"This book is a guidebook to leadership, and really explores the fundamental elements of a leader. At it’s core, Jay writes about being honest about your own journey and the mistakes you’ve made along the way. However, it’s in this process that you discover the wisdom you need to lead others. Jay models this throughout the entire book. He is a master storyteller, and beautifully shares stories from his own leadership journey to illustrate the wisdom he’s picked up along the way."
"“Own Your Epic,” written by Jay Dostal, is a book filled with engaging stories from Jay’s experiences as a school principal. This book will challenge you as a reader to reflect on your own journey as a school leader and encourage you to embrace your own successes and failures so that in turn, you can share your own epics to benefit others."
"Reflection is a powerful tool. The stories and activities provided are thought provoking. Dr. Dostal inspires you to identify key moments in your educational journey. The combination of reflection and identification of these moments aid you in telling your story. "
"There is no harder job than leading a school and no job more fulfilling ... if you're doing it right. In Own Your Epic, Dr. Dostal nails what that "right" work entails. This is an epic job with epic responsibilities. Adhere to his advice in this book, and the pay off for students, staff, and the greater community will be epic as well."
"Absolutely authentic. This is Jay both on top of his game and at his most vulnerable. Like Jay, we can learn from both."
"In this honest and vulnerable reflection of his leadership journey in school administration, Jay Dostal truly does honor his voice. He embraces not only the successes but also the failures and the gut checks that we all have as we tackle new adventures. From the realizations of his first assistant principal job to his current role, he weaves his stories together with lessons we can all use for our own adventures. Raw, real, and full of love for people, Jay’s passion to learn and to lead will inspire you. "