As artificial intelligence and automation reshape workplaces, bestselling author and leadership speaker Rocky Romanella has released a four-part series aimed at helping leaders stay grounded in enduring human principles. Titled “The Mentor: Believing in People Before They Believe in Themselves,” the series launches September 15, 2026, and draws on Romanella’s decades of experience at UPS and The UPS Store Franchise Network.
Romanella, author of Tighten the Lug Nuts: The Principles of Balanced Leadership, argues that while AI can accomplish many tasks, it cannot lead. “In the age of AI, leaders must remember that belief, trust, and character are still the foundation of every great organization,” he said. “Technology may change how we work, but it will never replace the responsibility leaders have to lift others, mentor with purpose, and leave things a little better than they found them.”
The series covers belief as a leadership responsibility, mentorship through Coach John Wooden’s principles, the UPS promotion-from-within culture, coachability as a bridge between potential and progress, gratitude as an anchor, and a “One Word” identity exercise. Romanella weaves in personal stories from his father, his UPS career, and his time leading the MBE/The UPS Store Franchise Network.
His connection to Wooden reinforces the mentorship theme. A published conversation with the legendary coach is available on his website at https://www.3sixtymanagementservices.com/category/leadership-training/. The full series will be accessible at https://www.3sixtymanagementservices.com/category/newsletters/.
Romanella’s perspective matters as organizations grapple with rapid technological change. His message that trustworthiness is a leader’s highest honor and lasting legacy challenges the notion that AI can substitute for human judgment and empathy. “If you choose to lead, you must choose to be an honest and trusted leader,” he said. “Your vision, mission, and values only matter if people trust you enough to follow.”
Beyond the series, Romanella continues to speak and coach on leadership, ethics, and purpose-driven decision-making. He hosts The Leadership Library Podcast, now in its ninth season, with new episodes each Tuesday through the end of 2025 at https://tightenthelugnuts.com/. Past episodes have covered topics such as trust, soft skills, and balanced leadership.
His book, Tighten the Lug Nuts, achieved number one bestseller status in Business Management and Business Leadership. It offers a framework for leaders at all levels, from parents to executives. More information is available at https://3sixtymanagementservices.com.
