Every effective leader's climb is motivated by a goal or purpose-the True North. All actions taken should be made with that goal in mind. So point your compass in that direction and move out. How can anyone lead others without first knowing how to lead themselves. In Navigate the Climb, Major General (retired) Maria L. Britt shares the culmination of her experiences-and the crucial lessons she's learned therein-from thirty-five years spent in both military and civilian leadership environments. Major General (retired) Maria L. Britt has led at various levels of command throughout her entire professional life. After graduating from one of the first West Point classes to admit women, she went on to mother three successful children, earn two master's degrees, become the first female general in the state of Georgia, earn the Distinguished Service Medal, and be featured on the cover of Georgia Trend magazine. Maria firmly believes that only by striving toward your True North can you reach the highest peaks of personal and professional success. Through the highs and lows of school, career, marriage, and motherhood, Maria has kept her life's compass pointed steadfastly on her calling of serving and leading to achieve a greater good. Britt's leadership journey provides readers clear insights into auspiciously navigating the climb to both personal and professional leadership success. Readers will glean nuggets of wisdom from her experiences, including how to: Identify your individual purpose Motivate others through your vision Transition from management to leadership Brand (and rebrand) yourself Cope and heal after personal or professional loss "Her book is a powerful testimony to striving and thriving in a male-dominated environment. Great job on paying it forward." -Jeffery Tobias Halter, President, YWomen - Corporate Gender Consulting, Author of "Why Women." "A great read for all leaders and aspiring leaders, not a book you read and put back on the shelf to collect dust." -P. K. (Ken) Keen, Lieutenant General (U.S. Army, Retired), Associate Dean for Leadership Development, Emory University Goizueta Business School. "A must-read for anyone who has C-suite aspirations." -Erin Wolf, Founding Director, Women's Leadership Center, Kennesaw State University, Author of "Lessons from the Trenches." "Finally, a timely, no-nonsense leadership book." -Randy C. Hinds, PhD, Colonel (U.S. Army, Retired).