TESTIMONIALS
Nobody from Nowhere
​This book offers readers a unique blend of personal reflections, leadership insights, and life lessons learned over decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. From childhood in Prince Albert to senior roles in government and non-profits, Dale Botting’s journey is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Below, some respected figures from diverse fields share their thoughts on how this book resonates with them and why it’s a must-read for anyone seeking personal growth and leadership wisdom.
Pamela Wallin
Senator of Canada
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“As Aristotle wisely observed: ‘Moral virtues come from habit and the habits we form in childhood make no small difference, rather, they make all the difference.’
This book is about just that! It's a compelling – and very familiar for me - origin story. It's one that explores the gift of growing up in the pre-digital era....as a nobody in the middle of nowhere.
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That meant freedom, opportunity, and more than even odds in the game of life. Dale’s book captures the true spirit of serendipity…being in right place at the right time for those small moments that can change your mind or your heart or that offer the chance to say yes to the unexpected. ( And it is amazing just how much luck comes your way if you work damn hard!!)
What Others Are Saying About Nobody from Nowhere: A Story of Leadership, Resilience, and Legacy
The road from the arrogance of youth to the wise cynicism of experience can be long. For someone like Dale, who succeeded at an early age, it means along that road, the opportunities are more frequent, but so too are the chances to fail…which, thankfully is one of life’s best teachers. The lessons learned should be taken to heart.
The final test of a successful life: have you used your time to make a difference…have you changed another life for the better and found peace in the wee small hours of the morning when you are quietly taking stock in lieu of sleep. The answer here is a resounding yes. Dale truly made a difference in the lives of many.
Dale’s book is filled with wonderful and inspiring quotes – so let me add one more from Lily Tomlin and her writer, Jane Wagner, "Reality is the leading cause of stress – for those who are in touch with it!!" Dale is in touch but for him: ‘If it’s too easy, then it’s no fun'"​​
Eric Cline
Former Saskatchewan cabinet minister and MLA, author of Making a Difference (2008) and Squandered (2024), and self-employed professional
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"Botting offers lessons learned over five decades as a tool kit for successful life. Pitfalls could be avoided by adding this engaging and authentic book to the bookshelf. His career straddled the 'soft' side of human services and the 'hard' side of business, and he calls for a balanced approach:
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Private and public sectors are not enemies but depend upon one other;
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Environmental stewardship and business development are not mutually exclusive, but mutually dependent; and
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Individual success does not need to come at the expense of concern for others, and effective leadership and fulfilling life require both."
Mike Marsh
Retired CEO, SaskPower​
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“A Review of a Great Little Book on a Leaders Journey…
This witty and insightful retrospective from a self-declared “Nobody”, paints a clear and colorful picture of a lifetime of memories and experiences in a variety of leadership roles, and provides valuable learnings for all of us who also come from “Nowhere”!
Whether you are a leader or a follower, a member of a large organization or a small one, the nuggets of wisdom in this book on understanding and developing our own dimensions of Character while reflecting on our own lives and career journeys - are there for you!
Everyone will be able to connect with Dale’s passionate storytelling, the challenges faced, and the emotions experienced along the way!”
Bruce Johnstone
Bruce Johnstone spent nearly 40 years at The Leader-Post newspaper in Regina mainly as a business reporter and columnist. He spent the last eight years as a freelance journalist and wrote A Century of Enterprise: Saskatchewan’s Voice of Business Celebrates 100 Years, a history of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
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“Dale Botting’s book, Nobody from Nowhere: A Story of Leadership, Resilience, and Legacy, is really two books.
The first book is a quick synopsis of his life and career, from growing up in Prince Albert, SK during the ‘50s to his rapid ascension to the senior ranks of government departments and agencies, as well as the CEO/COO of several NGOs and not-for-profits in the province.
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The second book represents Dale’s learnings from a lifetime of work, specifically, the plums and prizes – as well as the perils and pitfalls -- of leadership. Speaking from personal experience, Dale gives the reader an insider’s look at the intoxicating, addictive and often lonely world of the leader. He warns of the alienation, workaholism, and depression that can befall leaders, who sacrifice too much – of themselves, their family and their time -- for the power and perquisites of the executive suite. But, he says, it doesn’t have to be that way. Leadership doesn’t have to be a gilded cage of the leader’s own making. Leadership is more than just being “the boss,’’ the all-knowing, god-like figure, who works him or herself to death for the company. In fact, leadership is a misnomer, he says. Leadership is really mentorship and stewardship, helping your fellow employees achieve their goals and ensuring the organization carries on seamlessly after you’re gone.
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If you’re wondering whether you have “the right stuff” to be a leader, read this book. It will provide all the information – and inspiration – you’ll need to find out.”
SaskBooks Review
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"There are so many nuggets of wisdom about leadership–and indeed life itself–in Dale Botting’s mesmerizing book Nobody from Nowhere, it’s hard to know where to begin. Both a memoir and career guide, this book challenges outdated views of what many people think leadership is by realigning it to the fundamental heart of “stewardship” it should be. That conclusion, found in Dale’s epilogue chapter, comes from many years’ experience gained through his storied career in diverse sectors. Indeed, despite Dale’s insistence that he is a “nobody,” this book has the potential to impact the lives of many who are fortunate enough to have it come across their radar. I know, because I am one of them."
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