The Leadership Blueprint: Hard-Won Wisdom from the Executive Trenches

When fifty families depend on your decision and billion-dollar strategies collapse overnight, there’s no room for feel-good leadership theories. In the crucible of executive leadership, Cleophus P. Franklin Jr. strips away myths to reveal reality: the weight of livelihoods, the loneliness of accountability, and the art of choosing when every option feels wrong. With thirty-five years across startups and Fortune 500 boardrooms, this is the raw, battle-tested blueprint he wished for before his first executive chair.

73% of new executives fail within eighteen months—not for lack of skill, but because they’re unprepared for leadership’s hidden complexities. This isn’t another shelf-collecting book. Every framework survived real-world pressure, every story carries consequences, and every lesson came when textbooks failed. Franklin’s revolutionary “3 I’s Framework™” turns abstract concepts into tools for making critical decisions with incomplete information.

The Leadership Blueprint – Beyond the Corner Office doesn’t promise comfort—it promises devastating effectiveness when everything depends on you. Learn to hold emotional equilibrium, build cultures that outlast you, and remember that behind every spreadsheet are people who deserve your best thinking. This blueprint forges extraordinary leaders, not comfortable managers.

The Breakthrough Collection - COMING SOON & Preorder Today!

I've spent 35 years watching high performers struggle with the same gap: knowing what to do but lacking time to implement breakthrough thinking. That's why I created The Breakthrough Collection—21 curated stories engineered to transform how you think, act, and lead, all in the time it takes your coffee to cool. Harvard research shows that professionals engaging in strategic microlearning outperform their peers by 23% in productivity and 18% in leadership effectiveness. Yet the average executive spends just 24 minutes per week on intentional development. Every breakthrough follows my proven 3I Methodology™: Information that Inspires, Inspiration that Informs, Implementation that Transforms. Preorder your signed copy today and begin your next "Breakthrough!"

"What Do I See When I Look At You?"

A parent's vision becomes a child's foundation. In this profound second collaboration from the Franklin father-and-son team—Cleophus P. Franklin Jr. and Michael J. Franklin—this heartfelt follow-up to their fantastic first book, "What Do You See When You Look At Me?", reveals the transformative power of seeing our children through the eyes of limitless love and possibility. This isn't just another children's book—it's a sacred conversation between parent and child that reshapes how families express their deepest hopes and dreams.

Through tender dialogue and rhythmic verses brought to life by illustrator Olivia Bosson's magnificent artistry, Franklin captures the intimate exchange between father and son as they share what they truly see in each other.

“For it is the pen that is laid to rest after a poem has been written…seeking a place to lay. However, it is the words written in ink, that etched themselves into our hearts and memories that will forever stay.” - Cleophus P. Franklin Jr.

I am pleased to announce the release of my new poetry book, "Words From My Heart…With Love"! 

This collection of poems is dedicated to the poets who write bravely, and creatively about what others are thinking and unable to do. And to those who dreamed, loved, and lived passionately, regretfully, and yet…stayed true.

$15.99

C.P.F. Jr

We just launched the "Coffee With Cleo" Special Edition! This new book includes an expanded introduction and a sneak peek of two additional chapters from Franklin's upcoming 2023 book.
book, “Conversations with Cleo!”

Franklin delves into and details within these two chapters how several influential people in his life created a gateway to help him excel both professionally and personally.

With 12 chapters of insightful storytelling, this special edition offers an abundance of leadership lessons, accompanied by thoughtful reflections and advice for all students of life.

So,… grab another cup of coffee and enjoy this special edition of "Coffee With Cleo!"

$15.99

Order your Coffee with Cleo and Lessons From Our Mothers and Fathers book combination today!

After reading Cleo's first book, Coffee with Cleo, I was very excited to hear of his upcoming book! The first book was a powerful handbook (for life) that I'll refer to over and over again. It was that good. Then after receiving the prepublication Lessons from Our Mothers and Fathers, it was like a shared experience of wisdom through the eyes of many people! Even though his books are targeted to Business/Economics/Leadership, they both are filled with great information for anyone.

- Jim Tillman Creative Writer at Sioux City African-American History Publisher

$30.99

Franklin's new book expands upon his passion for personal and professional leadership development from his first book, Coffee with Cleo. Lessons from our Mothers and Fathers is a collection of 20 short stories of sage generational advice from Franklin and other successful business leaders who share special moments of inspiration and wisdom passed on to them by their parents. The powerful stories captured in the book provide the reader a glimpse into the many authors’ early lives to witness the extraordinary moments that helped shape their personal and professional journey to improve their livelihoods, and more importantly, their lives.

$15.99

“Coffee with Cleo” is a collection of 10 leadership lessons and personal stories of inspiration, self-reflection, and teaching moments from Cleo Franklin’s 32 years of working as an executive with iconic global brands John Deere, Case-New Holland, and Mahindra. Signed copies are available here on the website! Order your copy here or find the book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

$15.99

Cleophus "Cleo" Franklin Jr. is a globally recognized leader whose three-decade career has transformed businesses across the agriculture and heavy equipment industries. As a global executive with John Deere, Case-New Holland, and Mahindra, he has designed robust growth strategies, pioneered disruptive business models, and built powerful brand identities that have driven success for organizations worldwide.

Franklin approaches every challenge with curiosity and a beginner's mindset, believing that the most complex problems yield to fresh perspectives. As a purpose-driven servant leader, he is deeply committed to developing the next generation of leaders, investing in both their personal and professional growth.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Franklin leverages his writing as a powerful storytelling platform to challenge limiting beliefs, inspire transformation, and help others achieve their dreams. Through his narratives, he creates pathways for personal and professional breakthroughs, using the art of story to unlock human potential.

His exceptional contributions have earned prestigious recognition, including the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Honorary American Degree, induction into the Mahindra Business Hall of Fame, and numerous awards for marketing excellence, brand innovation, corporate social responsibility, new product development, and growth performance.

Amazon (Coffee with Cleo) book reviews

Marketing Mix Podcast Dr. Scott Davis' interview with Cleo

Business Lifestyle Legends Ben Schneider interview with Cleo

Coffee with Cleo YouTube channel

YouTube endorsement video

RFD-TV book interview

ESPN Sports Radio interview

Morningside College book review

Canvas Rebel interview

Youtube Aaron Alejandro interview with Cleo

Are you looking for a straight-talk podcast filled with compelling discussion topics that forgo the $50 words...but deliver million-dollar insights you can use?

How about a podcast that delivers good #storytelling by guests from across the globe who are making a difference and changing the game? Then look no further as we got one for you! 

I am thrilled to announce my new podcast, "Conversations with Cleo," is here! My podcast will mirror my new book's powerful storytelling from interesting and ordinary people doing extraordinary things and more. So, stay tuned and start your day with, 'Conversations with Cleo!"