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 Karen Firestone, Bruce Roberts, Gene Amdahl, Colleen Moorehead, and Mark Parker.

From Karen Firestone: What I Didn’t Know About Becoming a CEO

“The company I co-founded is now ten years old. While we’re an investment firm, many of the things I’ve learned as CEO transcend any particular industry. In looking back over the years, there are some things that I expected to be tough, and they have been. But there have also been surprises.”

From Robin Lewis: Bruce Roberts: Iconic Industry Leader and Dear Friend

“Last week, the fiber, textile and apparel industry lost one of its most revered leaders and a dear friend of all. Bruce Roberts was a central figure in the industry during its most explosive growth years between the mid-50s through the 70s, before manufacturing began to move offshore and supply chains became globally connected. During the 80s and into the 21st century, Bruce saw these major shifts occurring and attempted to guide the industry to the dynamics of technology and globalization.”

From Katie Hafner: Gene Amdahl, Pioneer of Mainframe Computing, Dies at 92

“Dr. Amdahl played a crucial role in developing the IBM System/360 series, which influenced computer design for years.”

From Tim Kiladze: Colleen Moorehead – Osler’s high-energy, well-connected chief client officer

“Young women need lines of sight to Bay Street’s upper echelons, and Ms. Moorehead’s success signals they can make it without having to compromise who they are. Folksy, energetic and refreshingly authentic, she is one of the few people brave enough to admit her success involved some flukes. ‘I feel lucky – honest to goodness,’ she explains over lunch at Colette, a French-themed restaurant in Toronto’s Thompson Hotel. ‘Many of the things I did earlier in my career, I didn’t realize would all knit together to this life … So I don’t ever make the mistake of thinking I planned it all.'”

From Adam Lashinsky: Fortune’s Businessperson of the Year: Nike’s Master Craftsman

“How an introverted shoe designer is helping the footwear giant lap the competition.”