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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, discover how Brigadier General Bentley Nettles transformed battlefields and boardrooms alike, sharing his proven three-step plan for creating excellence in his inspiring new book, Creating Excellence.
Creating Excellence
Brigadier General Bentley Nettles has worn many hats—decorated veteran, lawyer, public official—and through decades of service, he’s distilled a singular truth: true success isn’t about a leader standing alone at the helm. It’s about inspiring and empowering teams to rally around a shared mission. In his new book, Creating Excellence: Insights Into Leadership, Life and Legacy, Nettles offers a masterclass in transformative leadership, drawing from a remarkable career that spans battlefields, boardrooms, and public service.
Nettles’ journey is one of action, not just theory. Take his tenure at the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC), where he stepped in as Executive Director in 2017 following a spending scandal that had shaken the agency.
Over five years, he didn’t just steady the ship—he restructured it entirely. Nettles introduced innovative strategies with statewide impact, including groundbreaking techniques to combat human trafficking that have since been adopted by at least 12 other states. His approach was rooted in collaboration, uncovering new ways to align teams and stakeholders toward a common goal. Readers of Creating Excellence get a front-row seat to this transformation, witnessing how leadership principles translate into real-world results.
The book’s insights are battle-tested—literally. With 32 years in the U.S. Army, including deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Nettles brings a unique perspective to the page. In a standout chapter titled “Tea with the Taliban,” he recounts negotiating in hostile territory, offering readers a playbook for winning under pressure. These lessons aren’t confined to war zones; they’re adaptable to any high-stakes environment, from corporate negotiations to public policy debates.
At the heart of Creating Excellence is a practical, three-step, 90-day plan designed to foster excellence in any organization—whether in private industry, academia, politics, or public service. Nettles breaks it down simply: lead yourself first, build trust with others, and prepare for the unexpected. He emphasizes self-leadership strategies—like accessing your values and seeing situations from multiple perspectives—as the foundation for driving engagement and inspiring teams. “What every organization wants and needs is excellence,” Nettles writes, and his blueprint delivers the tools to achieve it.
Nettles’ credentials bolster his message. A trained attorney, he served as General Counsel for the Army Element Joint Force Headquarters and later as TABC’s leader, the third-largest state law enforcement agency in Texas. Beyond his professional roles, he’s a tireless advocate for veterans, co-founding Brazos Valley Cares to support military families and serving as Chairman of the Bryan Texas Utility Board. His life’s work reflects a commitment to excellence that transcends any single role.
In Creating Excellence, readers will find:
- A three-step process for leading others, distilled into an easy-to-follow strategy.
- A 90-day plan for building excellence in any team or organization.
- Self-leadership techniques to navigate complex challenges with clarity and empathy.
- Insights on establishing trust and preparing for the unpredictable with authenticity and collaboration.
- Negotiation strategies honed in hostile environments, applicable anywhere stakes are high.
From sipping tea with the Taliban to restructuring a scandal-plagued agency, Nettles’ stories are as compelling as his methods are actionable. Creating Excellence isn’t just a book—it’s a call to walk the talk, listen in a new way, and lead with purpose. For anyone looking to elevate themselves, their teams, or their organizations, Brigadier General Bentley Nettles offers a roadmap forged in service, sacrifice, and success.
Brigadier General Bentley Nettles
I think one of the things we’re missing in leadership nowadays is the idea that it’s not about you. It’s about the people you serve; the people who help you on your team. When you empower them to do something bigger than themselves, then you become a real leader.
Creating Excellence is not just a book. It is a powerful tool for transformation and growth. And the timing is ideal. The world needs strong and inspiring leaders now more than ever.
-Brigadier General Bentley Nettles
Brigadier General Bentley Nettles, a decorated veteran, lawyer, and public official, has served his country, state, and local community throughout a distinguished career.
A graduate of Texas A&M, he dedicated 32 years to the U.S. Army and Texas Army National Guard before his release from active duty in 2015. During his service, Nettles earned 24 awards and badges, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Purple Heart. Before retiring from the military, he served as General Counsel for the Army Element Joint Force Headquarters.
In civilian life, Nettles co-founded Brazos Valley Cares, an organization focused on supporting veterans’ issues, and has served as Chairman of the Bryan Texas Utilities Board of Directors. Currently, he is running unopposed for Brazos County Commissioner Precinct 1, continuing his commitment to public service.
Find more from Brigadier General Bentley Nettles now:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4hCgj0G
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Fw88Wz
Audible: https://amzn.to/3FI9RYE
Apple Audiobooks: https://apple.co/3Rfvv9b
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