REVIEW: First Man In: Leading from the Front - Ant Middleton

Title: First Man In: Leading from the Front
Author: Ant Middleton
Publisher: HarperCollins Publisher Ltd
Format: Audiobook
Time: 6HRS 59MINS
Narrator: Ant Middleton
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Goodreads Blurb

No one is born a leader. But through sheer determination and by confronting life’s challenges, Ant Middleton has come to know the meaning of true leadership. In First Man In, he shares the core lessons he’s learned over the course of his fascinating, exhilarating life.

After 13 years service in the military, with 4 years as a Special Boat Service (SBS) sniper, Ant Middleton is the epitome of what it takes to excel. He served in the SBS, the naval wing of the special forces, the Royal Marines and 9 Parachute Squadron Royal, achieving what is known as the ‘Holy Trinity’ of the UK’s Elite Forces. As a point man in the SBS, Ant was always the first man through the door, the first man into the dark, and the first man in harm’s way.

In this fascinating, exhilarating and revealing book, Ant speaks about the highs and gut-wrenching lows of his life – from the thrill of passing Special Forces Selection to dealing with the early death of his father and ending up in prison on leaving the military – and draws valuable lessons that we can all use in our daily lives.

Thoughts

I picked this up as I enjoy watching the tv show S.A.S: Who Dares Wins, which Ant Middleton is a part of. I wasn't sure what I was expecting from this audiobook, as it is Ant's autobiography with some life lessons rolled in with what he has learned along the way.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, Ant has led a really interesting life so far, and his life lessons were spot on. I found Ant to be very articulate and a very smart man who has led such a turbulent life and come out on the right end.

Overall, a really good listen, if you are a fan of the show.