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Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane

Discover Your Greatest Potential by Unfolding the Map Inside You

Through the story of an origami crane who dreams of becoming a paper plane, Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring invite readers to look within, understand the experiences that have shaped them, and consider what may be possible next.

USA Today Bestseller Publishers Weekly Bestseller Global Book Awards Porchlight Bestseller

The Story

What is Unfolded about?

Unfolded is an allegory about identity, transformation, and the possibility held within every person.

As an origami crane considers whether it can become a paper plane, its journey reveals how our stories, relationships, lived experiences, and lessons learned create an internal map of who we are.

Through this imaginative story, Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring invite readers to approach themselves with greater curiosity and compassion, understand what has shaped them, and express their identity with greater confidence.

Unfolded book with a small origami crane made of map paper

What You’ll Explore

Look within. Learn from your story. Consider what is possible.

Understand your internal map

Recognize how your stories, lived experiences, lessons, and relationships have shaped the way you see yourself and show up in the world.

Meet yourself with compassion

Work with feelings of self-doubt, fear, shame, guilt, and judgment when taking a meaningful step forward.

Practice possibility

See play as practice in disguise, trying as intentional practice, and growth as something discovered through attention and action.

A woven basket filled with map-paper origami cranes

Why It Matters

Why Unfolded matters for leaders and teams

How people understand themselves influences how they lead, relate, decide, communicate, and contribute.

Unfolded gives individuals and teams a shared language for discussing identity, wellbeing, relationships, and the experiences that shape how each person shows up.

The book reflects a belief at the center of Leadership Vision’s work: understanding ourselves begins with looking closely at the stories, relationships, lived experiences, lessons, dreams, and creases that have shaped us. Learning to read our internal maps helps us meet ourselves with greater curiosity and compassion, work with the fears and judgments that can accompany change, and express who we are with greater confidence.

Unfolded can begin meaningful conversations about:

  • Identity and self-awareness
  • Personal wellbeing and professional influence
  • How lived experience shapes behavior and relationships
  • The courage to experiment, learn, and grow
  • Creating cultures in which people feel seen, known, and understood
Explore Our Work

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Endorsements

What readers are saying about Unfolded

“Unfolded is representative of Linda and Brian’s life’s work, and their belief in the capability of every person. This book is a vessel of hope in the beauty and humanity in each of us.”

Dr. Chip Kimball, Head of School for the International School of Prague and Former Superintendent of Singapore American School and Lake Washington School District

“Unfolded offers a profound reminder that the potential for something extraordinary lies within every fold of our experiences. It is a must-read for those seeking inspiration to soar beyond limitations and into the fullness of their potential.”

Jamie J. Rudolph, Chief Administrative Officer, U.S. Bank

“A captivating and creatively written book that will engage you, develop you, and challenge you at a deeper level. We all need to fly to greater heights and this fascinating new book provides us with the flight plan.”

Rich Horwath, New York Times Bestselling Author

“A thought-provoking allegory about transformation, growth and spirituality. For those seeking congruence, integrity, creativity, and joy in both their professional and personal lives, Unfolded is a transformative guide.”

Dr. Keith Anderson, President Emeritus, The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology

“Unfolded is an inspiring and transformative guide that pushes you to become the best version of yourself – both as a leader and as an individual. It’s the kind of book that stays with you, urging you to keep challenging your limits and embracing change long after you’ve turned the last page.”

Charles Eide, CEO at EIDECOM

“A practice in compassion and guidance, the story of Unfolded makes the important distinction that rather than suggesting who someone should or should not be, it is an invitation to become who we believe ourselves to be.”

Julie Alleman, CEO, Children and Adult Disability & Educational Services

Brian Schubring holding a stack of Unfolded books

Get the Book

Order Unfolded

Begin your own journey through the folds, creases, stories, and possibilities that have shaped who you are and who you may yet become.

Ordering 10 or more copies?

Bring Unfolded into a leadership team, cohort, or organization. Contact Leadership Vision for bulk-order information and to explore how the book might support a larger conversation with your people.

Ask About Bulk Orders

The Authors

About Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring

Dr. Linda Schubring and Brian Schubring are partners in business and marriage and the authors of Unfolded. Together, they lead Leadership Vision Consulting, a Minneapolis-based leadership advisory firm that helps leaders and teams transform uncertainty into opportunity.

Their work is rooted in positive psychology, applied neuroscience, and decades of experience helping people better understand themselves and one another. Through consulting, coaching, speaking, and the Leadership Vision Podcast, Dr. Linda and Brian create conversations in which people feel seen, known, and understood.

Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring standing together with Unfolded

In a world of possibilities, why not fly?

Discover a story of identity, possibility, and the courage to express more fully what is already within you.

A stack of Unfolded books against a dark blue wall, with a single origami crane beside them