Now Available
The Gentle Art of Leading
What thirty-five years on the mat taught me about leadership.
Leadership under pressure. Ego, failure, resilience, and rebuilding — told through thirty-five years of Jiu-Jitsu and thirty years inside global corporations.
Portuguese edition also available on Amazon outside Brazil
“The mat never lies. Neither does the boardroom.”
This is not leadership from the summit.
This is leadership from the climb. From pressure. From failure. From the moments where ego breaks and truth remains.
From the Mat
The lessons were earned in real pressure.
Meet the Author
Mario Agnese
Mario Agnese is a 5th degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt with thirty-five years on the mat and thirty years navigating global corporate leadership. He lives in Houston, Texas, where he is co-owner of Rilion Gracie Katy and Dojo Coffee Shop.
Connect on LinkedIn
Early Reader Reactions
Leadership lessons that land differently.
“A book about courage, determination, and connection. The courage to show up without filters. The determination to leave a position of disadvantage and redesign your own path. And the ability to recognize jiu-jitsu principles that can be applied to the corporate world.”
Jose Maria
Writer and Executive Leader
“The connection between Jiu-Jitsu and business is powerful because it is not forced. The stories feel earned, honest, and useful.”
Rodrigo Oliveira
Entrepreneur
“Tap early. Position before submission. I kept thinking about my own career decisions while reading it.”
Mario Trindade
Corporate Manager