Written by leadership expert John B. Gearing, whose 25+ year career has included leadership roles at Adidas, UFC Gyms and VF Corporation, this bold, ruthlessly honest new book shines a light on the blind spots and ego traps that quietly cripple leaders the world over.

All too often, CEOs and founders are celebrated for their bold ideas, relentless ambition and magnetic charisma. But behind the spotlight, many leaders fall victim to illusions – such as boardroom politics, unchecked ego and the myth of the charismatic founder – that offer a façade of outward success, while quietly eroding the foundation of the business.

The CEO Mirage, written by business leader and advisor John B. Gearing, strips away the polished veneer of leadership, delivering an honest guide to the leadership illusions that derail companies and the uncomfortable – but necessary – truths that save them.

Packed with real-world case studies, hard-earned lessons and powerfully candid reflections, the book ruthlessly identifies the illusions that mislead CEOs, founders and investors, and destroy companies from within, such as the false confidence of optimistic business plans, the dangers of yes-men, the seduction of growth at all costs, and the peril of a vision without the execution to match.

Whether you’re scaling fast, preparing for an exit, or just trying to survive the next board meeting, The CEO Mirage will change how you think about leadership, show you how to lead what’s real and, critically, equip you to build a company that doesn’t collapse when reality hits.

The CEO Mirage will be published by Morgan James Publishing on 3 February 2026, priced £12.95 (Paperback)