Holding Fast in Heavy Seas - (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"A riveting memoir of a life aquatic and an indispensable guide for anyone hoping to learn from the sea's wisdom at a time when its lessons have never been more urgent." -Susan Casey, author of The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean

"A field guide for those who want to learn how to remain true to those principles when the pressure to do otherwise is at its peak." -The Honorable John Kelly, general, US Marine Corps (Ret.), former secretary of homeland security and White House chief of staff

After serving for three decades as an oceanographer in the US Navy, Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet was appointed to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) during the turbulent times of the first Trump administration. NOAA is America's top ocean, weather, climate, and environmental agency, and to say that many federal employees were less than thrilled when Trump took office would be an understatement. Finding himself caught up in the "Sharpiegate" incident and other frustrating events caused Gallaudet to wonder if remaining in office was worth the effort, but his decision to hold fast and lead with empathy and humility kept NOAA on an even keel despite the often stormy environment. He applied the lessons from his life and military service to provide positive servant leadership to NOAA, defying the odds and boosting morale and employee satisfaction to record levels.

Drawing from both career accomplishment and personal tragedy, Gallaudet developed and applied a signature leadership approach to connect with employees at every level, making them feel valued and respected. Holding Fast in Heavy Seas provides an inspiring playbook for people of any calling who aspire to improve in their ability to positively influence others.

Review Quotes

"In addition to powerful leadership lessons, Holding Fast in Heavy Seas includes excellent instances of how scientific and technical partnerships can bring navies and nations together." -Admiral James Stavridis, US Navy (Ret.), former NATO supreme allied commander and author of The Restless Wave: A Novel of the US Navy

"Tim Gallaudet has written that rarest of memoirs that does not confuse proximity to power with wisdom. The lessons here come from reflection on data off the curve, loss, service to the country, and the stubborn decision to keep doing the right thing when easier options are available. Gallaudet argues, persuasively and personally, that true leadership begins when people stop performing for those in authority and instead act on behalf of the trust of the people they lead." -Dr. Garry P. Nolan, Rachford and Carlota A. Harris Professor, Stanford University

"Students of politics and those concerned about national security in an America that owes its security and prosperity to its unique place among (and understanding of) the great oceans should critically read Holding Fast in Heavy Seas. Admiral Gallaudet shows the challenges, opportunities, and choices a senior decision maker must make. Holding Fast in Heavy Seas lets the reader peek into the life and demands of the most senior oceanographer in the military and civilian government during changing times." -Vice Admiral Paul G. Gaffney, US Navy (Ret.), former chief of naval research, president of National Defense University, and president of Monmouth University

"At a time when our ocean is facing a wide array of challenges, Holding Fast in Heavy Seas highlights the important marine science and conservation accomplishments that NOAA and its partners like WHOI make every day." -Dr. Peter de Menocal, president and director, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

"I invite you to dive headlong into this playbook for leading with moral courage through turbulent times. Grab this book now and you'll come away with a seabag full of leadership lessons to help you become the leader people follow because they want to, not because they must." -Vice Admiral Sandra Stosz, US Coast Guard (Ret.), author of Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass: Leading in Uncharted Waters and former superintendent of the US Coast Guard Academy

"Holding Fast in Heavy Seas is a powerful guide to navigating life's most challenging waves with courage, clarity, and purpose-an inspiring blueprint for leadership when it matters most. Tim Gallaudet delivers hard-earned wisdom from the admiral's seat, reminding us that in turbulent times, strength of character is the true North Star." -Shaun Tomson, world champion surfer and author of The Code: The Power of "I Will"

"Holding Fast in Heavy Seas is not a leadership theory book; it is a leadership experience book. Tim draws on decades of real-world service to provide practical lessons on integrity, resilience, and leading through turbulent times. There is value here for anyone entrusted with responsibility for others. Whether you lead a team, an organization, or simply seek to lead yourself more effectively, this book is well worth your time." -Jay Stratton, retired US government senior executive and former director of the DoD's UAP Task Force

"In Holding Fast in Heavy Seas, Tim Gallaudet maps a crucial course by defining leadership with a foundation in moral clarity and humanity. -Linea Avey, co-founder 23andMe