Sioux City, Iowa – Cleophus “Cleo” Franklin, Jr. ‘81, member of the Morningside University Board of Directors and M-Club Hall of Fame inductee, has released his fourth book entitled “Conversations with Cleo.”

The book is a collection of essays largely with a predominant focus on leadership, featuring wisdom and inspirational instances from Franklin and other accomplished business leaders. The new book expands upon Franklin’s insights into personal and professional leadership development from his first book, “Coffee with Cleo,” as well as his second book “Lessons from our Mothers and Fathers,” which examined life-shaping moments in the young lives of leaders.

 “In compiling this new collection of essays on leadership, I had the opportunity to give voice once again to individuals who have experienced the empathy, courage, and integrity it takes to be a great leader. These leaders offer some excellent insights that attempt to illuminate the path of leadership. The leadership journey is a continual process of keeping a beginner’s mindset while growing and inspiring and I hope the book serves as a valuable guidepost,” said Franklin.

Franklin, who also serves on the Board of Directors for Morningside, is donating 10% of the profits from the sales of his new book to Morningside’s Franklin Leadership Foundation.

Dr. Albert Mosley, president of Morningside University, reflected, “The excellence Morningside enjoys today is fueled by the magnanimity of our alumni in their gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Cleo is no exception to this and we appreciate his fervor for nurturing future leaders at Morningside and throughout the world.”

“Conversations with Cleo” can be preordered at coffeewithcleo.com, and it will be available for purchase from Amazon and Barnes and Noble soon. Learn more about his previous books “Lessons from our Mothers and Fathers” and “Coffee with Cleo” at coffeewithcleo.com, as well as his children’s book “What Do You See When You Look at Me?”

About the Author

Cleo Franklin graduated from Morningside in 1981 and received his MBA from the University of North Carolina – Kenan Flagler School of Business. He is the founder of Morningside’s Franklin Leadership Foundation, a social non-profit platform dedicated to student career and leadership development that partners with businesses, entrepreneurs, and leaders to help develop the next generation of leaders through scholarships, mentorships, internships, and externships. Franklin is also the founder, president, and CEO of Franklin Strategic Solutions, a global consultant and leadership development business specializing in strategic planning, marketing, business and organizational development, brand strategy, executive coaching, and keynote speaking. Franklin believes in maintaining a positive mindset, creating partnerships with a purpose, and always striving for significant outcomes. Learn more here.