Author

Steven-Paul Lapid

Lead with Purpose. Take the Helm. Keep Your Eyes on the Horizon.

Helm & Horizon: Daily Leadership Principles for the Motivated Sailor is a practical, year-long guide for anyone committed to becoming a more effective leader. Drawing from influential leadership literature, military and naval history, and other established sources, Helm & Horizon translates enduring leadership concepts into 365 concise daily principles. Each entry is designed to make professional growth accessible to leaders whose time is limited but whose commitment to development is not.

The book explores character, decision-making, resilience, communication, accountability, and team development, providing actionable approaches to building trust, navigating challenges, developing others, and becoming a more effective leader. Although written with Sailors and the maritime profession in mind, its principles extend far beyond the Navy. From leading a military team and managing an organization to developing others and taking on greater responsibility, Helm & Horizon offers practical guidance for leading with purpose, character, vision, and discipline.

The leadership journey starts with you.

MEET:
Steven-Paul Lapid

Steven-Paul Lapid is a retired U.S. Naval Officer, bestselling author, award-winning leadership educator, and military analyst with more than 25 years of experience supporting the U.S. Navy. Beginning his career as an enlisted Sailor, he later earned a commission as a Surface Warfare Officer and served aboard destroyers, cruisers, and amphibious warships, as well as in assignments supporting Navy SEAL teams and commands around the world.

Today, Lapid supports U.S. Navy training, readiness, and policy efforts while expanding his work in leadership education and professional development. His work focuses on practical leadership, character, decision-making, team development, and helping people become more intentional about the leaders they want to be.

Lapid holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Florida and is an alumnus of the Aspen Executive Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society. He lives with his family in La Jolla, California.

“In my career in submarines and undersea warfare, I saw firsthand that success relies on discipline, teamwork, and vision. Helm & Horizon embodies these same qualities, providing Sailors with a practical and inspiring guide to leadership at every level.”

– Edward L. Anderson, Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.), Executive VP Sigma Defense Systems

Edward

“Helm & Horizon is a must-read for every Sailor. This book delivers daily doses of wisdom that push you to be a better leader, shipmate, and person. By blending naval history, personal experience, and practical advice, Steven-Paul Lapid has filled a critical gap in professional development. This guide should be required reading across the fleet, inspiring leaders to raise their standard, strengthen their teams, and stay mission-focused.”

– Dr. Ryan Daffron, U.S. Navy Chaplain, Creator & Host of the Leadership Spot Check podcast

ryan

“Steven-Paul Lapid doesn’t just write about leadership; he lives it. Steady as a northern star, quiet in his strength, he leads not by command but by compass, guiding others with humility and grace. Watching him in motion is itself an education. Now, with Helm & Horizon, his hard-won wisdom sets sail into the wider world, a chart for those who know that real impact demands courage, collaboration, and a captain with a steady hand and a clear horizon.“

– Dr. Stanley Frencher Jr., Associate Professor UCLA Urology, Founder & CEO HubMD

stanley

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