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Sopov Media Announces Take the Wheel Named Finalist in the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

By: Sopov Media

TAMPA, Fla. — May 18, 2026 — Sopov Media today announces that Take the Wheel: A Bold Guide to Ownership, Influence, and Leadership by author Vlad Sopov has been named a Finalist in the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the Business category.

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is one of the largest and most respected independent book award programs in the United States, recognizing outstanding work by indie authors and publishers across dozens of categories. Books are judged blind, without author name, publisher, or marketing budget influencing the outcome.

For an independent author competing without a traditional publishing house behind him, that distinction matters.

Take the Wheel was written for professionals who lead without authority. People responsible for results but without a title that commands them. People who have to influence, motivate, and move teams forward through trust and ownership rather than hierarchy.

Being recognized in the Business category by judges who evaluated the work without knowing the author confirms the message is reaching the right audience.

“This recognition means a great deal,” said Sopov. “Take the Wheel was written for professionals who lead without authority. Being recognized in the Business category confirms the message is reaching the right people.”

The book is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. The award reception will be held on June 26, 2026 at the Newberry Library in Chicago, Illinois.

Read the full press release on BusinessWire

About Take the Wheel

Take the Wheel: A Bold Guide to Ownership, Influence, and Leadership is available on Amazon and major retail platforms in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.

Grab your copy on Amazon

About Vlad Sopov

Vlad Sopov is a marketing technology leader and author based in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. After immigrating to the United States at age 30, he rebuilt his career from engineering into senior leadership roles. His work focuses on ownership, influence, and results-driven execution.

About Sopov Media

Sopov Media is an independent publishing and strategy consultancy focused on leadership development and brand storytelling.

Media Inquiries

pr@sopovmedia.com

Media Coverage

The announcement reached a potential audience of 86.9 million readers across 201 syndicated outlets, including: