Welcome to
"Be Week Minded"
at
BRanchWaterPRESS.com
Home of the breakout book
WEEK MINDED
52 reflections on leading and living
One Week, one story, one measure at a time
"I started reading it and couldn't put it down. Rod's stories are so interesting. Each chapter makes you think about applying the lesson to your own life. ." Sue Burnett, CEO Burnett Specialists and Author
www.BrancWaterPress.com
"It’s a direct, no-nonsense 52-week guide for people who want results. Each week delivers one clear principle you can actually apply – to how you lead, how you work, how you make decisions, and how you run your life. It’s practical thinking, uncomfortable truths, and steady pressure in the right direction.
What makes this guide powerful is its discipline. One week at a time for reflection and action. It doesn’t try to change you overnight; it builds consistency, judgement, and resilience over a year. The lessons compound. It’s a refreshing way to approach growth and change."Janette Marx, CEO. Airswift
WEEK MINDED52 Reflections on Leading and LivingOne Week, One Story, One Measure at a Time is a heartfelt collection of 52 weekly reflections drawn from Rod Branch’s remarkable journey from sharecropper roots and Arctic oil fields to boardrooms and family life. Through authentic storytelling, Branch demonstrates how true leadership and resilience are cultivated in setbacks, relationships, and acts of caring, rather that fantastic success. Each chapter offers a pause for deep thoughts, blending humor, humility, and wisdom, reminding us that our worth is measured by how far we’ve come, the people we’ve loved, and the legacy we create one week at a time.
“Rod Branch has crafted a masterclass in transformative insight, wrapped in a warm embrace – like curling into a warm blanket on a crisp day. The perfect blend of self-care and rest for the nervous system: soothing, grounding, and deeply human.”
Sarah Kouba
"People sometimes brag about 'graduating from the school of hard knocks' like it's a badge of honor to fumble through life. I'm thankful when people like Rod go out and do difficult things, learn hard lessons, gather and curate a lifetime of those lessons, and then present them on a platter for all of us to gain wisdom so we don’t endure the same struggles."
Julian Pugh
“Rod’s stories and life lessons feel like sitting down with a trusted friend over a warm cup of coffee and a conversation that stays with you long after it ends. Week-Minded will strengthen your spirit. This isn’t simply a collection of stories and wisdom — it is a guide to living with transparency, authenticity, and genuine care for others.”
Liz TownsendSenior Partner, Allen Austin Consulting
“Rod Branch has crafted a rare book that feels like messages from a mentor who has lived a life rich with stories, family, and friends. It shows us that our passions and ‘red threads’ shape us in ways we often only recognize later. This is Rod’s voice at its truest: encouraging, grounded, and full of love for the reader.” Juliet Breeze, MD, CEO, Next Level Medical
“Loved it!” Barbara Lane
About Rod Branch:Since 1980, Rod has authored many articles on the challenges and complexity of employees' work lives and their need for socialization. He has been featured in Employee Benefits News, World Oil, and Petroleum Engineer International, with articles on career transitions, as well as various technical journals specifically targeting the industrial sector. He is in the final throes of publishing WEEK MINDED: 52 Reflections on Leading and Living, One Week, One Story, One Measure at a Time due out in 2026. He is a Chief Human Resources Officer at a national residential home builder services company. With 45 years of experience, he has worked as a petroleum engineer in the Alaskan Arctic, a Washington, D.C. lobbyist, and an HR leader at Enron, Coca-Cola, BP, and private equity-backed firms in the energy, manufacturing, and construction sectors. He holds an MSc in Global HR Management from the University of Liverpool and a BSc in Petroleum Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State. He is a PHR and SHRM-CP certified professional. He is a certified coach practitioner. He has been a frequent guest lecturer at Texas A&M and a featured conference speaker and moderator. He is a professional musician, ordained minister, inventor, and was recognized as an HR Leader of the Year in 2024, named an Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy, and a Tennessee Squire in 2025.
“I enjoy the honesty, vulnerability and relatability of your stories. I would use this as a nightly chapter read to turn my brain off from electronics and work and read something REAL to unwind and feel the humanity of it.”
Heidi Peters
"I am among the lucky ones who have counted Rod Branch as a friend for many years. So, it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to reading Week Minded, 52 Reflections on Leading & Living. I thought I knew Rod before I read the book but after completing the journey, it was clear to me how many layers there are to Rod's story, and how much richness and depth there is to his background. Rod brings an incredible amount of depth with the vast and vivid depictions of stories that bring further relevance to his journey. I so enjoyed reading the myriad of anecdotes that show an individual who has a passion for learning and knowledge woven into the fabric of the story.
Rod's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of leadership & continuous learning. Rod has a great knack for storytelling that kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire book. I wholeheartedly endorse this wonderful depiction of a life well-lived."Alan Brush, PartnerSolution Spark
"Week Minded feels deeply personal from the first page. You can tell it was written by someone who has lived a full professional life and never lost sight of what matters most. Rod’s journey—from engineer and lobbyist to trusted leader—gives him a unique perspective, but what really comes through is his heart.
Rod is one of the most giving people I know, and that generosity shows up in every story he tells. He writes the way he leads: thoughtfully, honestly, and with real care for the people involved. These stories don’t try to teach or impress—they simply share experiences that make you pause, reflect, and think differently about how you show up for others.
What stands out about Week Minded is how genuine it is. Rod isn’t preaching or positioning himself as an authority. He’s sharing lessons the same way he would in a conversation—openly, with humility, and without ego. His career shifts don’t feel like big reinventions; they feel like a natural progression toward work that truly serves people.
Week Minded is a reminder that strong leadership starts with kindness, listening, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard. Rod’s stories reinforce that you can be thoughtful and principled, practical and human, all at the same time. I’d recommend this book to anyone who values authentic leadership and believes that how you treat people really does matter."
Hang BowerFounder, CEO, Ethos Consulting LC
Empowering Through Storytelling
Discover the transformative power of stories.
Unlock Your Leadership Potential
Explore transformative storytelling and unlock valuable leadership insights through our offerings.