The Detour CEO

“Leadership doesn’t follow a straight path, and the most effective leaders know how to make strategic turns.”

— Paul Perreault

The Detour CEO is a reflection on Paul’s unconventional path to the top — filled with authenticity while recounting mistakes, tough calls, and defining moments. Each chapter unpacks a pivotal moment in his career, paired with takeaways and reflection questions that linger long after the last page. Whether you lead the boardroom or are just finding your footing, this book offers real perspective on what it means to add value at every level.

Paul doesn’t believe in checking boxes on your way to the corner office. His stories offer fewer “five habits of greatness” and more of what he wishes someone had told him 30 years ago. The Detour CEO relays the kind of wisdom one only earns by living it.

So, why write a book now? After stepping down as CEO of CSL, Paul kept getting the same question: “How did you become a CEO?”

Make no mistake: this book isn’t about glamorizing executive life.

Paul pulls back the curtain on the high-pressure realities of running a global company — where every move is scrutinized, every meeting is too long, and work-life balance is a full-time juggling act. He shares how compartmentalization, humility, and a stubborn refusal to take himself too seriously helped him stay grounded.

When people asked about his path to the C-suite, they expected a clear-cut blueprint focused solely on business and strategy. Instead, Paul’s memoir weaves family moments into a book about work and career — underscoring the values and priorities that guided him, and reminding us that leadership isn’t just about the job, but about the life behind it.

Paul was asked to give an elevator pitch about himself. He hesitated. “I don’t usually do that sort of thing.” The honest truth is, he doesn’t need a pitch. Paul has a quiet confidence, perfectly balanced with genuine humility and a touch of humor. He naturally draws people in.

That same authentic personality shines through every page of The Detour CEO. If you give this book a chance, you’ll quickly see — it’s not just about leadership lessons; it’s about Paul himself, a genuinely likeable guy who shares his story with honesty and heart.

This isn’t your typical leadership book. It’s honest, funny, reflective, and unapologetically authentic. Paul’s not afraid to share his values or the faith that guides him. This book is Paul. That alone makes it worth reading.

Still not sold? Read the first chapter on us, then decide.