I think that one of the best ways to learn leadership isn’t studying “leadership” at all. Instead, study individual leaders in their natural habitat and decide what they do that you want to try. Articles by and about leaders and interviews with them are mini-case studies that show you an actual leader in a real situation.

That’s why, every week, I bring you a selection of post about individual leaders. This week I’m pointing you to pieces by and about Ruth Gresser, Blake Irving, Mike Baur, Joe Lacob, and words of wisdom from ten female founders.

From Rebecca Cooper: Pizzeria Paradiso owner Ruth Gresser celebrates 25 years in business

“Pizzeria Paradiso founder Ruth Gresser made it 22 years without putting a pepperoni pizza on her menu.”

From Adam Bryant: At the Top, You Get to Set the Tone

“What I have found really interesting, and what I like about it, is that when you’re the C.E.O., you get to set a tone from your seat that’s different than if you’re working within an organization.”

From Davd Dykes: The ScanSource CEO reflects on finding great people, keeping an open door

“Mike Baur has been chief executive officer of ScanSource Inc., with worldwide headquarters in Greenville, since January 2000. ScanSource experienced rapid growth from the beginning, completed its IPO in 1994, and is a Fortune 1000 company with annual sales of more than $3 billion. The company expanded internationally beginning in 2002 and now has 45 locations across North America, South America and Europe. Baur has served as president of the company from its inception in 1992 until 2007. He has been a member of the board of directors since December 1995.”

From Theresa Johnston: Warriors Owner Joe Lacob: A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

“Lacob explains what it takes to turn around a basketball team — and a business.”

From Melissa Wylie: On Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, words of wisdom from 10 female founders

“Here’s a compilation of professional and personal lessons from 10 entrepreneurs who tackled the startup grind and emerged successful.”