“Synergy and Sparks is a masterclass in unlocking the power of communication, collaboration, and creativity. Mills delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories that will ignite excellence and transform the way you work.”
―Guy Kawasaki, Host, Remarkable People podcast
“In public life today, communication skills are the coin of the realm. Mills is a master at training neophytes in these critical skills.”
―Mark Gitenstein, U.S. Ambassador to Romania (2009-12), U.S. Ambassador to the European Union (2022-25)
“Synergy and Sparks offers so many practical and easy-to-implement ideas and tools. It will absolutely accelerate your ability to influence and drive impact in your organization.”
―Jennie Weber, Chief Marketing Officer, Best Buy
“Some believe communicating successfully is an art, others a science; Mills knows it is both. As leaders face the daunting challenge of motivating and persuading in a post-COVID world, Mills synthesizes science and stagecraft to show the way forward.”
―Michael Sheehan, presidential speech advisor and strategist, and Principal at Sheehan Associates, Inc.
“Synergy and Sparks powerfully underscores the importance of effective communication in decision-making, execution of plans, and mission accomplishment. I commend this work for its clarity, relevance, and unwavering focus on one of the most critical attributes of leadership―the ability to communicate with purpose, precision, and intent.”
―General Manoj Pande, Former Chief of Army Staff, India
“Synergy and Sparks blends theatrical insight, communication research, and leadership strategy into a practical and memorable guide. The engaging stories bring key concepts to life, offering real-world relevance for leaders seeking to connect, collaborate, and inspire.”
―Dr. Cherie Comeau, Executive Coach & Talent Development Leader
Synergy and Sparks: Unlock Excellence through Communication, Collaboration, and Influence is more than just a business book―it’s a definitive, practical guide for thriving as a leader in an ever-evolving world. Written by the Emmy Award–winning cofounder of Pinnacle Performance Company―one of the world’s leading communication skills training firms―this book reveals the proven, award-winning methodology behind Pinnacle’s global success.
Blending the art and science of effective communication, Synergy and Sparks equips leaders with tools and insights that have powered successful Fortune 500 companies for decades. It provides a hands-on roadmap filled with current research, real-world examples, engaging stories, and actionable exercises―empowering readers to lead with clarity, influence, and intention.
Synergy and Sparks explores the six essential pillars of modern leadership: communication, presence, influence, storytelling, collaboration, and connection. You’ll learn how to articulate a powerful vision, foster a motivating work culture, and retain top talent―while mastering performance techniques borrowed from professional actors to project confidence, influence emotion, and motivate action.
Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, Synergy and Sparks delivers a fresh, insightful take on leadership. Each chapter is designed to spark personal growth, elevate team performance, and equip you with the mindset and tools to lead with authenticity and impact.
From the Back Cover
PRAISE FOR SYNERGY AND SPARKS
“Synergy and Sparks is a masterclass in unlocking the power of communication, collaboration, and creativity. Mills delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories that will ignite excellence and transform the way you work.”
―GUY KAWASAKI, Host, Remarkable People podcast
“In public life today, communication skills are the coin of the realm. Mills is a master at training neophytes in these critical skills.”
―MARK GITENSTEIN, U.S. Ambassador to Romania (2009-12), U.S. Ambassador to the European Union (2022-25)
“Synergy and Sparks offers so many practical and easy-to-implement ideas and tools. It will absolutely accelerate your ability to influence and drive impact in your organization.”
―JENNIE WEBER, Chief Marketing Officer, Best Buy
“Some believe communicating successfully is an art, others a science; Mills knows it is both. As leaders face the daunting challenge of motivating and persuading in a post-COVID world, Mills synthesizes science and stagecraft to show the way forward.”
―MICHAEL SHEEHAN, presidential speech advisor and strategist, and Principal at Sheehan Associates, Inc.
“Synergy and Sparks powerfully underscores the importance of effective communication in decision-making, execution of plans, and mission accomplishment. I commend this work for its clarity, relevance, and unwavering focus on one of the most critical attributes of leadership―the ability to communicate with purpose, precision, and intent.”
―GENERAL MANOJ PANDE, Former Chief of Army Staff, India
About the Author
G. RILEY MILLS is the cofounder of Pinnacle Performance Company and the coauthor of The Pin Drop Principle and The Bullseye Principle. He’s been a coach to some of the world’s top executives and leaders in countries around the world. Mills is a frequent keynote speaker and guest lecturer, as well as a writer whose work has been featured in Forbes, Inc., and Fast Company.
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