
Colin Powell
Imperfect Patriot
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $19.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Jim Woods
About this listen
For the past three decades, Colin Powell has been among America's most trusted and admired leaders. This biography demonstrates that Powell's decades-long development as an exemplary subordinate is crucial to understanding his astonishing rise from a working-class immigrant neighborhood to the highest echelons of military and political power.
Once an aimless, ambitionless teenager who barely graduated from college, Powell became an extraordinarily effective and staunchly loyal subordinate to many powerful superiors who, in turn, helped to advance his career. By the time Powell became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he had developed into the consummate follower - motivated, competent, composed, honorable, and independent.
The quality of Powell's followership faltered at times, however, while in Vietnam, during the Iran-Contra scandal, and after he became George W. Bush's secretary of state. Powell proved a fallible patriot, and in the course of a long and distinguished career he made some grave and consequential errors in judgment.
Imperfect Patriot is the fascinating story of Powell's professional life and of what we can learn from both his good and bad followership.
The book is published by University of Notre Dame Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.
©2019 Jeffrey J. Matthews (P)2020 Redwood AudiobooksListeners also enjoyed...
-
It Worked for Me
- In Life and Leadership
- By: Colin Powell
- Narrated by: Colin Powell
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It Worked for Me is filled with vivid experiences and lessons learned that have shaped the legendary career of the four-star general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. At its heart are Powell's "Thirteen Rules" - such as "Get mad, then get over it" and "Share credit" - that introduce his principles for effective leadership: conviction, hard work, and, above all, respect for others. A natural storyteller, Powell offers warm and engaging parables with wise advice on succeeding in the workplace and beyond.
-
-
It worked for me too.
- By Ian on 06-04-12
By: Colin Powell
-
My American Journey
- An Autobiography
- By: Colin Powell
- Narrated by: Colin Powell
- Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Colin Powell is the embodiment of the American dream. He was born in Harlem to immigrant parents from Jamaica. He knew the rough life of the streets. He overcame a barely average start at school. Then he joined the Army. The rest is history - including Vietnam, the Pentagon, Panama, and Desert Storm - but a history that until now has been known only on the surface.
-
-
Audio book is abridged!
- By Lydia on 02-11-21
By: Colin Powell
-
The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell
- By: Oren Harari
- Narrated by: Chris Ryan
- Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Colin Powell is the classic American success story. Born in Harlem to immigrant parents, Powell rose through the ranks of the US military to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a soft-spoken, steel-willed Desert Storm hero. Always seemingly one step ahead of both allies and competitors, he quickly became one of America's most trusted and beloved public icons. The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell recounts Powell's core beliefs on leadership, negotiation, self-knowledge, and more.
-
-
A true leader
- By Barrett Hopper on 11-09-21
By: Oren Harari
-
The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell
- By: Harry S. Laver, Jefferey J. Matthews
- Narrated by: Scott Laurence Peterson
- Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What essential leadership lessons do we learn by distilling the actions and ideas of great military commanders such as George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Colin Powell? That is the fundamental question underlying The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell. The book illustrates that great leaders become great through conscious effort - a commitment not only to develop vital skills but also to surmount personal shortcomings.
-
-
Outstanding Leaders and Leadership Summaries
- By JAMES RHOADS on 07-17-14
By: Harry S. Laver, and others
-
Call Sign Chaos
- Learning to Lead
- By: Jim Mattis, Bing West
- Narrated by: Danny Campbell
- Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Call Sign Chaos is the account of Jim Mattis’ storied career, from wide-ranging leadership roles in three wars to ultimately commanding a quarter of a million troops across the Middle East. Along the way, Mattis recounts his foundational experiences as a leader, extracting the lessons he has learned about the nature of warfighting and peacemaking, the importance of allies, and the strategic dilemmas - and short-sighted thinking - now facing our nation.
-
-
A pleasant surprise
- By Fountain of Chris on 09-06-19
By: Jim Mattis, and others
-
Leadership Strategy and Tactics
- Field Manual
- By: Jocko Willink
- Narrated by: Jocko Willink
- Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the military, a field manual provides instructions in simple, clear, step-by-step language to help soldiers complete their mission. In the civilian sector, books offer information on everything from fixing a leaky faucet to developing an effective workout program to cooking a good steak. Leadership Strategy and Tactics explains how to take leadership theory, quickly translate that theory into applicable strategy, and then put leadership into action at a tactical level. This audiobook is the solution that leaders at every level need.
-
-
Liked it so much I'm driving to NY to see him chat
- By Amazon Customer on 01-15-20
By: Jocko Willink
-
It Worked for Me
- In Life and Leadership
- By: Colin Powell
- Narrated by: Colin Powell
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It Worked for Me is filled with vivid experiences and lessons learned that have shaped the legendary career of the four-star general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. At its heart are Powell's "Thirteen Rules" - such as "Get mad, then get over it" and "Share credit" - that introduce his principles for effective leadership: conviction, hard work, and, above all, respect for others. A natural storyteller, Powell offers warm and engaging parables with wise advice on succeeding in the workplace and beyond.
-
-
It worked for me too.
- By Ian on 06-04-12
By: Colin Powell
-
My American Journey
- An Autobiography
- By: Colin Powell
- Narrated by: Colin Powell
- Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Colin Powell is the embodiment of the American dream. He was born in Harlem to immigrant parents from Jamaica. He knew the rough life of the streets. He overcame a barely average start at school. Then he joined the Army. The rest is history - including Vietnam, the Pentagon, Panama, and Desert Storm - but a history that until now has been known only on the surface.
-
-
Audio book is abridged!
- By Lydia on 02-11-21
By: Colin Powell
-
The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell
- By: Oren Harari
- Narrated by: Chris Ryan
- Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Colin Powell is the classic American success story. Born in Harlem to immigrant parents, Powell rose through the ranks of the US military to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a soft-spoken, steel-willed Desert Storm hero. Always seemingly one step ahead of both allies and competitors, he quickly became one of America's most trusted and beloved public icons. The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell recounts Powell's core beliefs on leadership, negotiation, self-knowledge, and more.
-
-
A true leader
- By Barrett Hopper on 11-09-21
By: Oren Harari
-
The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell
- By: Harry S. Laver, Jefferey J. Matthews
- Narrated by: Scott Laurence Peterson
- Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What essential leadership lessons do we learn by distilling the actions and ideas of great military commanders such as George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Colin Powell? That is the fundamental question underlying The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell. The book illustrates that great leaders become great through conscious effort - a commitment not only to develop vital skills but also to surmount personal shortcomings.
-
-
Outstanding Leaders and Leadership Summaries
- By JAMES RHOADS on 07-17-14
By: Harry S. Laver, and others
-
Call Sign Chaos
- Learning to Lead
- By: Jim Mattis, Bing West
- Narrated by: Danny Campbell
- Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Call Sign Chaos is the account of Jim Mattis’ storied career, from wide-ranging leadership roles in three wars to ultimately commanding a quarter of a million troops across the Middle East. Along the way, Mattis recounts his foundational experiences as a leader, extracting the lessons he has learned about the nature of warfighting and peacemaking, the importance of allies, and the strategic dilemmas - and short-sighted thinking - now facing our nation.
-
-
A pleasant surprise
- By Fountain of Chris on 09-06-19
By: Jim Mattis, and others
-
Leadership Strategy and Tactics
- Field Manual
- By: Jocko Willink
- Narrated by: Jocko Willink
- Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the military, a field manual provides instructions in simple, clear, step-by-step language to help soldiers complete their mission. In the civilian sector, books offer information on everything from fixing a leaky faucet to developing an effective workout program to cooking a good steak. Leadership Strategy and Tactics explains how to take leadership theory, quickly translate that theory into applicable strategy, and then put leadership into action at a tactical level. This audiobook is the solution that leaders at every level need.
-
-
Liked it so much I'm driving to NY to see him chat
- By Amazon Customer on 01-15-20
By: Jocko Willink
-
Decision Points
- By: George W. Bush
- Narrated by: George W. Bush
- Length: 6 hrs and 58 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
President George W. Bush describes the critical decisions of his presidency and personal life. Decision Points is the extraordinary memoir of America’s 43rd president. Shattering the conventions of political autobiography, George W. Bush offers a strikingly candid journey through the defining decisions of his life. In gripping, never-before-heard detail, President Bush brings listeners inside the Texas Governor’s Mansion on the night of the contested 2000 election; aboard Air Force One on 9/11, in the hours after America’s most devastating attack since Pearl Harbor...
-
-
Loved It
- By Debra on 11-10-10
By: George W. Bush
-
The Courage to Be Free
- Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival
- By: Ron DeSantis
- Narrated by: Ron DeSantis, John Pruden
- Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A firsthand account from the blue-collar boy who grew up to take on Disney and Dr. Fauci, The Courage to Be Free delivers something rare from an elected leader: stories of victory. This book is a winning blueprint for patriots across the country. And it is a rallying cry for every American who wishes to preserve our liberties.
-
-
Informative and well-written, but slightly disappointing
- By Dash Dalrymple on 03-20-23
By: Ron DeSantis
-
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog
- Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy)
- By: Admiral William H. McRaven
- Narrated by: Admiral William H. McRaven
- Length: 3 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The title “Bullfrog” is given to the Navy SEAL who has served the longest on active duty. Admiral McRaven was honored to receive this honor in 2011 when he took charge of the United States Special Operations Command. When McRaven retired in 2014, he had 37 years as a Navy SEAL under his belt, leading men and women at every level of the special operations community. During those four decades, Admiral McRaven dealt with every conceivable leadership challenge. The Wisdom of The Bullfrog draws on these and countless other experiences from Admiral McRaven’s incredible life.
-
-
Great book for anyone in Leadership position
- By Myrl on 04-06-23
-
Soldier
- The Life of Colin Powell
- By: Karen DeYoung
- Narrated by: Coleen Marlo
- Length: 23 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Over the course of a lifetime of service to his country, Colin Powell became a national hero, a beacon of wise leadership, and, according to polls, "the most trusted man in America". From his humble origins as the son of Jamaican immigrants, to the highest levels of government in four administrations, he helped guide the nation through some of its most heart-wrenching hours.
-
-
The problem with slinging mud....
- By Naji R. Constantine on 04-14-16
By: Karen DeYoung
-
Follow the Leader - a Collection of the Best Lectures on Leadership
- By: Simon Sinek, Laura Sicola, Gen. James Mattis, and others
- Narrated by: John Maxwell, Simon Sinek, Laura Sicola, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is a collection of the best leadership speeches, gave by the most outstanding leaders of our generation.
-
-
Intros needed
- By Caroline Armstrong on 05-31-21
By: Simon Sinek, and others
-
No Higher Honor
- A Memoir of My Years in Washington
- By: Condoleezza Rice
- Narrated by: Condoleezza Rice
- Length: 28 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, who overcame the racism of the civil rights era to become a brilliant academic and expert on foreign affairs, Condoleezza Rice first distinguished herself as an advisor to George W. Bush during the 2000 presidential campaign, and eventually became one of his closest confidantes.
-
-
A Disarming Memoir
- By Lynn on 03-19-12
By: Condoleezza Rice
-
Adaptation Under Fire
- How Militaries Change in Wartime
- By: Lt. General David Barno, Nora Bensahel
- Narrated by: Joe Barrett
- Length: 13 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Every military must prepare for future wars despite not really knowing the shape such wars will ultimately take. In the face of such great uncertainty, militaries must be able to adapt rapidly in order to win. Adaptation Under Fire identifies the characteristics that make militaries more adaptable, illustrated through historical examples and the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
-
-
Outstanding!
- By Michael David Barno on 05-21-24
By: Lt. General David Barno, and others
-
The Afghanistan Papers
- A Secret History of the War
- By: Craig Whitlock, The Washington Post
- Narrated by: Dan Bittner
- Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Unlike the wars in Vietnam and Iraq, the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 had near-unanimous public support. At first, the goals were straightforward and clear: Defeat al-Qaeda and prevent a repeat of 9/11. Yet soon after the United States and its allies removed the Taliban from power, the mission veered off-course and US officials lost sight of their original objectives.
-
-
Eye-Opening Book
- By David J Ray on 09-01-21
By: Craig Whitlock, and others
-
Kabul
- The Untold Story of Biden's Fiasco and the American Warriors Who Fought to the End
- By: Jerry Dunleavy, James Hasson
- Narrated by: Maxwell Hamilton
- Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
America’s chaotic retreat from Afghanistan in 2021 was nothing short of a horror show. Women and children were trampled to death outside the gates of the Kabul airfield. Desperate Afghans fell from the landing gear of departing planes. Taliban fighters mercilessly whipped and humiliated U.S. civilians. Countless Afghan interpreters were abandoned to the mercy of the Taliban after risking their lives alongside American troops for years. And thirteen U.S. service members were murdered in an ISIS suicide bombing. Still, the full story is worse than anyone imagined.
-
-
A rare exposition of the truth
- By VStamper on 10-27-23
By: Jerry Dunleavy, and others
-
Duty
- Memoirs of a Secretary at War
- By: Robert M. Gates
- Narrated by: George Newbern, Robert M. Gates
- Length: 25 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the former secretary of defense, a strikingly candid, vivid account of serving Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Robert M. Gates received a call from the White House, he thought he'd long left Washington politics behind: After working for six presidents in both the CIA and the National Security Council, he was happily serving as president of Texas A&M University. But when he was asked to help a nation mired in two wars and to aid the troops doing the fighting, he answered what he felt was the call of duty.
-
-
The Fighting Season
- By Cynthia on 01-28-14
By: Robert M. Gates
-
Directorate S
- The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan
- By: Steve Coll
- Narrated by: Malcolm Hillgartner
- Length: 28 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Resuming the narrative of his Pulitzer Prize-winning Ghost Wars, best-selling author Steve Coll tells for the first time the epic and enthralling story of America's intelligence, military, and diplomatic efforts to defeat Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan since 9/11.
-
-
Slow At Times But Always Horrifying And Engaging
- By Gillian on 02-20-18
By: Steve Coll
-
Never Give an Inch
- Fighting for the America I Love
- By: Mike Pompeo
- Narrated by: Rick Adamson
- Length: 19 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Complete with a road map of the trends and players shaping the world today, Never Give an Inch is more than a historical review of the Trump Administration's greatest victories. It is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the challenges of the future. And it is an inspirational story of leadership through dangerous times that will leave you with a greater appreciation for America.
-
-
A really great book
- By John A. on 01-24-23
By: Mike Pompeo
Critic reviews
"Well-researched and full of rich detail...a balanced, albeit critical, review of Powell’s 40+ years of service." (Brigadier General Chad Manske, commandant of the National War College)
"Excellent biography…a comprehensive and compelling analysis." (Walter LaFeber, Professor Emeritus, Cornell University)
"Matthews has produced a fascinating case study of the human elements of public service and leadership.” (Malcolm Byrne, deputy director, National Security Archive)
What listeners say about Colin Powell
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Wendy Wood
- 03-27-20
Hard to keep interested
Informative but dragged on. Haven’t listened to any other books about Colin Powell I have no idea if the material presented was unbiased. It seemed to be. I have always thought of Colin Power as a hero tp our nation. Now I am having to rethink much of what I have thought. If you like political history I’d say read it. If you like Colin Powell maybe you should skip this book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- petiepuss
- 09-11-21
A fair assessment of Powell
The narrator gave a insight into a man many admire & love. It was a great listen
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Karen Levosky
- 06-07-20
Boring
I am going to check this book out of the library, I am really interested in Colin Powell, but the narrator was so dry I just couldn't listen to him.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful