Katina Sawyer’s New Book “Leading for Wellness” Is Creating Buzz—and Changing How We Think About Leadership

Associate Professor of Management and Organizations Katina Sawyer, who joined the Eller College of Management in 2022, is no stranger to diving deep into the science of workplace well-being. With a dual PhD in psychology (industrial-organizational) and women’s studies from Penn State and a BA in psychology from Villanova University, she’s built a career exploring topics from diversity to employee mental health. Now, she’s taking that knowledge to a broader audience with her new book, Leading for Wellness, co-authored with friend and colleague Dr. Patricia Grabarek. 

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The story behind the book started with a simple observation: despite the growing popularity of workplace wellness programs and initiatives, employees and managers were still burning out. Despite their good intentions, many organizational leaders felt stuck. “They wanted to know what they could actually do to make a meaningful difference,” Sawyer explains.

That drive to find a clearer path forward led Sawyer and Grabarek—also co-founders of the Workr Beeing blog and podcast—to dig into the research. They discovered that while many individual solutions to alleviate burnout existed, research lacked guidance on which strategies would drive the strongest results. “It was hard to know what to prioritize,” Sawyer says. “People were overwhelmed.”

To make sense of it all, they conducted interviews with more than 50 employees and surveyed hundreds more, zeroing in on what actually worked. One common thread emerged: leaders played a critical role in employee wellness. In Leading for Wellness, the co-authors identify the specific behaviors of what they call “Generators” – leaders who actively support the health and well-being of their teams.

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The result is a practical, research-backed roadmap that any leader can follow. Nearly every chapter includes worksheets to help readers immediately apply what they’ve learned.

Transitioning from academic articles to a popular press book was a big shift, Sawyer admits—but one that’s been deeply rewarding. “I really owe a lot to my department members for their encouragement and the time they have spent letting people know about it,” she says.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “We think the book is resonating because people recognize the disconnect—they want to do better for their teams, and they just need the tools to do it.”

The book is quickly becoming a national sensation. Since its release, Leading for Wellness has captured widespread attention, signaling a real shift in how organizations are thinking about leadership and employee well-being. Sawyer was recently interviewed on NBC News Daily, where she discussed the science behind wellness-focused leadership and the practical steps leaders can take to support their teams. The book has also been featured in major media outlets including Forbes, Fast Company, Psychology Today, HR Digest, Good Housekeeping, the Wall Street Journal, and more—solidifying its place as a go-to resource for anyone looking to build a healthier workplace.

In addition to the national media spotlight, Sawyer has taken the message on the road. She’s currently on a nationwide book tour and has shared her expertise on popular podcasts such as Eat Sleep Work Repeat, Working on Purpose, Hope@Work, and WebMD’s Mental Health Check, extending the conversation to even more audiences.

The growing buzz around Leading for Wellness is a testament to its timeliness and impact. In a world where burnout is rampant and workplace engagement is declining, Sawyer’s research-based approach offers a refreshing and much-needed path forward. The book isn’t just gaining attention—it’s helping to shape a new standard for leadership that prioritizes people without compromising performance.

Whether you’re a manager, an aspiring leader, or simply someone who cares about well-being at work, Leading for Wellness offers a refreshing take on how to lead with compassion, clarity, and real impact.

You can find Leading for Wellness wherever books are sold. For more information and a full list of where it’s available, visit www.workrbeeing.com/book.