—Todd Henry, Author of Die Empty 

“Charles Lee has a natural gift for sparking inspiration and purpose, and this book carries that same spirit. A warm, encouraging guide that will nudge you toward building a more meaningful life.” 

—Bryan Hoch, New York Yankees Reporter, MLB.com 

“If there is one thing to expect from a Charles Lee book, it is his adeptness in aligning person, purpose, and passion in the midst of factors that often feel out of your control. Design Your Good Life is more than a framework to explore; it is a tested path to live with intention and clarity that brings your own understanding of the good life into your life.” 

—Andrew Marin, PhD, SVP, Jefferson Solutions Group, and Award-winning Author of Love Is an Orientation, Our Last Option, and Us versus Us 

“Design Your Good Life changed my thinking from trying to discover my purpose to actively designing it with an empathetic approach. Chapters on sparking that design are pushing me to more reflection and action. I wish I had read this book years ago. The writing clarity cuts through the noise and distractions of our culture.”   

—Ralph Winter, Producer of X-Men Movies, Tokyo Vice, and Head of Production Sphere Studios 

“As someone who builds autonomous systems, I know there’s a more sacred problem to solve: reclaiming your own autonomy and intentionally designing your good life. This book shows you how.” 

—Travis Mason, former Google & Airbus Executive Leader 

“Few authors can take a well-worn topic and make it feel revelatory. In Design Your Good Life, Charles Lee does exactly that. It’s rare to find a book that reads as both deeply human and immediately actionable. Lee has a gift for turning big questions into practical pathways. Design Your Good Life is equal parts invitation and instruction, and I invite anyone looking to spark, and build, a life of purpose, alignment, and impact to give it a read.” 

—Ashly Nikkole Davis, Esq., Strategic Advisor & Crisis Navigation Expert 

“Charles is a world-class architect of ideas, and this book is a masterclass in how to bring your most important ideas to life and to live them every day. I highly recommend reading it, but more importantly, using it as a map to your ‘good life.’" 

—JR Kerr, CEO, Handshake Strategies 

“I have known Charles for years as a trusted design partner who has helped our firm visualize and elevate our brand. What I did not fully appreciate—until reading Design Your Good Life—was the depth of the story that quietly informed our work together. This book reveals a journey shaped by grit, clarity, creativity, and a generosity of spirit that comes through on every page. What moved me most was hearing Charles's daughter articulate her version of his North Star: ‘Dream Big, Start Small, Keep Moving.’ Those words resonated with me—not only as a parent, but as a leader. They distill a philosophy of purposeful ambition, disciplined progress, and steady resolve—values essential to anyone guiding an organization or team through complexity and change. Charles offers a profoundly human invitation to design a life of meaning, contribution, and influence. His blend of personal storytelling and actionable frameworks makes this a compelling read for leaders at every stage of their journey.” 

—Barbara L. Becker, Chair & Managing Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 

“I have always said, ‘Google it or just ask Charles.’ With Design Your Good Life, he once again delivers powerful thought- and life-leadership. A mix of heart and head, coupled with beautiful storytelling and life-changing frameworks, this book is must-read.” 

—Matthew Emerzian, Founder/CEO, Every Monday Matters, Best-Selling Author, Keynote Speaker 

“Charles Lee has written a rare book—one filled with meaningful prompts that make you stop and consider your own design. This isn’t a formula or quick fix; it’s wisdom forged from years of walking with diverse people and building things that truly matter. In a time of constant disruption, Charles offers clarity and grounded principles to help you align your life with what’s most real and meaningful. Get this book if you want to live with intention and design the good life.” 

—Dave Gibbons, Founder, Advisor, and Author of The Shape of My Eyes 

“A brilliant and intentional roadmap for anyone ready to design a life they love. Lee masterfully weaves engaging stories with meaningful reflection and practical action steps that move you from wishing to doing, from merely living to truly thriving. It’s a seamless journey from the philosophical to the practical, one that elevates the soul and empowers genuine human flourishing.” 

—Angie Richey, Ph.D., LMFT, President of Life Pacific University 

“Charles Lee has created something exceptional with Design Your Good Life. This book takes you far beyond motivational language and gives you a practical, proven framework for designing a life of clarity, purpose, and sustained impact. Charles’s ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, actionable steps is unmatched. Whether you're navigating transition, launching something new, or simply seeking more meaning in the everyday, this book will become an indispensable companion on your journey.” 

—Justin Wheeler, Co-founder & CEO, Funraise 

“Design Your Good Life is a beautiful and much-needed reminder that we all have the agency to shape our lives in meaningful ways. Charles’s thoughtful approach and actionable suggestions make this book a must-read for anyone ready to embrace change, live out their dreams, and create lasting impact!” 

—Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, nutritionist, founder of Brooklyn-based Maya Feller Nutrition, and author of Eating from Our Roots 

“Design Your Good Life, Charles’s deeply personal guide, offers more than practical wisdom; he extends an invitation to shape life with purpose, clarity, and joy. Charles’s philosophy of intentional design has profoundly impacted my own outlook, challenging me to embrace curiosity, act with purpose, and turn constraints into opportunities. With generosity at its core, this book is a blueprint for transforming uncertainty into possibility and forging a legacy of genuine influence. Charles’s philosophy reminds us that the good life isn’t accidental; it is thoughtfully and courageously designed. Design Your Good Life is both inspiring and practical, a valuable companion to anyone seeking not just success, but fulfillment and positive impact.” 

—Judge Stephen C. Robinson, retired 

“Reading this book felt like sitting with someone who quietly hands you a flashlight and says, ‘Look… your path is right there.’ Charles doesn’t hype or hustle you. He guides you. Gently. Honestly. Creatively. Design Your Good Life reminded me that purpose isn’t something you chase—it’s something you uncover. And Charles has turned that process into a beautifully simple framework anyone can step into. 

If your life feels loud, or confusing, or like it’s on the edge of becoming something new… this book will help you listen to yourself again.” 

—Jeremy Cowart, Photographer, Artist 

“What begins with a TV dinner experiment unfolds into a powerful meditation on curiosity, the immigrant experience, and an evolving American Dream. Executives, in particular, will find this book indispensable. As someone who leads a national, people-centered membership organization, I felt seen in the DYGL framework—it offers a true toolkit for problem-solving in a complex age, leading with purpose, and staying rooted in your own value system. Charles articulates a clear roadmap and provides meaning to the thoughtful approaches so many of us are already working to put into practice to leave a lasting impact in our personal and professional worlds.” 

—Priya Purandare, National Bar Leader 

“Charles has unlocked beauty in this book. While Design Your Good Life is so incredibly well structured with clear, accessible, principled, and practice-based frameworks, it’s also the stories and experiences Charles shares in here that are amazing. Be sure not to miss a single one. Clearly this book is not only profoundly practical; it is also deeply personal. For Charles, and if we choose, also for you and me. A good life IS available: by design, by commitment, and action—follow the invitation that Charles makes through this powerful guided journey in the pages of this book. A good life is generated by creating our own stories and narratives in the same way that he has been able to. Thank you, Charles for this amazing work!” 

—Hendre Coetzee, Coach to C-Suite Execs and pursuer of a Good Life. 

“Charles Lee offers a refreshing and deeply thoughtful approach to designing a meaningful life. His insights are both practical and compassionate, helping readers cut through the noise, make intentional choices, and move toward what truly fulfills them. This book is a trusted guide for anyone seeking clarity and purpose in a complex world.” 

—Jerry Won, Keynote Speaker & Founder, 101 Voices 

“What stood out most to me was the book’s central idea: life doesn’t happen to you—you design it. By the time I finished the book, I found myself reflecting not just on my business, but on my relationships, my values, and the legacy I want to leave behind. If you lead a team, run a business, or carry a big idea you haven’t fully built yet, this book is a reminder that your best work—and your best life—are designed, not discovered.” 

—Bill Mulholland, Owner, Agoyu 

“Charles Lee has created a powerful guide for readers ready to take ownership of their life’s direction. Design Your Good Life blends smart strategy with encouraging storytelling, helping you understand not just what to pursue but how to make it happen. The real strength of the book lies in its step-by-step tools that demystify purpose and execution. It’s an incredibly practical resource for leaders, innovators, and anyone craving meaningful progress.” 

—Jeff Slobotski, Business & Ecosystem Development, PGSA  

“Design Your Good Life challenges the status quo and inspires readers to become architects of their own lives. The DYGL Framework is a powerful tool for turning purpose into action, and the book’s emphasis on contribution and legacy makes it a must-read for anyone seeking to make a lasting impact.” 

—Tim Stowe, Ed.D., Superintendent, Torrance Unified School District 

“In a world overwhelmed by noise and distraction, clarity and focus are more valuable than ever. This book delivers both with precision and practicality. Insightful, actionable, and immediately useful, it’s a guide for anyone who wants to live with intention and leave a meaningful legacy.” 

—Chris Marlow, Founder & CEO, Help One Now 

“Charles is one of the most intentional people I know. It is no surprise he is now coaching all of us to design a good life—a life worth living and replicating. This book is a natural next step in the journey Charles has modeled: an intentional design-build plan for our lives. I’m eager to follow this inspiring Sherpa through his newest book.” 

—Penny Hunter, Producer and Executive Consultant