Helm & Horizon

Leadership books are often written for executives, managers, or aspiring entrepreneurs. Far fewer are written specifically for the men and women who lead in uniform every day. Steven-Paul Lapid’s Helm & Horizon addresses that gap directly, offering a structured and practical guide to leadership development tailored to Sailors at every stage of their careers.

Equally notable is the author’s focus on the profession of arms. Much of the modern leadership literature aimed at military audiences borrows heavily from corporate frameworks. Helm & Horizon instead places naval service at the center of the discussion, emphasizing the responsibility leaders carry to their crews, their commands, and the mission. Lapid’s background as a retired Surface Warfare Officer who rose from the enlisted ranks informs the perspective of the book. His experience across operational assignments and training commands is reflected in the book’s practical tone. The daily format also encourages leaders to think of development as a continuous process rather than a one-time event. Each entry provides a brief leadership insight followed by practical applications, prompting readers to consider how the principle might influence their own actions and decisions.

At its best, Helm & Horizon serves as both a professional reading companion and a leadership development tool. The book reminds readers that effective leadership is not defined solely by rank or position, but by the standards leaders set and the example they demonstrate day after day. For Sailors seeking a structured approach to professional growth, Helm & Horizon offers a disciplined framework for developing the habits that sustain leadership over a career.

Jayson Redmond is an editor at DODReads and a contributor to several defense and national security outlets, where he writes on military leadership and professional development. He regularly reviews books that contribute to the professional education of service members and the broader national security community.