8 minute read
A Conversation with Judge Nelson Wolff on Life, Service, and the 95 Power Principles
By Jade Heep
95 Power Principles: Strategies for Effective Leadership in Local Government
Author: Nelson W. Wolff
Publisher: Elm Grove Publishing
Publication Date: January 9, 2024
Paperback and Hardback: 298 pages
Price: Hardback $34.27; Paperback $19.99
Judge Nelson Wolff, former San Antonio mayor, longest-serving County Judge in the Bexar County’s history, and tireless public servant, boasts an impressive legacy. So, when I was asked to read and review his latest book, 95 Power Principles: Strategies for Effective Leadership in Local Government and was offered the chance to meet Judge Wolff in person, I jumped at the opportunity.
We met on a sunny morning at a local Starbucks, where Judge Wolff was impossible to miss, sporting his signature tan fedora. True to his Power Principle Number 71: Dress with Sartorial Splendor, he exuded confidence and charm. With a warm smile and a hot coffee in hand, he greeted me, and after some light pleasantries, we dove right into discussing his book.
One thing many might not know about Judge Wolff is that he’s an avid poker player. In fact, some of his Power Principles are inspired by, or illustrated with, poker analogies. He shared a story about a hand where a fellow player embodied Power Principle Number 12: Act First, Create Tension, Get Things Done to win a significant pot. As the wife of an enthusiastic poker player, I couldn’t resist throwing in a few poker terms (with my admittedly limited knowledge), and Judge Wolff was gracious enough to act impressed. He even had me record him telling a “bad beat” poker story to share with my husband. That moment broke the ice, leading to what I can only describe as one of the most fascinating conversations of my life.
Though I am no stranger to book reviews (you can check them out on my Facebook page, Gettin’ Lit), 95 Power Principles is not my usual genre. I typically lean toward fiction. And I’m not talking about literary fiction, I’m talking sci-fi, fantasy, children spontaneously combusting, fiction. In fact, my last in-depth review was Grady Hendrix’s The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. So, I initially feared the material, which I would classify as a fusion of self-help and autobiography, might be too dense for someone like me, especially as a novice to local government and politics. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Judge Wolff’s book was an engaging, quick read, that kept my attention throughout.
Judge Wolff masterfully presents what could have been dry subject matter with humor, personal anecdotes, and a conversational tone. His stories about collaborating with San Antonio leaders like Henry Cisneros, Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and Julian Castro added depth and relatability. He doesn’t shy away from addressing serious political issues, offering sharp critiques of past colleagues, and reflecting honestly on his own successes and failures.
For example, he shared the struggle to let go of his decades-long effort to establish a passenger rail service in San Antonio, tied to Power Principle Number 53: Persistence is a Close Cousin to Stubbornness. Though the project never materialized, his candor about the challenges and lessons learned was both refreshing and relatable. Judge Wolff’s ability to balance humility, humor, and wisdom sets this book apart from other political memoirs.
While 95 Power Principles serves as a practical guide for those pursuing leadership in local government, it’s also a treasure trove of advice for leaders in any field. Judge Wolff structured the book into nine stages of a political career, from Pathways to Power (setting the stage for a career in government) to Set a Time to Leave (exiting with impact). However, many of the principles are broadly applicable.
One of my personal favorites is Power Principle Number 36: Inspire and Take Care of Your People. In it, Judge Wolff emphasizes the importance of creating a work environment that energizes and empowers employees: “You can proclaim, set policy, and initiate projects, but unless you have an inspired, competent workforce to implement them, not much will happen.”
Another standout was Power Principle Number 79: Say What You Have to Say and Get Out of the Way. I read this book a week before one of the biggest speeches of my career, and when I tell you I could not have snapped a photo of this section faster, I am not exaggerating.* Judge Wolff’s advice to “speak with clear words and passion” resonated deeply. When I mentioned this to him during our conversation, he chuckled and reiterated a nugget of wisdom from former Chamber of Commerce President Joe Krier: “No one has ever complained about a speech being too short.” I thanked Judge Wolff again for unknowingly helping me craft my speech to be direct, concise, and infused with “a little umph” in light of his warning that “long winded boring speeches lead to nap time for your audience.”
Like me, I think that readers will find that these principles are as practical as they are profound and will find themselves returning to them time and again.
Judge Wolff’s character and values, which shine through on every page, make this book truly compelling. His emphasis on emotional intelligence over IQ, his love and admiration for his wife Tracy, and his commitment to transparency and decency in leadership make 95 Power Principles more than a leadership guide—it’s a reflection of a life well-lived in service to others.
I am happy to report that Judge Wolff is just as kind-hearted and genuine in person as his reputation suggests. His deep love for his wife, family, and those around him was evident throughout our conversation. Even when I attempted to focus on Judge Wolff’s accomplishments, he shifted the conversation back to Tracy and what a phenomenal resource she was to him during his career, as he outlined in Power Principle Number 8: Two for The Price of One which focused on how Tracy’s strength only enhanced, not diminished, his.
At one point, our discussion shifted to the current political climate. What is often a bleak and disheartening topic felt unexpectedly uplifting in Judge Wolff’s hands. He spoke with remarkable ease and sincerity, expressing his steadfast belief that, at their core, most people are good—despite how grim things may appear. His hope that the ability to collaborate and work together can someday be restored was both inspiring and refreshing. It was equally clear that Judge Wolff holds an enduring love and profound respect for San Antonio. His eyes lit up and a broad smile spread across his face as he talked about the city and some of the initiatives he and his wife, Tracy, have championed—like the digital library, the Tobin Center, and Civic Park. These projects are clearly among his greatest sources of pride. Judge Wolff’s unwavering faith in the community he has so faithfully served, as well as his excitement for San Antonio’s ever-growing potential, are truly contagious.
In the final chapters, Judge Wolff reflects on life after politics, including his transition after passing the torch to Judge Peter Sakai. He underscores the importance of “writing to have the last say” and continuing to contribute in meaningful ways. Today, Judge Wolff spends his time mentoring students at UTSA and St. Mary’s University, relaxing with his wife, and continuing to serve from behind the scenes. As a prolific author, he hinted at his next writing project, which he described as his biggest challenge yet. Though I can’t reveal the specifics, I couldn’t be more excited to see what he has in store.
95 Power Principles is a must-read for anyone in leadership, whether or not they aspire to a career in government. It’s a blueprint for navigating challenges, inspiring others, and leaving a lasting impact. Judge Wolff’s humor, humility, and wisdom make this book not just informative but genuinely enjoyable. I can confidently say that reading this book—and having the privilege of discussing it with Judge Wolff—was an experience I’ll never forget.
Jade Heep is a 2018 cum laude graduate of St. Mary’s School of Law and a partner at Epinoza & Brock PLLC. She is an experienced litigator, who currently practices civil and commercial litigation, primarily focusing on employment law, construction and contractual disputes, and personal injury and wrongful death cases. Jade has tried several cases to final verdict/ award in both trials and arbitrations, and she has briefed and argued numerous complex legal issues throughout the course of her career.
*Editor’s Note: Jade was named the 2024 Outstanding Young Lawyer by the Bexar County Women’s Bar Foundation.
