both new entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals navigate today's competitive landscape.

Maze’s book makes complex concepts easy to understand. It eschews academic jargon in favor of practical advice and relatable examples, particularly those drawn from journalism. The book's strength lies in its ability to connect these two seemingly disparate worlds, showing how a journalist's curiosity and a magazine editor's knack for creating a cohesive product can be a powerful blueprint for business success. This approach feels fresh and provides a clear, actionable path for readers.

The MY STAMP method provides a seven item roadmap for leaders. It begins with the leader's internal state (Mindset and Yourself), emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset, integrity, and self-awareness. It then expands to the external aspects of leadership, including creating a solid business Structure, building a Team, and engaging with the Audience. The final ones, Message and Product, focus on the strategic communication and delivery of a brand's value. The inclusion of resources like templates and workbooks at the end of the book adds significant value, transforming the conceptual advice into tangible steps.

The book’s primary thesis is that true success in business comes from more than just offering a quality product; it requires a compelling story and strong, authentic relationships. Lead Like an Editor is a call to action, encouraging leaders to adopt a holistic approach that prioritizes people and purpose. It is particularly well-suited for new entrepreneurs who need a framework to build a company from the ground up, as well as established leaders looking for innovative ways to reinvigorate their brand and connect with their audience. Maze’s unique blend of storytelling and practical management advice makes this book a valuable resource.