DU Adjunct Faculty Bring Leadership Lessons to Life in New Books
The University of Denver’s Frontline Manager Leadership Program (FMLP) is known for helping emerging leaders build the skills and confidence they need to thrive. This August, three of the program’s adjunct faculty coaches are sharing their expertise in a whole new way—through the pages of their recently published books.
On August 20, the public is invited to a free event, Fuel Your Leadership POWER in 3, 2, 1!, a live book reading and discussion at La Belle Rosette in Denver from 10–11 a.m. The program title comes from the serendipitous alignment of the three books’ titles:
Authors Robyn White, Jenn Todling, and Karen Jaeger Collins will share insights from their new books, sign copies, and answer questions. Attendees can pick up all three titles in a bundle for $30.
Shared Roots in Leadership Development
Teaching in DU’s FMLP gives these coaches a front-row seat to transformation. The 12-week online certificate program equips first-time and aspiring managers with practical tools and personalized coaching to navigate real-world challenges. Students—often busy working adults—learn to communicate effectively and lead with confidence.
Robyn White sees this work as closely tied to the themes in her book, THREE Permissions. The book invites readers to grant themselves three essential permissions: to feel deeply, fail forward, and fly freely.
“Teaching in DU’s Frontline Manager Leadership Program is one of my favorite parts of my work,” she says. “Our students bring real-world challenges and a deep commitment to their own development. Three Permissions reflects the same principles we foster in the program by helping leaders give themselves permission to lead authentically, navigate change with confidence, and create impact that lasts.”
Three Perspectives on Leadership and Growth
The emphasis on personal permission resonates with Jenn Todling’s perspective on creative expression as a path to leadership growth. In Dancing on My Own TWO Feet, she reflects on her own journey toward trusting intuition and embracing creativity. “My book is about the transformative power of creative expression, and my journey of learning to trust my intuition,” says Todling. “Many people, including FMLP students, say they share that struggle to find the courage to pursue what’s most important to us.”
Turning inspiration into action is where Karen Jaeger Collins’s work comes in. In Day ONE, she helps readers overcome imposter syndrome and act on their aspirations.
“In my teaching and coaching role at DU, I focus on leadership development and we talk a lot about the fact that leadership starts with self,” she explains. “We have to first understand who we are and who we desire to be before we can truly lead others with influence and purpose. The book title Day One came from the desire to help others turn ‘one day’ dreams into ‘day one’ action.”
A Common Purpose
Though their books approach the topic from different angles, White, Todling, and Collins share the same goal: empowering people to lead from within. It’s the same work they do every week with FMLP students, where real-world leadership skills are paired with self-discovery and confidence-building.
All three coaches agree – leadership begins with the individual. Todling says she sees firsthand the transformative power of believing in your own potential.
“Within just three to five sessions you can see these really powerful shifts for people,” Todling says. “Many students just need a little bit of a cheerleader saying, ‘You got this,’ and then they’re off to the races.”
Free Book Reading Event Details
What: Fuel Your Leadership POWER in 3, 2, 1!
When: August 20, 10–11 a.m.
Where: La Belle Rosette, Denver
Details: Three-book bundle available on site for $30
About FMLP
The Frontline Manager Leadership Program is a 12-week online professional development certificate for first-time and aspiring managers. Through live virtual classes, personalized coaching, and practical tools, students strengthen their ability to lead teams, communicate effectively, and solve problems in real-world settings. Designed for busy working adults, the program meets learners where they are and supports them in taking the next step in their careers—whether that’s a new role, greater responsibility, or simply greater confidence in their leadership abilities.
