Editorial Review
"Dee Robinson stands out in a crowded industry—hospitality. Why? I think it's because she knows how to shake things up, how to move well-intentioned talk about (among other things) diversity, equity, and inclusion into strong relationships that create enduring impact and competitive advantage. She's a powerful voice, a voice to be heard."
Jerry Greenfield
cofounder, Ben & Jerry’s
“A powerful personal story of courage that provides life lessons for all of us. Courage By Design offers an intriguing and original approach to the ancient topic of rephrasing negative thoughts as positive thoughts – and it shows how a little adjustment can make a huge difference.”
Andy Rubenstein
CEO, Accel Entertainment
“Inspirational, aspirational, and a gift to all who choose bravery over complacency.”
Suzy Whaley
PGA honorary president, PGA master professional, LPGA professional
“Dee Robinson’s Courage By Design offers personal stories from admirable leaders on their journeys to courage. The book likens courage to a muscle that needs to get in condition and stay in condition through practice, and offers a practical, insightful method readers can use to build this strength in themselves. Dee’s remarkable book can help you find your voice, pursue your dreams, and encourage those around you to do the same.”
Carolyn Dolezal
CEO, The Committee of 200
“Courage By Design enables you to learn, from a great entrepreneur, how to lead with courage and integrity.”
Deirdre Quinn
cofounder and CEO of Lafayette 148 New York
“We are heading into a time of great uncertainty. Our lives have been upended, our homes have become offices and schoolrooms, our political system seems hopelessly corrupted, social and global and climate unrest is outside our front doors and we don’t seem to know anymore what the future might hold. But we do know this: what becomes of us individually is up to us individually; and what becomes of our society is up to us, too. Never have we needed more courage, and never has a book been more timely.”
Edie Weiner
CEO and president, The Future Hunters
“Everyone who aspires to greatness should read this book. Courage by Design recounts the lessons that Dee Robinson learned in navigating and succeeding in a white-male-dominated business world. It will be pure gold in the hands of aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.”
David Weild IV
Chairman & CEO, Weild & Co., Former Vice Chairman of Nasdaq
“A powerful and timeless message about the power of personal courage. Dee Robinson’s transparency on how courage manifested in her life will resonate both with seasoned leaders and those just beginning their journey.”
Leslie Anderson
Global Head of Employee Tech Experience and US Chief Technology, Resiliency and Operations Officer for BMO Financial Group
“One thing we all need in life is the courage to confront our fears. In Courage by Design, Dee Robinson combines practical principles with compelling stories to show us how to lead purposeful lives that matter."
Dr. Nicholas Pearce
Professor, Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and Author of The Purpose Path
“This powerful book will position you to discover your inner courage and allow you to put that strength into action to create a better life for yourself and a better world for all of us. A must read!”
Sam Silverstein, CSP, CPAE
Author of I Am Accountable and No Matter What. Past President of The National Speakers Association
“Nothing short of extraordinary. Dee shares how to face your fears, find courage, and be character in action in all things. Simply inspirational.”
Brad Vynalek
President, Quarles & Brady LLP
“Dee’s book is insightful, impactful, and delivered with an unwavering heart. She sees how hard the struggle is, and she offers actionable game plans to help us show up stronger and more confident to keep going. Dee’s voice is compelling and rings loud with truth, warmth, and humor. If you’ve ever been fearful at work, in your relationships, or anywhere in your life, you need to read Courage by Design. Dee will convince you to never give up on yourself.”
Jane Hyo-Sung Park
CEO and cofounder, Athena Consumer
“Using powerful stories from visionary leaders, including her own personal journey, Dee shares a profound yet simple framework for living a life of joy, fulfillment and purpose. If you want to overcome fear, make bold choices and live your best life, Courage By Design is a must-read!”
Kirthiga Reddy
President, Athena SPACS
“With her new book Courage By Design, you can see Dee parting the seas of excuses that are standing in the way of your journey to success.”
Nick Buzzell
CEO & Chairman, NBTV
“I wish I had had a copy of this book when I started out in business. An imperative for anyone who who wants to do better and be better, not just in business, but in life.”
Rodney Williams
Former CEO and president, Belvedere Vodka (LVMH)
"Courage By Design should be required reading for everyone."
Bart Darrell
Attorney, Foreman Watson Holtrey, LLP; former President, Kentucky Wesleyan College
“Amazing. Dee Robinson is showing America what a real role model looks like."
John Daniels
Chairman Emeritus, Quarles & Brady LLP
“Courage by Design is a must-read for new hires, no matter what their level is. It’s also the perfect guidebook for those making big career changes–and for those who need to step out of the shadows.”
Stephanie Bickel
Managing Director, Speak by Design
“Art imitates life, and I can see Dee parting the seas of excuses and distractions that are often standing in the way of your journey toward achieving success.”
Nick Buzzell
CEO & Chairman, NBTV
“Among the key things I wish I had when I started out in business is a copy of this book. Dee Robinson’s lived experience and deeply personal stories about the principles of courage make this book an imperative for anyone who wants to do better and be better, not just in business but in life.”
Rodney Williams
Former CEO and president, Belvedere Vodka (LVMH)
“Dee not only breaks things down, but also shows the reader what they can easily do at their own pace. So many will benefit from Dee's experiences.”
Roxanne Hori
Founder, Next Act Partners
“An easy-to-read, unpretentious book that effectively takes on the complexities of life in the twenty-first century, offering pragmatic advice for those who aim to lead a fulfilling life in a world filled with sickness, violence and countless other obstacles. A field manual for life for all hands.”
Jennifer Pritzker
CEO, Tawani Enterprises
"Dee is changing the way we see community.”
Kiona Sinks
Community Engagement + Digital Strategy Manager, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
“Dee Robinson is a force of nature. She embodies the word courage. I wish I had had the opportunity to read her book in earlier years. I am sure I would have looked at the power of choice and courage differently and subsequently arrived a little quicker to my many destinations. Courage By Design is a must read, whatever journey you choose.”
Tena Clark
Chief Executive Officer & Chief Creative Officer DMI | Music & Media Solutions
“Essential and transformative. Shows us all how to seize our own voices and reclaim the power to give back.”
Edie Fraser
CEO, Women Business Collaborative
“Dee’s ‘think’ then ‘do this’ instructional ápproach to courageous decision-making cracks the hidden codes of fear, and empowers us to win the day.”
Sandra Finley
President & CEO, League Of Black Women
“A powerful book about perseverance, doing good and seizing the moment through both challenge and opportunity. It’s compelling in every sense, providing simple, luminary perspectives on how to live an inspiring life to your fullest potential.”
Chris Swonger
President & CEO, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States & Responsibility.org
“Powerful and captivating. A profound reminder that personal and professional change only happens when we take a stand for truth.”
Monica Cole
Executive Vice President, Wells Fargo
“After reading Courage By Design, I felt newly empowered, fearless, and ready to face a whole new professional future.”
Giselle Veremis
Consul General of the Dominican Republic and Dean of the Chicago Consular Corps.
“Dee Robinson is an amazing entrepreneurial force, and Courage By Design is a book for the ages. It turns you into a high performer and fills you with possibility.”
Melody Spann Cooper
Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Midway Broadcasting Corporation
“Insightful, innovative, and empowering. A must read for all generations.”
Kimberly Evans
Executive Vice President, Northern Trust
“Guess what? You’re not alone. With ‘Courage,’ Dee Robinson shares incredible stories of facing down danger—and why she won’t let it get you, either. Her true tales (mine included) of overcoming pain on the path to power are designed to build you up forever. This workbook works.”
Lisa Stone
entrepreneur and investor
“A one-of-a-kind book that shows you how to stir up ‘good trouble’ through courage and persistence, exceed your own expectations and the expectations of others, and leave the world a better place than you found it. Highly recommended.”
Karen van Bergen
Executive Vice President, Dean, OmnicomUniversity; Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer at Omnicom
“A book that will rapidly change your life, and the lives of others in your circle, in extraordinary ways. Do what Dee says for 21 straight days, and your world will change for the better.”
Francesca DeBiase
Executive Vice President, Global Chief Supply Chain Officer, McDonalds Systems
"Inspiring. The principles this book highlights make us better people."
Valentino Dixon
“Profoundly insightful. A roadmap to courage, understanding, and personal and business success.”
Hedy Ratner
Founder, Co-President Emerita, Women's Business Development Center
