Cleo Franklin ’81 will release his second book of leadership lessons titled “Lessons from our Mothers and Fathers.” 

Cleo Franklin, Morningside alumnus and M-Club Hall of Fame inductee, will release his second book of leadership lessons titled “Lessons from our Mothers and Fathers.”

“Lessons from our Mothers and Fathers” is a collection of 20 short stories of sage generational advice from Franklin and other successful business leaders who share special moments of inspiration and wisdom passed on to them by their parents. His new book expands upon Franklin’s insights into personal and professional leadership development from his first book, “Coffee with Cleo.” The powerful stories captured in “Lessons from our Mothers and Fathers” provide the reader with a glimpse into the authors’ early lives to witness the extraordinary moments that helped shape their personal and professional journey.Cleo Franklin, Author of "Lessons from our Mothers and Fathers" and "Coffee with Cleo"Cleo Franklin, Author of “Lessons from our Mothers and Fathers” and “Coffee with Cleo”

“Everyone has a story to tell about a lesson learned from their parents that inspired them and positively changed their lives. The book is filled with personal and professional development lessons for aspiring and current parents, business leaders, teachers, coaches, athletes, students, and anyone seeking insight from the parents of successful leaders and changemakers,” said Franklin.

Franklin, who also serves on the Board of Directors for Morningside, is donating 10% of the profits from the sales of his new book to Morningside’s Franklin Leadership Foundation.

“The generous alumni and donors that provide opportunities for our students make Morningside the special place it is today,” said Kari Winklepleck, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Morningside. “Cleo is passionate about empowering future leaders at Morningside, and we are thankful for his support of our students through the Franklin Leadership Foundation.”

“Lessons from our Mothers and Fathers” can be preordered at coffeewithcleo.com, and it will be available for purchase from Amazon and Barnes and Noble soon. Learn more about “Lessons from our Mothers and Fathers” and “Coffee with Cleo” at coffeewithcleo.com.

About the Author

Cleo Franklin graduated from Morningside in 1981 and received his MBA from the University of North Carolina – Kenan Flagler School of Business. He is the founder of Morningside’s Franklin Leadership Foundation, a social non-profit platform dedicated to student career and leadership development that partners with businesses, entrepreneurs, and leaders to help develop the next generation of leaders through scholarships, mentorships, internships, and externships. Franklin is also the founder, president, and CEO of Franklin Strategic Solutions, a global consultant and leadership development business specializing in strategic planning, marketing, business and organizational development, brand strategy, executive coaching, and keynote speaking. Franklin believes in maintaining a positive mindset, creating partnerships with a purpose, and always striving for significant outcomes. Learn more here.

Franklin Leadership Foundation