About the Book
Humans at the Helm: Building Teams--A Proven Playbook for Success Then, Now, and in the Future
By Mark Perlo In a time when artificial intelligence is transforming industries, reshaping jobs, and challenging the very nature of leadership, one truth remains: people still matter most.
Humans at the Helm is a timely and practical guide for leaders who refuse to lose sight of the human element--while fully embracing the technologies of the future. Drawing on over four decades of real-world leadership experience--from building and selling a successful business to coaching championship-level sports teams--Mark Perlo delivers a compelling playbook rooted in timeless values, proven execution strategies, and the evolving role of AI in modern leadership.
This book explores how purpose-driven leadership, disciplined operations, and a commitment to people can produce extraordinary results. It challenges leaders to ask bold questions:
Would you hire yourself today?
Are you leading with purpose or just managing tasks?
Is your team ready for the age of AI--or are they being left behind?
Each chapter combines actionable insights with personal stories, case studies, and modern-day reflections--culminating in a fresh perspective on leadership in the digital age. The book also includes thought-provoking questions, timeless quotes, and end-of-chapter summaries that help leaders turn ideas into action.
Whether you're a CEO, team builder, coach, or aspiring leader, Humans at the Helm will equip you with the tools to:
Align your leadership with purpose and values
Build and retain high-performing teams
Embrace growth through change and discomfort
Navigate the intersection of technology, ethics, and faith
Lead with both wisdom and vision in an AI-powered world
More than a leadership manual, Humans at the Helm is a call to lead boldly--with conviction, clarity, and a belief in the power of people.
About the Author :
I was never a Fortune 500 CEO, nor was I the most technologically advanced leader. But I listened, learned, and adapted to become highly functional in an ever-evolving world. So why write a book on leadership, artificial intelligence, and its impact on leaders and humanity in this new digital age? Throughout my career, I've worked alongside, learned from, and advised some of the most recognized leaders in corporate America. As a senior manager at Xerox, I had a front-row seat to leadership at the highest levels. Later, when I built, scaled, and ultimately sold my own business, I experienced firsthand what it takes to lead, grow, and sustain success in a rapidly changing landscape.
That journey was an incredible education in every facet of business--from customer acquisition and retention to team building, employee satisfaction, and navigating economic challenges. More importantly, I learned that leadership isn't about titles. It's about vision, discipline, and the ability to inspire and empower people.
This book isn't built on theories. It's built on real experiences, hard-earned lessons, and the practical insights that helped me--and the leaders I've worked with--succeed.
Mark Perlo brings a 360-degree view of leadership--spanning small business, corporate America, entrepreneurship, and championship-level sports.
-Corporate and Fortune 500 Leadership - Early in his career, he worked for a Fortune 500 company, gaining firsthand experience in structured corporate leadership, strategic execution, and high-level decision-making.
-Entrepreneurial Success - He later founded, grew, and successfully sold his own company to a Fortune 500 firm, demonstrating his ability to scale a business, build winning teams, and execute a successful exit strategy.
-Small Business and Team Building - From working in his family's florist business at age 8 to leading teams in small and mid-sized companies, he understands the hands-on, people-driven nature of leadership at every level.
-High-Level Sports Leadership - As both a player and coach of championship baseball teams, he mastered the art of building trust, fostering resilience, and developing high-performance teams. His experience in elite-level competition has shaped his understanding of mental toughness, accountability, and leadership under pressure.
-Learning from Great Leaders - Throughout his career, he has sought out mentors and top leaders across industries, learning both what to do--and what not to do. Awards and Recognitions
-40 Under 40 Winner - Recognized for outstanding leadership and business achievement.
-Guest lecturer at Fortune 500 events and respected MBA programs, including the University of Rochester
-2-Time Finalist for Small Business Council's Business Person of the Year Award
-Monroe Community College Hall of Fame Inductee - Honored for excellence in athletics and leadership.
-Numerous Xerox Presidents Awards
-Stewarded Xerographic Solutions Inc. to Rochester, NY Top 100 (8 times)
-Coached a Junior. College baseball team to the Jr. College World Series
-Coached two high school baseball teams to NYS championships
With decades of experience leading in different environments, Mark Perlo has developed a unique perspective on leadership--one that blends purpose, values, adaptability, and strategic execution.
