Available Formats
The New Science of Momentum: How the Best Coaches and Leaders Build a Fire from a Single Spark
By (Author) Don Yaeger
With Bernie Banks
HarperCollins Focus
HarperCollins Leadership
30th September 2025
United States
General
Non Fiction
Economics, Finance, Business and Management
Hardback
288
Width 152mm, Height 229mm
Learn how to capture the awesome power of momentum!
Despite overwhelming belief among leaders in sports, business, politics, and the military that momentum is a real, non-random occurrence and that a decisive edge can be gained through it, there has been no comprehensive effort to elucidate the shared aspects of momentum, or to bring to light what can be done to manipulate its causes and effects.
In other words: while most believe that momentum is real nobody has articulated how teams can recognize the initial spark of momentum, nurture it, and ultimately shape its course.
Now, in this groundbreaking new book, bestselling author Don Yaeger and leadership expert Bernie Banks reveal the forces behind turning a moment into momentum. This book is an exploration of lessons learned from highly accomplished leaders on the topic of momentum in four sectors: sports, business, politics, and military. There are more than 250 leader interviews included, more than 2,000 leaders who have been surveyed on the topic and that primary research is bolstered by the results of numerous academic and scientific papers. From the six years spent gathering data, they have created a working model that can help the reader build momentum in their organization.
'As George HW Bush said, 'It's all about big Mo.' He was correct. And if you want to know how Big Mo can work for you, this book from Don Yaeger and Gen. Banks is your roadmap.' * James Carville, American Political Consultant and Bestselling Author *
'Don Yaeger and Bernie Banks have crafted a powerful resource that helps leaders better understand how to systematically take actions that generate the right types of momentum while simultaneously strengthening trust. I highly recommend this wonderful book as an insightful and practical guide for leaders everywhere who desire to make momentum generation a personal/team superpower!' * Stephen M. R. Covey, The New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Speed of Trust and Trust & Inspire *
'Don Yaeger and Bernie Banks have deftly mined the experiences of world-renowned leaders in service of sharing their lessons learned about forging momentum in an engaging and practical format. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is intent on growing their ability to win!' * Mike Krzyzewski, Naismith Hall of Fame coach, five-time national champion at Duke, and six-time gold medalist as head Coach of the US Mens National Team *
'I have always referred to momentum as the 'great multiplier.' It increases your team's opportunities for success exponentially. If you're looking for that multiplier, Don Yaeger and Gen. Bernard Banks are laying it out for you in these pages. I recommend this book highly.' * John C. Maxwell, New York Times Bestselling Author *
'If you can find momentum, you can be unstoppable. Don Yaeger and Gen. Banks have figured out how we can capture this magical power and turn it into the ultimate strategic advantage!' * Simon Sinek, Optimist and New York Times Bestselling author and host of the podcast A Bit of Optimism *
'In Bernie Banks and Don Yaeger's fascinating new book, entertaining vignettes and thoughtful science are combined to make the concept and reality of momentum come alive. Essential for players, coaches, leaders and followers -- in short -- all of us.' * Stanley A. McChrystal, Retired United States, General *
'It is with great enthusiasm that I greet the arrival of a book by Banks, in partnership with Don Yaeger. They've chosen a great topic with a vital message for all leaders: Never underestimate the power of momentum!' * Jim Collins, author Good to Great and Turning the Flywheel *
Don Yaegeris a 12-time New York Timesbestselling author, longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated, and one of the most in-demand public speakers on the corporate circuit. Throughout his writing career, he has developed a reputation as a world-class storyteller and has been invited as a guest on numerous major talk and news shows from The Oprah Winfrey Showto Nightlineand Good Morning America. In addition to writing and speaking, Yaeger is the host of the highly rated Corporate Competitor Podcast. Bernie Banksis the Director of Rice Universitys Doerr Institute for New Leaders and a Professor in the Practice of Leadership within the universitys Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business. Bernie retired from the United States Army in 2016 as a Brigadier General after having successfully led West Point's Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership in his final assignment. He has led multiple military units ranging in size from 10 to 3000+ people. Additionally, Bernie has engaged with organizations around the globe regarding their leader development efforts.