The Warrior Within

Praise for The Warrior Within

“Warriors, as Air Force Veteran D.J. Vanas shows us, are not the square-jawed, broad-shouldered, two-dimensional characters we so often watch on the screen. They aren’t fearless, are rarely brilliant, and lose as often as they win. But in his thoughtful The Warrior Within, Vanas captures the essence of steadfast courage, self-discipline, and resilience that describes those among us who embody the true warrior spirit.”
–General Stanley McChrystal, retired, author of Risk and Team of Teams

“The powerful lessons imparted in these chapters will inspire strength, confidence and motivation, so that you can deliver your best in the worst of circumstances—while keeping your sanity and health! I encourage every healthcare giver to read The Warrior Within, for they truly serve, fight, protect and heal every day, often at their own expense.”
–LeAnn Thieman, author of the Chicken Soup for Nurse’s Soul series and founder of SelfCare for HealthCare®

“I highly recommend The Warrior Within! Through great storytelling, D.J. Vanas shares an often overlooked element of leadership … taking care of yourself. Our beautiful Anishinaabe teachings emphasize balance in all things. Being a warrior means recognizing your needs and honoring your gifts. Way to go, D.J.!”
–Angeline Boulley (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) New York Times bestselling author of Firekeeper’s Daughter

“D.J. Vanas inspires us to find our ‘warrior spirit’ of courage, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork in life’s most fearful times. Your heart will soar like an eagle as you read how ordinary heroes use this inner strength to serve others—and how we can learn to do the same.”
–Joseph Pfeifer, FDNY Assistant Chief, retired, author of Ordinary Heroes

“This is it: the book I’ve been waiting for! There isn’t another on the market that applies indigenous principles and ideas in order to expose the warrior in you. A comprehensive, compelling, emotional and amazingly insightful book. I couldn’t put it down. I wish I had this book years ago!”
–Juanita Mullen (Seneca), AI/AN Veterans Liaison, Department of Veterans Affairs

“DJ Vanas describes a life of leading and doing through Indigenous identity and values. Combining his personal story with advice, The Warrior Within is more than a leadership book. It is a story of living a life of abundance and rich relationships, with DJ as your terrific guide.”
–Cheryl Crazy Bull, President & CEO, American Indian College Fund

“The Warrior Within is more than a book …it’s a leadership tool written by a man who emulates its teachings in his personal and professional life. Packed full of real-world anecdotes and practical advice on facing adversity and dealing with change, it will empower you to face life’s battles with honor and courage. Embrace its teaching and you will certainly cultivate your warrior within!”
–Lieutenant Colonel Waldo Waldman, executive coach and author of Never Fly Solo

“D.J. has captured the essence of being a warrior in a thoughtful, deeply meaningful way. No matter how successful we may be professionally, personally, or financially, we all struggle with challenges along the way. Recognizing your fallibility doesn’t make you less capable, rather, it adds to the strength of your experience. DJ helps us view the warrior spirit as a journey, rather than a destination.”
–John B. Herrington, CDR (U.S. Navy, Ret.), and first Native American astronaut

“This book is for readers who want to tap into something deeper – that warrior spirit Vanas so eloquently describes – to serve at their best every day, and become strong enough to do it for a lifetime. Filled with the distilled wisdom of the ages and proven in the toughest of times, Vanas shows you how to become more tenacious, courageous, and ultimately, become a warrior of good. A fantastic read! If understanding and applying the warrior spirit was an Olympic sport, DJ Vanas would win the Gold Medal!”
–Ruben Gonzalez, four-time Olympian and author of The Courage to Succeed

D.J. Vanas is an internationally-acclaimed speaker for Fortune 500 companies, hundreds of tribal nations, and over 7,000 audiences nationwide. An enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe of Michigan and a former U.S. Air Force officer, he inspires others to practically apply the power of the warrior spirit in business and in life. He is the author of The Tiny Warrior and Spirit on the Run and was featured in the PBS film The Warrior Tradition. He hosted the Discovering Your Warrior Spirit show on PBS. He lives in San Diego.

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