The Fruit of Maestro-level Leadership By Dr. Mark L. Vincent

The Strategic Effect of Maestro-Level Leaders

In partnership with Christian Leadership Alliance, the next Maestro-level Leaders Cohort begins in April. There is room to join this group of Third Turn leaders. If you desire to slingshot your successors into a future filled with more of the mission, join us!

The Core Four

Cohort participants work out their version of the four Key Elements of a strong continuity and succession plan:

1. The Maestro-level Leader job description.
2. A future value balance sheet
3. A Maestro-level Leader map
4. A visible and articulated leadership philosophy

From the just-released book, The Maestro Effect, here is one example of a CLA member’s journey.

The Masetro Effect in Action

Mike Mantel, President & CEO of Living Water International, was developing his Maestro-level Leader Map. He integrated it with the other three Maestro-level Elements to produce uniquely powerful insights. Mike created a spreadsheet that his Cohort teased him about. Mainly because they admired how his map expanded beyond identifying which tasks. The plan was to hand off these tasks and incorporate them into his job description. The tasks detailed the future value he was working to bring and elements of his leadership philosophy. It was an admirable way to take it all in at a glance and see how it was progressing.

Coordinating Bigger Changes

It became clear that several other senior team members and some long-time board members would also be transitioning soon. Mike took steps to form an internal Maestro-level Leaders Cohort with these team members. This practice enabled all these key leaders to be deliberate about their transitions as well. Mike was masterfully coordinating and accelerating their successors’ future growth. It became the very picture of a sophisticated orchestration composed by a Maestro.

A New Framework

The senior leadership design that emerged from these interrelated efforts split Mike’s combined President & CEO role into two distinct roles. Mike worked to position long-time COO Jonathan Wiles as a likely successor to the CEO. But was very clear that it was the board’s decision, not one he could make. I was privileged to work with the board and the internal Maestro-level Leaders Cohort. I provided an overall sequence of coordinated conversations. This ensured the process was thoroughly and objectively managed.

The Outcome

Jonathan was recently named the incoming CEO at Living Waters’ 35th-anniversary gala, a grand celebration on many fronts. Mike will continue to serve as President for two years. His charge is to develop the co-leadership model and lead the revenue-generation teams for Living Water International. Allowing him space while his transition to a “life to go to” continues.

Next Steps For You

For more on the succession story at Living Water International, check out the press release.

Participants in the CEO Forum at the 2026 conference in Dallas will receive a complimentary copy of The Maestro Effect. To order a copy, navigate your browser here.

To join the next Maestro-level Leaders Cohort! Please feel free to reach out to me or contact the Director, Dr. Sarah Harstad.

Dr. Mark L. Vincent is the Founder of Design Group International and the Society for Process Consulting. He hosts the Third Turn Podcast and facilitates Maestro-level leaders. Discover the Maestro-level cohort that is waiting for you! Click the banner below to learn more!

Dr. Mark L. Vincent will serve as faculty and aslo hosting the CEO Forum with Lyle Wells, CEO of Integrus Leadership!

Be sure to mark your calendar and reserve your spot at Outcomes 2026!