AUTHORS
ben carroll
Ben Carroll is a retired CEO, former President of Christ In Youth, Founder and Chairman of ISF, Investing in the Success of Foster Youth.. Ben has spent his life leading, writing, and cheering on the next generation of leaders. As a storyteller and entrepreneur, he’s passionate about helping kids discover the courage and confidence already inside them. He believes leadership isn’t something you wait to grow into—it starts with the choices you make today. Call Me Brave is his first middle-grade novel.
Mike Manazir
Mike Manazir is a retired U.S. Navy Admiral, Top Gun fighter pilot, and bestselling author of Learn How to Lead to Win. After leading aircraft carriers and working with some of the world’s toughest teams, Mike knows leadership is about heart as much as skill. He joined forces with Ben to bring those lessons to life for kids through the Rise of the Vanguards series.
together
Together, Ben and Mike bring a unique blend of experience and heart. Their first collaboration produced Learn How to Lead to Win, a bestselling leadership book for adults. With Call Me Brave: Rise of the Vanguards, they’ve turned their passion for leadership into a story that empowers kids to find their courage, build real friendships, and believe they can make a difference—right now, right where they are.
Ben and Mike donate 10% of Vanguard royalties to ISF—Investing in the Success of Foster Youth—helping foster youth pursue college or trade training.