About The Author



Cleophus P. Franklin Jr
Franklin's literary portfolio includes the acclaimed "Coffee with Cleo" leadership series and the intergenerational wisdom collection "Lessons from Our Mothers and Fathers." His poetry resonates beyond the page, with "Ink" from his first collection selected for the prestigious 2024 Texas Bard's Poetry Anthology.
In his Amazon bestseller "More Words From My Heart" (March 2025), Franklin transforms intimate revelations into universal truths. As he writes: "It is where you can hear the ink sparkle—as stories flow through my pen with each word, beckoning for more..." Readers consistently find their own experiences mirrored in his carefully crafted verses.
Guided by his core philosophy that "authentic leadership begins with self-knowledge and expands through service to others," Franklin's writing combines practical business acumen with deeply human insights. This balanced approach has become his hallmark, making complex leadership principles accessible to readers at all stages of their journey.
As founder of Franklin Strategic Solutions and the Morningside University - Franklin Leadership Foundation, Franklin doesn't just write about leadership—he lives it. Every book purchase directly funds scholarships for underprivileged students pursuing higher education through the Franklin Leadership Foundation, creating opportunities for young people who might otherwise miss their chance at college.
His commitment to developing future leaders extends to his role as Adjunct Professor and Senior Corporate Fellow at the University of Houston-Downtown, where MBA students benefit from his unique blend of corporate experience spanning agriculture, heavy equipment, and entrepreneurship.
From boardroom strategies to children's literature (co-authoring "What Do You See When You Look at Me?" with his son, Michael J. Franklin), Franklin's versatile voice reflects his diverse background, including his upbringing on Chicago's West Side, as well as his studies at Muscatine Community College, Morningside University, and UNC Kenan-Flagler, which continue to fuel his lifelong commitment to making complex ideas accessible and actionable.
When you read Franklin's work, you're connecting with a guide who has walked the path before you and is helping clear the way for those who will follow.“