Tie-Ins For Life

By Joseph C. Schusko

During our humanitarian mission, we met Col. Joseph C. Shusko, former helicopter pilot to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, in Quantico.  We were privileged to learn from his wisdom 1:1 and then to participate in his conflict de-escalation training near Fort Mcguire. Col. Shusko is an excellent storyteller, and his book is a rich tool for learning and development. We are thrilled to continue learning from our friend, Col. Shusko!

Click here to follow Joseph C. Schusko on LinkedIn: Joseph C Schusko

How Emotion Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain

By Lisa Feldman Barrett

Lisa Feldman Barrett is a revolutionary researcher in psychology and neuroscience who taught a workshop we attended at Harvard Medical School’s Institute of Coaching. She has deftly dispelled many commercial myths about the brain and behavior, and we applaud her for her wisdom and her articulation of many fundamental and complex concepts that pertain to evolved self-awareness and healthy interpersonal communication.

Click here to follow Lisa Feldman Barrett on LinkedIn: Lisa Feldman Barrett

Daring Greatly

By Brené Brown

We first learned about Brené Brown via her TED Talk titled, “The Power of Vulnerability.”

Brené Brown is a research professor with a prolific speaking and writing portfolio with a special contribution to the study of shame, courage, and connection. We appreciate how she has redefined feelings previously been seen as impediments or weaknesses into strengths and leadership imperatives.

Click here to follow Brene Brown on LinkedIn: Brene Brown

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

By Angela Duckworth

Angela Duckworth is co-founder, chief scientist, and board member of Character Lab. She is the faculty co-director of the Penn-Wharton Behavior Change For Good Initiative, and faculty co-director of Wharton People Analytics. Her exploration into the building blocks and conditions that create “success” informs high achievement oriented disciples learning from what she has identified as “grit”: “a special blend of passion and perseverance”.

Click here to follow Angela Duckworth on LinkedIn: Angela Duckworth

Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

By Simon Sinek

One of our favorite thought leaders, Simon Sinek’s foundation of empathy, authenticity, and honor inform his powerful and uplifting talks, books, videos, and other content. Creator of The Golden Circle and author of “Leaders Eat Last,” his teachings are a staple of not only our work but that of our colleagues, too. “Simon's WHY is to inspire people to do what inspires them so that, together, each of us can change our world for the better.”

Click here to follow Simon Sinek on LinkedIn: Simon Sinek

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

By James Clear

James Clear’s areas of focus are: habits, decision-making, and continuous improvement. His  writing, highlighted effectively in his Instagram feed, is potent in its simplicity. For example, “If you can make your good habits more convenient, you’ll be more likely to follow through on them.” For those looking to address the core of developing constructive patterns and breaking down destructive ones, this book has tremendous practical application.

Click to follow James Clear on Instagram

Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy

By Sheryl Sanberg & Adam Grant

“OptionB.Org provides practical, compassionate, everyday advice both for those who are facing loss and hardship themselves, and for those who want to show up for their loved ones during life’s hardest moments.” Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook, and Adam Grant, organizational psychologist at Wharton, address how grief and trauma resulting from hardship can be overwhelming and even debilitating. Their resource library and guidance help us help ourselves and others.

Click to follow OptionB.org

Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

By Mihaly Csikszentmihaly

We first discovered Mihaly Csikszentmihaly’s work through his TED Talk, “Flow: The Secret to Happiness.” An absolute classic in the space of psychology and boosting personal performance, Flow is Mihaly Csikzentmihaly’s pursuit of “a highly focused mental state conducive to productivity.” Our work based on behavioral neuroscience gels with what he found as the conditions to create the hyperfocus of being “in the zone” and thriving in it.

Click to read about Mihaly Csikszentmihaly on Wikipedia

Thinking Fast And Slow

By Daniel Kahneman

Our interest in behavioral science was heightened by Daniel Kahneman’s distinction of two systems of thinking: 1 that is “fast, instinctive, and emotional” 2 that is “slower, more deliberative, and more logical.” He explains how the impetus for each system of thinking plays a rational and non-rational role in informing behavior, research which serves to right-size our “confidence in human judgment.” Daniel Kahneman was awarded the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

Click to read more about this book on Wikipedia

The Buddha And The Badass: The Secret Spiritual Art of Succeeding at Work

By Vishen Lakhiani

We were first introduced to Vishen Lakhiani through a CPG global executive client who had taken a number of workshops he led at MindValley.  This book was recommended to us by a fashion startup client in NYC who was particularly moved by the underlying concepts: “The Buddha is the archetype of the spiritual master [who] can live in this world but also move with an ease, grace, and flow.”.”The Badass is the archetype of the changemaker [who] is out there creating change, building, coding, writing, inventing, leading.” 

Click here to follow Vishen Lakhiani on LinkedIn: Vishen Lakhiani

The Daily Laws: 366 Meditations on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature

By Robert Greene

Robert Greene is one of our favorites to read (other books we love: The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law and Mastery) and thoughtfully reflect upon. The breadth and depth of his research, and his often-times provocative points, have presented us with many anecdotes, nuggets of wisdom, and illustrations in our work with our executive and entrepreneurial advisory clients.

Click here to follow Robert Greene on Instagram: Robert Greene

Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter

By Liz Wiseman

We’ve been honored to collaborate with Liz Wiseman in the past, and we like the concept of “how the best leaders make everyone smarter.” She writes about how leaders that need to be the smartest ones in the room “are the idea killers, the energy sappers, the diminishers of talent and commitment,” and she encourages us to become “leaders who inspire employees to stretch themselves to deliver results that surpass expectations.”

Click here to follow Liz Wiseman on LinkedIn: Liz Wiseman

Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, And Purpose

By Tony Hsieh

We had the honor of meeting Tony Hsieh in Las Vegas at an Inc.com conference a few years ago, and also taking him up on the invitation to visit the Zappos campus. Tony Hsieh’s tragic passing moved us very much, and his life and legacy remain dear to us for the impact he made on us, from his vulnerable sharing about how he fueled his entrepreneurial journey and eventual vision for Zappos, and how he disrupted the concept of thinking of it as a shoe business and instead as the business of “delivering happiness.”

DRiVE: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

By Daniel H. Pink

Motivation, all too often seen in terms of the carrot-or-the-stick approach, is much more complex. Daniel Pink “exposes the mismatch between what science knows and what business does—and how that affects every aspect of life. He examines the three elements of true motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose-and offers smart and surprising techniques for putting these into action in a unique book that will change how we think and transform how we live.”

Click here to learn more about Daniel Pink: Dan Pink

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

By Carol Dweck

“Growth mindset” and any other concepts around mindset in your newsfeed likely originates in the work of fellow Barnard College alumna, Carol Dweck. She is a brilliant psychologist who has challenged the idea that abilities and talent determine success; instead, she promotes “how we can learn to fulfill our potential” through the power of our mindset. We love to incorporate Carol Dweck’s research and concepts in our work of executive advisory and learning and development.

Click here to listen to Carol Dweck’s TED talks: Carol Dweck

Man’s Search For Meaning

By Viktor Frankl

This is a heart wrenching, deeply moving classic, and a must read for cultivating basic human decency, and then striving toward developing values-aligned leadership, both of which we apply in our executive advisory work with clients. “Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose” (per Beacon Press). We highly encourage a quiet, dedicated, and thoughtful reading of this book combined with deep self-reflection.

Click to read about Viktor Frankl: Viktor Frankl

The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World

By Jacqueline Novogratz

We are fans of Jacqueline Novogratz as an author, as a visionary impact-driven global force, and as a leader of a community of learning.  Her story as a commercial banker whose humanitarian interest was piqued by a random experience resonated with us, and her journey to follow microfinance and develop an appreciation for “patient capital” prompted us to take a fresh look at well-intentioned efforts to provide help and explore how we can honor sensitivity, dignity, and sensibility in crafting how we offer our support to striving global entrepreneurs. 

Click here to follow Jacqueline Novogratz on LinkedIn: Jacqueline Novogratz

Your Brain At Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long

By David Rock

We have received two certifications from the NeuroLeadership Institute, co-founded by David Rock. This book is foundational to his approach to resolving conflicts, challenges, and unrealized potential in the workplace by applying brain-based behavioral research and experience. The insights in this book are part of the repertoire we draw from when we provide executive advisory, strategic consulting, and training and development to our clients.

Click here to follow David Rock on LinkedIn: David Rock

The Art Of Choosing

By Sheena Iyengar

Our interest in linguistics led us to finding this book, as we have long since explored “decisions” versus “choices.” Sheena Iyendar, widely recognized as an expert on choice, has performed award-winning research, based upon which she has written this book.  In it, she offers guidance on such techniques as setting boundaries around options and exercising discipline while developing “the art of choosing”, which can be applied to any context, and her illustrations offer inspiration for practical application.

Click here to follow Sheena Iyengar on LinkedIn: Sheena Iyengar

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

By Phil Knight

An engaging read that is part memoir, part business textbook, Shoe Dog is a fantastic storytelling behind the scenes of the genesis and evolution of a revolutionary force in business. Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, pulls back the curtain on this legendary company: curious paths, trials and tribulations, and fascinating steering of the global icon that is Nike. We recommend this for a great read on a flight or a long train ride!

Click to read about Phil Knight: Phil Knight

Presence

By Amy Cuddy

One of the most popular TED talks of all time, “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are”, was delivered by Amy Cuddy. “Power poses” entered into our common leadership vernacular thanks to the research of this social psychologist. We were fortunate to meet her at a workshop she taught at Harvard Medical School’s Institute of Coaching and then to engage with her via her Clubhouse series. While we do not profess to be body language experts, we do draw from Amy Cuddy’s research in sculpting leaders for self-reflection, gravitas, and executive presence.

Click here to follow Amy Cuddy on LinkedIn: Amy Cuddy

Start Something That Matters

By Blake Mycoskie

TOMS impresses us not only as a certified B Corporation, but also having been recognized as an exceptional leader among B Corporations that continues to strive to increase its performance on social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability measures. We had the honor of meeting Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS and co-founder of Madefor, at an Inc.com conference a few years ago, and were moved by the authenticity of his values in action. This book may inspire not only to start something that matters, but also to push the envelope in the spirit of continuous improvement and betterment of the word.

Click here to follow Blake Mycoskie on LinkedIn: Blake Mycoskie

Zero To One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future

By Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and Founders Fund, and the first outside investor in Facebook, is recognized as a legend among entrepreneurs. While this is a small book, we found a large dose of motivation, a call to action to generate value to contribute to the world, and big picture thinking necessary for any new entrepreneur at risk of getting into the weeds and into the myopia of chasing the buzz that commonly afflicts the start-up space.

Click to read about Peter Thiel: Peter Thiel

Lead To Win: How to Be a Powerful, Impactful, Influential Leader in Any Environment

By Carla Harris

Carla Harris is one of our favorites for punchy, thoughtful ways to frame navigation of individual career progression. A phenom in the space of leadership, she draws from her experience in guiding wealth management at Morgan Stanley and chairing the National Women’s Business Council to provide clear instructions on getting to a place of winning professionally.  We love to attend her talks in person as we know we’ll be walking away with insights and motivation that we can incorporate into our work with executive advisory clients, particularly with respect to refine effectiveness and intentionality. This recently released book is now on our reading list!

Click here to follow Carla Harris on LinkedIn: Carla Harris

The Energy Bus

By Jon Gordon

Jon Gordon’s movement draws from positive psychology to deliver 10 tools to bring spirit to a team or culture …. This book is kind of a joke

The Energy Bus has also inspired training programs, workbooks, and Jon has even created a version for kids to help them build skills for forward thinking. 

Click here to follow Jon Gordon on LinkedIn: Jon Gordon

Stumbling On Happiness

By Daniel Gilbert

 Founder and Principal at Gilbert + Chittenden

Click here to follow Daniel Gilbert on LinkedIn: Daniel Gilbert

Badass Your Brand

By Pia Silva

Pia Silva is a powerful speaker, writer, and brand strategist, focusing on how to best turn expertise into profits, cutting out “all the BS” that is standing in your way. In “Badass Your Brand'', Pia Silva talks about ways that business owners can hone in only what is needed to turn on their knowledge and expertise into strategic profits, throwing out all the extras that are holding them back.

Click here to follow Pia Silva on LinkedIn: Pia Silva

The Hard Thing About Hard Things

By Ben Horowitz

American businessman, investor, blogger, and author. He is a technology entrepreneur and co-founder along with Marc Andreessen of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.

Click here to read about Ben Horowitz:  Ben Horowitz

Sprint

By Jake Knapp

Author of SPRINT and MAKE TIME. Co-Founder at character.vc. More at jakeknapp.com.

Click here to follow Jake Knapp on LinkedIn: Jake Knapp

The Idea Factory

By Daniel H. Pink

Jon Gertner is a journalist, historian and feature writer for The New York Times Magazine. His first book, The Idea Factory (Penguin, 2012) was a New York Times bestseller

Click here to read about John Gertner: John Gertner

Play to your Strengths

By Dave Kiefeer

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If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Happy

By Raj Raghunathan

Professor of Business at UT Austin | Author, If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Happy? | MOOC Instructor

Raj Raghunathan tackles the interesting question of why some of the most intelligent and successful people are “winning” in regards to career success but “losing” in what he calls “life success”. In “If you’re so smart, why aren’t you happy” Raj discusses how some of the most classical definitions of success actually lead to profound unhappiness and how his readers can achieve life success and happiness. Regardless of if they are business leaders, artists, or stay at home parents Raj has research and tips for any life path his readers may be on.

Click here to follow Raj Raghunathan on LinkedIn: Raj Raghunathan

Maps of Meaning

By Jordan Peterson

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The Upside of Your Dark Side

By Todd Kashdan

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The Third Wave

By Steve Case

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Awaken the Giant Within

By Tony Robbins

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The Happiness Advantage

By Shawn Achor

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How Full is your Bucket

By Gallup

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The Willpower Instinct

By Kelly McGonigal

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The Compass and The Nail

By Craig Wilson

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The Literary Lives of Inklings

By Carol Zaleski and Philip Zaleski

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The Road to Character

By David Brooks

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Creation, Invention, and Discovery

By Kevin Ashton

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Misbehaving

By Richard Thaler

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Rework

By David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried

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Street Smarts

By Bo Burlingham and Norm Brodsky

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Rookie Smarts

By Timothy Wilson

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You are a Badass

By Jen Sincero

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