This book is richer because it was not written in isolation.In the final stages of preparing The Exception Code, I invited a group of thoughtful leaders, colleagues, and readers to review early, raw drafts of selected chapters. Their willingness to engage with unedited material, offer honest feedback, and challenge ideas brought clarity, nuance, and strength to these pages.Their insights sharpened arguments, surfaced blind spots, and helped shape the final work in meaningful ways. While any remaining shortcomings are mine alone, their fingerprints are embedded throughout this book. I’m deeply grateful for their time and contribution.To every collaborator: thank you. Your generosity has left a lasting imprint on this book, and, I hope, on the leaders it reaches.

— Johnathan Johannes