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“Leonard and Ryan have written a transformative book that brings forth not only why we need to be online, but how we can create and spark impact in our communities, build sustainable relationships and paying it forward to others. This book brings forth applicable best practices that can empower executives, educators and young professionals entering the workplace. Ditch the Act: Reveal the Surprising Power of the Real You for Greater Success needs to be added to your bookshelf and course reading lists!”

“‘Fake-it-til-you-make-it’ has always been the unspoken rule. Authentic and vulnerable? Well, obviously! — as long as it’s well-lit and airbrushed. But Leonard and Ryan have finally righted the boat — and it turns out that conventional wisdom had been trying to sink us all along. You can still do it the old way, but you’ll always wonder… How much better could I have been?”

“Ryan Foland and Leonard Kim have cracked the code on building a real persona by being authentic. The simple truth is better than the illusion you think people care about or want to see. The more genuine you are, the more honest about your mistakes and failures, the more transparent you become and that makes you someone others like and can relate to. Ryan and Leonard’s book is a road map to that process, a compelling read that keeps your attention throughout.”

“Ditch the Act is a refreshing look through a different prism when examining the life of your business and your own life, as well. It’s an interesting, thoughtful take on upending some of the conventional wisdom that many folks believe makes up the path to success. I appreciated the candor which Leonard and Ryan share in this tome, and encourage any other forward-thinking self-starters to take it for a spin. You’ll better your brand, and learn from those who’ve walked the walk.”

“Ditch The Act is authentic, comprehensive and really demonstrates the power of vulnerability in building your personal brand. Leonard and Ryan sharing their own fears and failures opens the door for us all to do the same. Now more than ever, it’s essential that we know and show who we really are. This book provides the step-by-step process of getting real with yourself and others, so you can connect more deeply and attract a larger audience. Highly recommend it!”

“Grab a cup of coffee, get cozy and curl up with this book. Ditch the Act will change your perspective on why telling your story can open doors to unimaginable opportunities — that have always been right in front of you, you just weren’t letting them in.”

“This book makes me want to believe in myself again. I feel reinvigorated as someone who has struggled in their career and personal life because of anxiety. From being bullied to lack of support of standing up for myself and what I believe in, and never feeling I deserved what I could achieve, which was attainable if I would have just pursued my dreams and ambitions. I feel like I have a clear direction onto the path I am going to be taking now and cannot wait to see where I land — it’s all credit/thanks to you for being real and sharing that I can too be myself again! To the audience of this book: Once you read this: Game Over — except really the game is at the starting line. Surround yourself with people that believe in you and support you. Do the work. Follow the process. The chapters will direct and drop the truth bombs you need to make changes. I’m already seeing the positive effects this book has made on my life and look forward to many more in the future.”

“As the founder of BNI (Business Network International), I can tell you that the most powerful element of each member of any group is their ability to share their own story. In Ditch the Act, you will learn how to share stories around the most compelling topic of all, yourself.”

“Failure isn’t finale, it’s fulcrum. In Ditch the Act, Ryan Foland and Leonard Kim go into great detail from their own personal experience and professional work to teach you, step-by-step, how to turn your stories of failure into compelling connections with other people to foster relationships that stick. If you need to sell anything — including yourself — this is the book for you.”

“In Ditch the Act, Leonard and Ryan teach readers how to turn their biggest weaknesses into their greatest strengths. They show you how transparency and vulnerability can make you stronger, not weaker, and how you can go from fearful to fearless. They provide an easy-to-implement guide that includes highly effective exercises that help you cut through the nonsense and noise and establish a bold and honest brand.”