New book offers a competitive advantage in an AI-transformed landscape

People

May 15

Mike Novakoski

Courtesy photo

Right-Brain Justified: Scaling Cultures Through Unmistakable Leaders, a new book by West Michigan CEOs Mike Novakoski and Rob Dwortz, reveals how relationship-first leadership creates high-performance work cultures that technology can’t replicate. The book launched sales online on May 6 and will be celebrated at an official launch event on May 15.

Right-Brain Justified presents a neuroscience-backed approach to leadership that bridges the gap between technical business needs and human connection. Novakoski and Dwortz draw from decades of experience leading companies in traditionally analytical industries with right-brain leadership. Novakoski is the CEO of EV Construction and EV Group, while Dwortz previously served as a bank CEO.

“The book highlights how we need to balance our technology-driven world by putting appropriate weight on relationships,” said Novakoski. “When we change the dynamic between managers and direct reports—the energy and focus we place on these connections—it can transform business in ways AI simply cannot.”

After nearly three years of surging excitement around generative AI, which has leveled the competitive playing field for many industries, Novakoski and Dwortz are looking to equip leaders to better manage teams and performance. Through cross-industry case studies, practical frameworks, and actionable insights, Right-Brain Justified demonstrates how vulnerability, authenticity, and psychological safety can unlock human potential and drive measurable business results. This includes addressing the disconnect between management practices and employee needs in today’s workplace.

“I want readers to recognize the shocking disconnect between managers and employees,” said Dwortz. “Our surveys show over 60% of managers know little to nothing about their team members’ personal lives, while employees are saying, ‘I wish my manager knew my personal and professional goals and unique skills.’ How do you support somebody personally if you don’t know what they care about? How do you support somebody professionally?”

Novakoski published his first book, Become Unmistakable: Start Your Journey from Commodity to Oddity, in 2018 in response to questions about his unusual leadership style at EV Construction. That book led to a partnership with Dwortz and the founding of Become Unmistakable, a training and software platform to help organizations make effective, long-term changes in management style.

Right-Brain Justified is currently available for order on Amazon.