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 Amy Pressman, Mark Bertolini, Matt Fielder, Bob Dudley, and Maher Arar.

From Adam Bryant: Amy Pressman of Medallia: Bored by ‘Yes,’ Inspired by ‘No’

“The president and co-founder of Medallia points to a saying that has resonated with her: ‘An entrepreneur is someone who gets motivated by the word ‘no.’’”

From Baylee Pulliam: Aetna’s ‘unconventional boss’ pushes people and profits

“Mark Bertolini is often called an ‘unconventional boss,’ and even less conventional as the CEO of a Fortune 50 company. The guy does yoga and meditates, and he encourages his employees at Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET) to do the same. But shareholders probably aren’t complaining about his unconventionality, since it’s also seems to be good for the company’s bottom line.”

From Neil Bostock: Exclusive Interview with Matt Fielder, CEO & Co-Founder of Vinyl Me, Please

“Rather than just focus on the sound of vinyl — although its analog warmth is certainly part of it — Vinyl Me, Please has tapped into the same Millennial demographic where there is an evolving sense of distrust for speed and convenience, and indeed technology itself — Slow Food and Third Wave coffee are examples — and a desire to step back and rediscover meaning and experience, and a physical and tactile connection to art and music.”

From Adam Gale: Bob Dudley, BP: leadership profile

“Who is the BP CEO and what’s he done at the oil giant?”

From Sean Silcoff: From torture to tech pitches: Maher Arar’s long climb back to normal

“Maher Arar, whose torture in Syria and subsequent demand for justice became front-page news, is back to doing what he loves: being an entrepreneur”