The Secret to Finishing Well

In The Secret to Finishing Well, Agitu Wodajo spotlights the differences in leadership between her native country, Ethiopia and the United States of America. Having lived in two very different continents and traveled the world, her rich and varied experiences lend unique insight into national policy and leadership styles that shape governmental decision making.In this book, Agitu encapsulates what Christianity means in the overarching timeline of human history as it relates to our rights and responsibilities. This book is an interesting mix of different types of narratives - spiritual tenets, the logic of human rights, the inspiration of serving others, global events and the current state of our society. This mix comes together very well and sets the book apart because it’s not easily boxed into one category of non-fiction. The history that the author has chosen to include is relevant, succinct and interesting for any reader who really isn’t a fan of history or doesn’t easily see how it relates to today. By crediting God with inventing leadership, the author brings her readers right to the root. She shows readers the core of leadership and gives a solid starting point for anyone who chooses to be an agent of change.'I liked the way Agitu framed her book--the idea of 'finishing well.' I find that a very helpful concept about leadership. Her summary chart and discussion comparing the what is common and different between the three regimes of Ethiopia was a great way to present the importance of history in shaping the present. Without doing that any evaluation of leadership is superficial.'Thomas O’Conner, Professor, Metropolitan State University'I enjoyed the concept and ideas Agitu presented. I believe this book will be educational for the young generation, and hope our current and future leaders will benefit from the concepts and ideas presented here.' Dr.Tesfaye Biftu, Professor, Jefferson University, Merck and CoAgitu Wodajo has more than thirty-five years of experience in health care, community development, organizational management, and policy advocacy and design in both Ethiopia and the United States. She has traveled extensively and witnessed firsthand the effects of leadership style on the nations they serve and the people they represent. Her extensive training and participation in international workshops and conferences have molded her perspectives on gender, refugees and internally displaced people, conflict management, peacekeeping, and economic development. Born and raised in Ethiopia, she obtained diplomas in community nursing and pediatric nurse-practitioner before moving to the Unites States, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and a Master’s degree in Public Affairs as well as numerous awards and recognitions. She currently lives in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.