Short Story
The book examines how negative ego can undermine a person’s ability to build strong relationships, limit career growth, and hinder effective leadership. It also provides practical exercises and techniques to help readers recognize, suppress, and control ego in their daily lives.
This book is for anyone who has struggled with ego—or leads people who do—and is ready to elevate their level of emotional accountability.
Why now? Because over the past 13 years, I’ve researched, written, and spoken about the importance of confronting negative ego. I believe this message is more relevant than ever.
I’ve seen firsthand how ego can derail careers and prevent leaders from effectively guiding their organizations. When I began addressing my own ego, everything changed— I became a better person and a more effective leader. I’ve also witnessed meaningful growth in others by sharing the same techniques and practices outlined in this book.
Bringing Ego to the Forefront: The First Step Toward Ego-Free Leadership
WHY THIS BOOK?
The Inciting Moment
I was an angry, egotistical supervisor. I was running over people, “collecting men’s tears” in disciplinary meetings, and strutting through the halls like I’d won something. My ego was out of control and I had no idea. Then my wife (now ex) gave me an ultimatum: marriage counseling or out of the house. We didn’t know it then, but therapy was going to save my life.
Six months of intensive therapy ripped open wounds I’d stuffed down for years. And in the process, something unexpected happened: the anger started to leave. The ego started to deflate. I started to see myself, and everyone around me , differently.
The Stake: What This Costs People
Ego doesn’t just damage careers. It destroys teams, kills morale, fractures families, and creates leaders no one wants to follow. When I became Chief in Chambersburg, PA, then later Chief in North Charleston – a city with 315 officers – I watched it play out again and again. Personnel issues, disciplinary problems, and toxic behaviors. When I looked closely, nearly every one traced back to ego.
Training never addressed these issues. In an informal survey of five leaders on my own team, who had attended a combined 42 leadership courses. Only one course taught emotional intelligence. Not one explored ego.
The Promise: What Changes
This book is the result of 30+ years on the front lines, a personal transformation, a doctorate, and thousands of hours teaching, coaching, and mentoring leaders across law enforcement, government, and the corporate world. The tools in these pages, self-awareness, introspection, empathy, coaching, mentoring, are transformational and vital. Yet ,they are missing in almost every leadership curriculum you’ve ever sat through.
I didn’t write this book to lecture you. I wrote it because I was you. And I know what’s on the other side.
WHAT THE BOOK DOES
This book helps you go from being unconsciously controlled by your ego to consciously leveraging self-awareness, Introspection, and empathy as your greatest leadership tools.
Five Core Outcomes
Recognize exactly how your ego is showing up: In meetings, at home, under pressure, and what it’s costing you.
Build a daily practice of introspection and self-awareness that makes ego-driven decisions visible before they do damage.
Replace defensive reactions with empathetic responses that earn loyalty, not just compliance.
Use practical tools – journaling, therapy, coaching, mentoring, honest feedback – to break the ego’s grip for good.
Lead in a way that outlasts your title: by inspiring others to do the same work on themselves.
WHAT’S INSIDE
Part I: The Limitations of Modern Leadership Training
Chapter 1
What’s Been Tried Before (and Failed)
Understanding resistance to change, fear of the unknown, limitations on research, lack of leadership support
Chapter 2
Where is the Gap?
Typical training formats, the lack of emotional intelligence training, why this is personal to me
Chapter 3
Why is Now the Moment for Change
The next step in the evolution of leadership training, the philosophy of Ego-Free leadership
Part II: The Big Three — Ego, Self-Awareness, Introspection
Chapter 4
Ego
Freud and defining ego, the meaning of ego from neutral to negative, the causes of negative ego
Chapter 5
Self-Awareness
Know your faults, how does the world see you, techniques to develop self-awareness, exercises to practice self-awareness
Chapter 6
Introspection
Developing introspection, examples of how to use introspection, learning and using the “Mirror” concept
Part III: Leading Beyond the Self
Chapter 7
Tools to Combat Ego That Can be Done on Your Own
Mission and purpose above yourself, practicing empathy, journaling, meditation
Chapter 8
Tools to Combat Ego That Can be Done With Others
Therapy, counseling, coaching, mentoring, feedback from friends and family, martial arts
Chapter 9
Evolution of Self
Lessons in humility, what you learn when you “evolve”
Chapter 10
Evolution of Others
The advantages of helping your organization, family, team, and corporation evolve through controlling ego
What You’ll Learn & Practice
- How to use the Funeral Test, Bucket List, and informal questionnaires to build genuine self-awareness
- The difference between therapy, counseling, coaching, and mentoring and which tool fits which problem
- How to journal in a way that catches your ego before it acts, not after
- Why ‘yes men’ are the most dangerous people in your organization and how to replace them
- How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other humbling practices can permanently reshape a leader’s relationship with ego
- The specific introspective questions I ask myself every single day
MY HOPE FOR THE BOOK
WHO IS THIS BOOK FOR?
The Leader Watching Their Team Erode
Pain Point Reality
You’ve built something, a team, a department, a company. But morale is leaking. Good people are leaving. Disciplinary issues keep surfacing. And somewhere in the back of your mind, you wonder if the problem starts at the top.
What Most People Try (and Why It Fails)
More accountability. Stricter discipline. Better SOPs. These tools aren’t wrong, but they treat the symptom, not the cause. The real issue is that no one in your leadership pipeline was ever taught what ego does to a team.
What This Book Gives You
A frank, experience-forged framework for identifying ego-driven culture before it metastasizes, and the tools to turn it around through your own example.
The High-Performer Who Can’t Figure Out Why They’re Stuck
Pain Point Reality
You’re smart, driven, and results-oriented. But promotions pass you by. Relationships feel transactional. Feedback from peers is always slightly left of what you expect. You suspect ego is involved, you just don’t know what to do about it.
What Most People Try (and Why It Fails)
Doubling down on performance. Convincing themselves that the environment is the problem. Surrounding themselves with people who validate rather than challenge.
What This Book Gives You
Specific, field-tested tools for self-diagnosis: How to find your blind spots, open yourself to honest feedback, and use that information to accelerate rather than derail your career.
The Parent or Spouse Tired of Ego Wars at Home
Pain Point Reality
You know the holidays are going to be tense. You know you’ve said things to your kids you regret. The resentment between you and a family member has been building for years, and no one will move first.
What Most People Try (and Why It Fails)
Avoiding the conversation. Keeping the peace on the surface. Waiting for the other person to change first.
What This Book Gives You
Practical language and self-awareness tools that make it possible to move first to lead by example in your family the same way I learned to lead and create positive cultures in diverse organizations, from small ones internationally to a large police department of 400 officers and civilians.
PACKAGES TO CONSIDER
Every package includes:
- Access to author updates,
- the opportunity to submit your own ego journey story for potential inclusion,
- and acknowledgement in the book.
How to Choose Your Package
- Reading it solo? Start with The Spark.
- Gifting it or sharing the message? The Recruit or The Awakening.
- You lead people and want direct coaching? The Reckoning is where it gets real.
- Running a department or team? The Commander gives you consistent access.
- Ready to change your organizational culture? The Forefront brings the workshop.
- You want me on stage for your team? The Legacy is your package.
SELECT YOUR PACKAGE BELOW
The Spark — $50
Your personal reckoning starts here.
Best for: The solo reader ready to begin the work
- 1 Signed Copy of Bring Ego to the Forefront
- Access to Author Updates
- Submit your own ego journey story (potential book inclusion)
- 1 Ticket to the online or in-person launch event
- Acknowledgement in the Book
The Recruit — $100
For the leader and the person they most want to reach.
Best for: A reader who knows someone else who needs this too
- 2 Signed Copies of Bring Ego to the Forefront
- Access to Author Updates
- Submit your own ego journey story (potential book inclusion)
- 2 Tickets to the online or in-person launch event
- Acknowledgement in the Book
The Awakening — $200
When one copy isn’t enough to start the conversation.
Best for: A team lead, manager, or family member who wants to share the message
- 4 Signed Copies of Bring Ego to the Forefront
- Access to Author Updates
- Submit your own ego journey story (potential book inclusion)
- Early Access to the First Chapter of the Book
- 4 Tickets to the online or in-person launch event
- Acknowledgement in the Book
The Reckoning — $500 ⭐ Recommended
The turning point. Coaching included.
Best for: A leader ready to do the real work — with Dr. Camacho in the room
- 6 Signed Copies of Bring Ego to the Forefront
- Access to Author Updates
- Submit your own ego journey story (potential book inclusion)
- Early Access to the First Chapter of the Book
- 1-Hour In-Person Coaching Session (Charleston, SC area)
- 6 Tickets to the online or in-person launch event
- Acknowledgement in the Book
The Commander — $1,000
Three sessions. Real accountability. Lasting change.
Best for: The executive or department head committed to deep transformation
- 10 Signed Copies of Bring Ego to the Forefront
- Access to Author Updates
- Submit your own ego journey story (potential book inclusion)
- Early Access to the First Chapter of the Book
- Three 1-Hour Virtual Coaching Sessions with Dr. Camacho
- 10 Tickets to the online or in-person launch event
- Acknowledgement in the Book
The Forefront — $2,500
Five sessions plus a workshop built for your team.
Best for: Organizations ready to build an ego-aware culture from the inside out
- 15 Signed Copies of Bring Ego to the Forefront
- Access to Author Updates
- Submit your own ego journey story (potential book inclusion)
- Early Access to the First Chapter of the Book
- Five 1-Hour Virtual Coaching Sessions with Dr. Camacho
- Customized “Ego Kills Careers” Workshop (3 hours)
- 15 Tickets to the online or in-person launch event
- Acknowledgement in the Book
The Legacy — $5,000
The complete experience. Dr. Camacho in your room.
Best for: Leaders and organizations ready to transform their culture at scale
- 20 Signed Copies of Bring Ego to the Forefront
- Access to Author Updates
- Submit your own ego journey story (potential book inclusion)
- Early Access to the First Chapter of the Book
- Five 1-Hour Virtual Coaching Sessions with Dr. Camacho
- Customized “Ego Kills Careers” Workshop (3 hours)
- Keynote: “The Path to Ego-Free Leadership” by Dr. Camacho
- 20 Tickets to the online or in-person launch event
- Acknowledgement in the Book
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT WORKING WITH RON
Dr. Ron Camacho is a standout in police leadership in the U.S. It’s been an honor to watch his execution since taking over the North Charleston Police Department. I’ve learned a lot from him and know the future is bright for his agency and his community.
Cory McGookin
Retired FBI National Academy Unit Chief
Dr. Ron Camacho is not only eminently qualified to pen a book on the important topic of ego, but he is also very possibly ‘the’ most qualified person to do so. This book is a product of his lifetime of hard work, lead advancement, and concentrated study. It should be mandatory reading for all police academies as well as university, criminal justice, and management degree programs.
John Giduck
Renowned trainer, terrorism expert, and author of Terror at Beslan, Shooter Down!!, and When Terror Returns
Through his leadership, Ron showed me how easily ego can limit growth. His honesty in sharing his own missteps gave me the perspective to recognize my own ego and manage it more effectively as a leader.
Rick Morrissette
Director, Bureau of Enforcement and Investigations, Pennsylvania Department of State
MORE ABOUT RON
About the Author — Dr. Ron Camacho
Dr. Ron Camacho is an accomplished law enforcement executive with more than 30 years of service, including 17 years in senior leadership roles. He retired in 2013 as Patrol Operations Captain with the York City (PA) Police Department, where he commanded over ninety officers and detectives and oversaw critical operational functions.
Following retirement, Chief Camacho served internationally as a police advisor in Afghanistan and later as the in-country Deputy Program Manager on a U.S. State Department training contract in Mexico. In that role, he supervised more than thirty retired American law enforcement professionals tasked with strengthening policing capabilities at the local, state, and federal levels.
In 2023, his prior department’s innovative leadership received national recognition. He was named one of Police Magazine’s Innovative Law Enforcement Leaders for pioneering an officer wellness program, and the department was featured in Police Chief Magazine for its Citizen Advisory Committee initiative — reflecting his commitment to transparency, operational excellence, and a service-oriented culture that builds public trust.
A graduate of the FBI National Academy (239th Session), Dr. Camacho holds a Doctorate and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. A nationally published author and sought-after speaker, he focuses on leadership development, mentorship, emotional intelligence, and conquering ego. He was sworn in as Chief of the North Charleston Police Department in December 2024.
Ron is married to his wonderful wife Tiffany, and has three adult children — Joshua, Logan, and Isabella. He and his wife are avid dog lovers who enjoy spoiling their two Great Danes, Odin and Saxon, as well as their German Shepherd, Vader. Ron loves reading military history, from the conquest of Alexander the Great to the campaigns of Napoleon, all the way to the exploits of today’s elite warriors. His hobbies include hiking, writing, watching movies, and mentoring leaders.
He is an eight-year veteran of the United States Army and a proud former airborne infantry squad leader with C Co, 1st Bn, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division.
TIMELINE + WHAT YOUR SUPPORT MAKES POSSIBLE
The Book’s Journey
| Phase | Status / Notes |
|---|---|
| Writing | Manuscript draft is complete. I have been accepted to the publishing programme. |
| Developmental Editing | Development editing is complete (draft manuscript completed). |
| Presale Campaign | Commences April 20, 2026 and runs until May 25, 2026. Target: at least 200 copies sold, 150+ backers and fans. Monetary goal: to fund the publishing and production phase — the next step on the journey to becoming a published author. |
| Revisions Editing | Begins immediately after the presale campaign ends — a 16-week intensive process transforming the manuscript into a polished book ready for publication. |
| Design | Manuscripts provides a professional design team who handle all final book production elements, including cover design, illustrations, and layout. |
| Editing | Manuscripts has a professional team of copyeditors and proofreaders to ensure the book is properly edited and ready for print. |
| Printing will take place in late December 2026 and early January 2027. | |
| Ship | Signed copies delivery to Founding Members in January 2027. All Founding Members will be kept up to date on the print and production schedule. |
| Published | Publication is planned just after Founding Members receive their copies — you will be the first to read the book. |
| Workshops, Events & 1:1s | Summer 2026 – Summer 2027. I will keep you updated. |
Where Presale Funds Go
I am working with Manuscripts, a professional publishing service who have successfully published and launched 3,500+ authors with a 90% publishing completion rate.
Your contribution directly funds:
- 16-week Revisions Programme
- Professional Design Services
- Professional Copy Editing and Proofreading Team
- A dedicated Marketing Coach
- Production and Printing Teams
Your contribution builds:
A backer team, author community, and launch team who will journey with me from draft to book, and help co-create a book that will deliver on its vision and mission. This is one of my main incentives. As early adopters and backers, you confirm that the book has promise and an audience — an incredibly important role. I appreciate your decision to jump in and support so generously. I look forward to our journey together.
Risks & Challenges
Every meaningful creation carries an element of the unknown. Here is my honest commitment to you:
The manuscript is well underway, with draft 1 complete and acceptance into the publishing programme secured. The core work is done.
The most common source of delays in book publishing is the design and printing timeline. I am committed to keeping Founding Members informed every step of the way, with transparent updates shared within our exclusive Author Community.
Workshops, immersions, launches, and events are scheduled with lead time built in. In the unlikely event a session needs to be rescheduled, every effort will be made to find a time that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why am I running a presale campaign?
I’m choosing to crowdfund to build a supportive reader community from day one. Your support helps fund editing, design, printing, and much more!
2. What will appear on my credit card statement?
You will see MANUSCRIPT reflected on your credit card statement.
3. When will I receive the book?
Signed copies for Founding Members are expected to ship in January 2027. I will keep all Founding Members informed of the print and production schedule as it unfolds.
4. Where does shipping come from, and what does it cost?
Shipping is included in the price of each package. Once the books are printed, they come to me so I can sign them and add a personal note. I will keep you informed of all the details as the process unfolds.
5. Can I get a refund or cancel my order?
Manuscripts manages the crowdfunding platform and holds all funds. Should I not complete the programme, they will fully refund all backers. Individual refunds and changes to packages are assessed on an individual basis. The standing rule is: purchases are not refundable, they are transferable.
6. Can I buy multiple copies or gift a package?
Yes! You can only buy one package per transaction, but using the same email address you can return as many times as you like to purchase additional packages or leave a donation.
7. How do I claim my bonuses — the meditations and community access?
Once my presale campaign is completed, I will be in touch with each backer individually to confirm their purchase and discuss delivery details.
8. Will the book be available on Amazon later?
Yes — the book will be published on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online platforms, and will be available to order from local bookshops and libraries. Being a Founding Member means receiving a personally signed copy, acknowledgement in the book, first access, and your name listed as a Founding Member in all published editions.
9. What if the campaign doesn’t reach its goal?
I am confident I will reach my goal. If I fall short, I will decide how to proceed — and if I choose to continue, I will fund any shortfall myself. If that is not possible, all purchases will be fully refunded. Your purchase is protected, and I will communicate any changes that impact delivery of your package.
10. How do I contact Ron?
Email: rcamacho1505@gmail.com
Connect with me on Linkedin
PRESALE PERKS AND PACKAGES
| Name | Donate Amount | Date |
|---|---|---|
| David Trott | $50.00 | May 14, 2026 8:35 am |
| Michael Bailey | $50.00 | May 13, 2026 4:40 pm |
| Cory McGookin | $50.00 | May 13, 2026 2:10 pm |
| MANUEL LUCIANO | $50.00 | May 13, 2026 8:34 am |
| Tony Lombardo | $50.00 | May 13, 2026 8:07 am |
| Louis Savelli | $500.00 | May 12, 2026 9:35 pm |
| Meredith Dominick | $50.00 | May 12, 2026 8:03 pm |
| Kenneth Hock | $50.00 | May 12, 2026 5:46 pm |
| Eric Koester | $50.00 | May 12, 2026 10:56 am |
| Garth Warner | $50.00 | May 9, 2026 1:36 pm |
| Paul Schill | $100.00 | May 8, 2026 11:14 am |
| John Thompson | $200.00 | May 8, 2026 11:06 am |
| NICHOLAS NOLES | $50.00 | May 8, 2026 10:26 am |
| Bill Everly | $100.00 | May 8, 2026 9:56 am |
| Tiffany Camacho | $1,000.00 | May 8, 2026 9:49 am |
| David Reuss | $100.00 | May 8, 2026 9:14 am |
| NICHOLAS NOLES | $50.00 | May 8, 2026 9:04 am |
| BRETT TAYLOR | $50.00 | May 8, 2026 8:56 am |
| Scott Perry | $50.00 | May 6, 2026 3:41 pm |
| Tim Spurlock | $50.00 | May 5, 2026 11:35 pm |
| MICHELLE SHEPARD | $200.00 | May 4, 2026 6:16 pm |
| J. THOMAS SHELLEY | $50.00 | May 4, 2026 2:02 pm |
| Christopher McKim | $200.00 | May 4, 2026 1:50 pm |
| John Hanuska | $200.00 | May 4, 2026 10:59 am |
| David Cheatle | $200.00 | May 3, 2026 8:03 pm |
| John Giduck | $200.00 | May 2, 2026 6:10 am |
| Harvey Jacobs | $100.00 | April 30, 2026 11:12 am |
| Rubi Camacho | $500.00 | April 30, 2026 8:48 am |
| Brian Alu | $50.00 | April 30, 2026 8:21 am |
| Sue Wieler | $200.00 | April 28, 2026 11:05 am |
| Lisa Layden | $50.00 | April 28, 2026 10:01 am |
| Matthew Trostel | $50.00 | April 27, 2026 5:44 pm |
| Dustin Swartz | $50.00 | April 24, 2026 8:23 pm |
| Francisco Velasco | $50.00 | April 24, 2026 12:13 pm |
| Joshua Camacho | $50.00 | April 24, 2026 12:09 pm |
| Andrew Shaffer | $200.00 | April 24, 2026 11:40 am |
| Daniel Folk | $1,000.00 | April 24, 2026 10:38 am |
| Karen Comery | $100.00 | April 24, 2026 5:17 am |
| Thomas Pearsall | $100.00 | April 22, 2026 7:51 pm |
| Matt Bloom | $2,500.00 | April 22, 2026 1:57 pm |
| Andrew Gee | $50.00 | April 21, 2026 6:48 pm |
| Jeffrey Truhan | $50.00 | April 21, 2026 12:20 pm |
| Carol Ehrenreich | $200.00 | April 21, 2026 11:04 am |
| Ryan Anderson | $50.00 | April 21, 2026 9:47 am |
| Michael Aiken II | $100.00 | April 21, 2026 9:28 am |
| Alex Perez | $100.00 | April 21, 2026 8:38 am |
| Jill Ruppenkamp | $200.00 | April 20, 2026 6:21 pm |
| Roland Camacho | $500.00 | April 20, 2026 3:20 pm |