GBSEALD, Ateneo Press launch Fr Johnny Go SJ and Dr Assunta Cuyegkeng’s new book on Ignatian leadership

On Friday, 14 June 2024, the Gokongwei Brothers School of Education & Learning Design (GBSEALD) and the Ateneo University Press launched “Leading with Depth: A Practitioner's Guide to 21st-Century Ignatian Leadership,” the newest book from Fr Johnny Go SJ, Dean of GBSEALD, and Dr Assunta Cuyegkeng, Executive Director of The Lily Gokongwei Ngochua Leadership Academy, or The Lily. 

Intended for “every type of leader in any field, especially those who are interested in a model of leadership that is responsive to the contemporary world,” this book and its ideas can be used by those leading apostolic and educational institutions, political and business organizations, as well as communities, informal groups, and even families.

“Leading with Depth” offers a very practical approach to leadership by viewing the Leader’s role in relation to their Community and Mission. This book explores the several facets of Ignatian Leadership summarized in the 4 roles of the Leader as Reflective, Listening, Discerning, and Missioning.

At the launch, Fr Johnny said: “In the years that Achoot and I practiced and taught leadership, we’ve often heard—and also ourselves just as often felt—the need for some basic practical manual on Ignatian leadership. Magis, cura personalis, discernment—these often-heard Ignatian terms are big words, but what do they actually look like and sound like in practice, and how do we even begin to talk about them, much less teach them to others?”

“‘Leading with Depth’ is our attempt to do a little something about that,” he continued. “It is our sincere hope that the book will truly be a handy tool for both leaders and trainers to learn, or at least talk, about Ignatian leadership.”

“I’m eager to get hold of this book and enjoy its nuggets of wisdom,” said Dr Maria Luz C Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education. “Not just because the title is attractive but because the authors I know as friends and mentors and go-to colleagues with whom I can just be candid about things that meander and are too mischievous to rein in. They are also leaders who have borne the crosses of leadership and have emerged from these with greater tenacity, integrity, and generosity of spirit.”

Meanwhile, Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ received a copy of the book as well, hand-delivered by Fr Jun Viray SJ during their meeting in the Curia in Rome. 

Leading with Depth: A Practitioner’s Guide to 21st-Century Ignatian Leadership is available at the Ateneo University Press.