Book Review: Your Oxygen Mask First by Kevin Lawrence
As the CEO of a company that has recently engaged Lawrence and Co. to guide our executive leadership team to higher levels of performance and cohesion, I approached Kevin Lawrence’s Your Oxygen Mask First with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. Having authored my own book that I would suggest is similar, Enhanced Life Performance, I’m no stranger to self-reflection or the concept of optimizing one’s personal and professional life. Yet, even with my familiarity in
this space, Lawrence’s book challenged me in unexpected ways.
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A Brutally Honest Manual for Leaders
Kevin Lawrence pulls no punches in Your Oxygen Mask First. The book is a raw, unapologetic guide for high-achievers, who are often running at full tilt but risking burnout, disconnection, or worse. Lawrence’s central metaphor—putting on your own oxygen mask first—is a reminder that leaders can only serve their organizations, families, and communities effectively if they first care for themselves. If you know me, this is SUPER DIFFICULT for me to grasp. I JUST GO HARD! This isn’t just about physical health though; it’s about mental resilience, emotional awareness, and aligning with what truly matters.
The book is structured into 17 habits designed to help leaders thrive in the face of relentless demands. Each habit is straightforward yet deeply reflective, from managing energy and building resilience to defining your personal success and aligning your life with your values. Lawrence balances his insights with stories from his consulting work, making the lessons feel practical and relatable.
Accompanying the book is a workbook that takes the reader even deeper into the reflective exercises. I’ll admit, as someone who regularly engages in profound self-reflection, the workbook is no easy feat. It’s not something you breeze through in a weekend. The exercises force you to confront difficult truths about your habits, priorities, and even your blind spots as a leader.
That said, this difficulty is also what makes the workbook so powerful. It’s not about surface-level tweaks—it’s about digging into the foundation of who you are, how you lead, and what you want out of life. While I’ve found it challenging to fully commit to completing the workbook, the moments when I have allowed myself to engage with it have been incredibly revealing. For leaders unaccustomed to such depth of introspection, it may feel like an uphill climb, but the payoff I believe will be worth it.
As the author of Enhanced Life Performance, I couldn’t help but view Your Oxygen Mask First through the lens of my own work. There’s a shared philosophy between Lawrence’s book and my own: the idea that exceptional performance begins with self-mastery. However, what stands out about Lawrence’s approach is his unflinching honesty. He doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties of leadership or the toll it can take. Instead, he provides tools and frameworks to help leaders navigate those challenges with clarity and strength.
From one author to another, I admire Lawrence’s ability to cut through the noise and deliver a message that is both practical and profound. His writing is concise, direct, and actionable, which makes it accessible even to the busiest of executives.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its pragmatism. Lawrence doesn’t just tell you why self-care and personal alignment matter—he shows you how to achieve them. The habits are broken down into actionable steps, and the accompanying stories make them feel achievable, even in the context of a demanding leadership role.
However, the book’s directness might also be its biggest challenge for some readers. Lawrence doesn’t coddle, and his tough-love approach may feel overwhelming to those who are new to the concept of self-reflection or resistant to change. Additionally, for someone like me, who has already invested significantly in personal development, some of the material felt familiar, though still valuable as a reminder.
Your Oxygen Mask First is more than just a book—it’s a call to action for leaders to take responsibility for their own well-being and performance. It’s a guide for building the resilience and clarity needed to lead effectively in a world that demands more than ever from its leaders. While the process of engaging with the book and workbook can be challenging, the rewards are well worth the effort.
For me, as both an author and a CEO working with Lawrence and Co., the book has been a powerful reminder that even the most reflective leaders can benefit from stepping back, reassessing, and recommitting to their own growth. It’s clear that Lawrence’s methods, as outlined in this book, are not just about individual success—they’re about creating a ripple effect that transforms entire organizations.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Kevin Lawrence’s Your Oxygen Mask First is an essential read for anyone in a leadership role. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an up-and-coming leader, this book will challenge you, inspire you, and equip you with the tools to thrive in both your personal and professional life. It’s not just a book—it’s a blueprint for living and leading with intention.