A must read, full of thought-provoking little gems scattered throughout causing one to stop, read again and experience “ah-ha” moments that truly touch the soul, challenge the status quo and allow us to search inward for the truth within ourselves....

It’s raw, relatable and challenges us to pay attention to our inner voice, rethink what we’ve been taught to accept as the “norm” challenge these imposed beliefs, allowing the authentic-self to emerge.

This little gem is for enlightened leaders and seekers of personal truths. It reminds us that it’s “okay” to feel like there is more to life that what we know in this moment. That the longing we feel from deep within, is our divine self, nudging us to step back and know that it is okay to want more from our relationship with self and others and that taking the time to find your own personal authenticity will lead you to find the joy and fulfillment we are all seeking.

Real, raw, truth seeking- words you don’t always associate with leadership-in truth, this book demonstrates that true and authentic meaningful leadership can only be achieved when it comes from the desire to lead with love. It takes us on a journey of self-reflection, showing us that when we trust from within, when we listen to the divine voice within each of us, we have the power to change not only ourselves but the lives and relationships we share with others.

This book is a MUST read, more than once – it is that good! Personal development and transformation are fundamental self-practices for me in my own profession as a registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I’ve been doing “inner work” for years to care for... my own capabilities in critical thinking, relationship management, self-insight, care and growth to effectively serve my clients in the years, helping them navigate their life issues. I have a deep understanding and hold value for wellness strategies from energy healing to wholistic medicine and neuroscience to keeping abreast of cognitive and evidence-based theories and best practices.

I understand the concepts covered in this book but what is brilliant about it is that this book takes complex, sophisticated concepts and distills them into practical, relatable language and experiential stories, that has the profound ability to captivate readers in all walks of life to serve deep healing value. I’ve read and re-read this book a number of times, and each time, the book engages me. It’s as though the book directly speaks to the reader and understands where they’re at, deeply. As a Metis woman, and actively engaged in anti-oppressive training for the work I do, I see a book like this hitting home on the true source for many systemic issues of barriers in society affecting humanity and our world. This book is a whole “Aha” – that we need to tear down our own inner barriers first. It really is about relationship with self (self-leadership), before we can truly help others and our world.

I have known Maria for close to thirty years through our leadership and professional time together in the financial services and healthcare sectors and the friendship that grew between us over the same time period. I have personally observed Maria develop a reputation... as a well-respected professional who has the rare ability to deeply connect with leaders, colleagues and team members she supports. This book is truly allegorical as it contains so much of the deep value she brought into the professional space where all too often we see both leaders and employees struggling through the day-to-day pressures and demands – Maria’s coaching model identified solutions to these issues. She provides compelling insight and practical approaches to address the multiple challenges involved with engagement and sustainability – creating optimal results and overall wellness. Through her FACTOR OF "pillars", inspiring quotes and the inside-out view of true leadership, Maria provides that ‘recipe for success’. She reveals her own story of lessons and integrates these into the book's principle message. A ‘must read’ for truth seekers both in business and in life looking for "better", where healthy engaged relationships matter - because that truly is what matters most.

"In a working world where it’s so easy to get lost with “doing” for the sake of external results, the book Love and the Highly Engaged Team offers a refreshing outlook to leading from within. The guiding framework provided is a clear and easy-to-follow approach that... I cannot wait to start implementing into my own life. I can see more clearly how personal and mindset transformation doesn’t just help to build lasting success in the workplace, but also in personal life - to live a life with more meaning, and better relationships along the way."

"Kudos to Maria Nebres! Her honest book provides a thought-provoking approach to authentically revitalizing engagement in the workplace. This is a great starting point for personal leadership in a time when pressures are at an all time high in both business and... personal life. Maria brilliantly guides the reader on a journey through important decision options for the right mindset to lasting success and engagement. She details important facts and perspectives one would often overlook about the importance of the “now” and deliberate thinking, versus acting from default often clinging on to past hurts and failures. The perfect guide to add to your toolkit for personal, mindset transformation and vital continued journey to success for yourself and those you relate with!"

"Love and the Highly Engaged Team is a refreshing guide to help you through your world of time crunches and chaos! Yes, there are others out there who are going through the exact same thing you are….everyday! This book helps you to recognize and get past issues that you... might not know you may be struggling with. In this book, Maria Nebres is with you every step of the way! She highlights perspectives, approaches, suggestions and her own life experiences to help you win your own battle with making choices in life that serve true purpose, and not what you don’t want showing up in your life. Maria is an inspiration to all of us struggling with feeling overwhelmed in the workplace, the need to feel perfect and living our lives to others’ and external standards. This book is a breath of fresh air! Do yourself a favor, read the book and start to lead your “life by deliberate design” (as she puts it) …you won’t regret it!"