The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for What's Right When the Stakes Are High

From Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a roadmap for shattering the status quo and standing up for what's right across our lives, our communities, and our country.

AN OPEN FIELD BOOK FROM MARIA SHRIVER

During the 2020 presidential election, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson oversaw the highest turnout and most secure election in the state’s history. But she was thrust onto the national stage when then-President Donald Trump falsely and publicly accused her of rigging votes. Soon after, armed protesters appeared at Benson’s house, threatening her safety and that of her husband and young son.

The intimidation did not work. Not only did Benson refuse to back down, she spoke out even louder, ultimately helping to expose the nationally coordinated effort to hinder the election. Now in The Purposeful Warrior, Benson invites us to channel our fears and frustrations into standing up for integrity and truth—not only for ourselves, but for our communities and our nation.

Becoming a Purposeful Warrior means knowing that what affects one person affects us all. It means having zero tolerance for bullies and fighting for the truth, even when it hurts. It means navigating life with grit and grace, challenging your own assumptions, and allowing your anger to point you toward your purpose.

Introducing the Purposeful Warrior principles, Benson shares powerful stories from her rise in politics—from her time investigating domestic terrorist cells in Alabama, to becoming the youngest woman to lead a top 100 law school in the U.S., to launching a coalition of major sports leagues to advance equality with the owner of the Miami Dolphins, to becoming one of only a handful of women to complete the Boston Marathon while more than eight months pregnant—as well as those of paradigm-shifters throughout history, business leaders, sports icons, and everyday heroes who embody what it means to be a Purposeful Warrior.

In times of intense conflict and anxiety, the world wants us to believe we’re powerless to make a difference. But we’re not powerless; our purpose is simply waiting to be unleashed.