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 John Chambers, Hau Thai-Tang, Christina Minardi, Dan Levin, and Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.

From McKinsey & Company: Cisco’s John Chambers on the digital era

“How significant is the digital era? It’s the biggest technology transition in history, according to Cisco’s executive chairman—and requires a proportional response from companies.”

From Laura Putre: Building Better Supplier Relationships at Ford

“The automaker’s vice president of global purchasing talks about streamlining its supply chain and developing sources in new markets.”

From Melissa Wylie: Whole Foods executive Christina Minardi on innovating in the big city

“We spoke with Minardi about the best boss she’s ever had, the risk of opening a store in Brooklyn and her hope that city shoppers will one day be able to purchase both a steak and a matching cabernet from one of her stores. Sounds easy enough, but in a city like New York, nothing is all that simple.”

From McKinsey & Company: How technology is creating a new world of work

“In this interview, Dan Levin, the COO of Box, explores how technology is changing the way we work, and how companies can adapt.”

From Eric Reguly: ‘No one is indispensable’: How Ferrari’s former boss lost control

“Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, chairman of Alitalia, on leaving the luxury auto maker and pitching Rome’s Olympic bid.”