As artificial intelligence and automation reshape workplaces, bestselling author and leadership expert Rocky Romanella has released a new four-part series aimed at helping leaders anchor themselves in enduring principles. Titled "The Mentor: Believing in People Before They Believe in Themselves," the series draws on Romanella's decades of experience at UPS and The UPS Store Franchise Network to address the challenges of leading in an AI-driven era.
The series, available starting September 15, 2026, explores themes including belief as a leadership responsibility, mentorship through Coach Wooden's principles, the UPS promotion-from-within culture, coachability as the bridge between potential and progress, gratitude as an anchor, and the "One Word" identity exercise. Romanella argues that while AI can accomplish many tasks, it cannot lead. "In the age of AI, leaders must remember that belief, trust, and character are still the foundation of every great organization," he said. "Technology may change how we work, but it will never replace the responsibility leaders have to lift others, mentor with purpose, and leave things a little better than they found them."
The series comes at a critical time as organizations grapple with shifting workplace expectations and rapid technological transformation. Romanella's focus on human-centric leadership offers a counterbalance to the prevailing emphasis on efficiency and automation. His long-standing connection to legendary coach John Wooden reinforces the mentorship principles discussed. A published conversation with Wooden is available on his website at https://www.3sixtymanagementservices.com/category/leadership-training/, providing readers a firsthand look at Wooden's philosophies.
Romanella's insights are backed by a distinguished career. He led one of the largest rebranding initiatives in franchising history with The UPS Store, increasing same-store sales by 5.8% during a recession. He also steered UPS's entry into healthcare and integrated over 20 acquisitions. His book, "Tighten The Lug Nuts: The Principles Of Balanced Leadership," achieved number one bestseller status in Business Management and Business Leadership. The new series can be accessed at https://www.3sixtymanagementservices.com/category/newsletters/.
For leaders at all levels, Romanella's work underscores that trustworthiness and character remain paramount. "If you choose to lead, you must choose to be an honest and trusted leader," he added. "Your vision, mission, and values only matter if people trust you enough to follow. In a world of constant change, trustworthiness is your highest honor — and your lasting legacy."
Romanella continues to speak, coach, and write on leadership, ethics, and purpose-driven decision-making. He hosts The Leadership Library Podcast, now in its ninth season, available at https://tightenthelugnuts.com/. His Forbes contributions can be found at https://www.3sixtymanagementservices.com/forbes-business-council/.
As AI continues to transform industries, Romanella's series serves as a reminder that leadership—rooted in belief, mentorship, and legacy—remains irreplaceable. Organizations that prioritize these values may be better positioned to navigate change while maintaining high-character, high-performance cultures.
