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 Tim Cook, DJ Muller, Hugh Dodman, Strauss Zelnick, and Paul Charron

From Matt Weinberger: The rise of Apple CEO Tim Cook, the most powerful business leader in the world

“On August 24th, 2011, Tim Cook took the job as CEO of Apple, leaving many wondering if he could fill the massive void left by his friend and mentor, Steve Jobs. Today, five years later to the day, Apple is the most valuable company in the world, and products like the iPhone continue to rule the market, leaving Cook looking pretty good.”

From Amy Lynch: 5 Questions with WebLink founder DJ Muller

“When DJ Muller fell in love with computers at a young age, he decided to do something about it. “’I launched my first company developing student scheduling software for the Apple IIe system when I was 13 years old,’ he said. (That software was adopted by several large school systems around the country.)”

From Grant Freking: The Ticket Master

“Jeff McDonald, the longtime public relations director of Riverfront Choice Tickets, is offering an explanation on why his boss, Hugh Dodman, prefers to keep not just a low profile, but a barely existent one. It’s a bit of a stretch—as the head of the largest secondary ticket brokerage in the Midwest, Dodman clearly possesses some business clout.”

Thanks to Smartbrief on Leadership for pointing me to this story

From Graham Flanagan: This high-powered CEO has an intense workout regimen that fuels his success

“Strauss Zelnick is a father, husband and media mogul who, at 59, somehow finds the time to stay in incredible shape. That’s because he treats fitness with the same sense of priority that he gives business meetings and time with his family.”

From Robin Lewis and Michael Dart: Leading Through Change: A Perspective from Paul Charron

“Paul is the Chairman of the Board of American Apparel and former Chairman of Campbell Soup Company. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of Liz Claiborne, in senior positions at VF Corporation, and as a Senior Advisor in the private equity firm Warburg Pincus. In our interview, Paul helped unpack the forces shaping the retail landscape, and even more importantly, how leaders can effectively prepare for Retail@250”