Brené on Strong Ground Ask Me Anything, Part 2 of 2

Walking the Talk explores the critical link between what leaders say and what they do in shaping organizational culture. Carolyn Taylor emphasizes the importance of aligning values with actions to build trust and credibility within a company. The book provides practical strategies for leaders to model desired behaviors and create a culture of accountability. It delves into the common pitfalls that can undermine culture and offers guidance on how to overcome them. Walking the Talk serves as a valuable resource for organizations seeking to improve their culture and drive sustainable success.

In 'On Muscle', Bonnie Tsui explores the significance of muscle in human life, delving into its role in physical and mental health, cultural perceptions of beauty, and personal narratives of strength and endurance. The book combines science, culture, and immersive reporting to redefine our understanding of muscle and its impact on our lives. Tsui shares stories from her childhood and encounters with remarkable individuals, such as the first female weightlifter to lift the Scottish Dinnie Stones.

This book distinguishes between unconscious and conscious leadership, offering a roadmap to help leaders transition from fear-based to trust-based leadership. The 15 commitments outlined in the book aim to enhance self-awareness, accountability, and collaborative relationships. By practicing these commitments, leaders can achieve more energy, clarity, focus, and healthier relationships, both personally and within their teams. The commitments include ending blame and criticism, speaking candidly, finding unique genius, and creating win-for-all solutions, among others. The authors provide practical exercises and resources to help leaders implement these commitments effectively.

The book tells the story of Robert Kiyosaki's two fathers: his 'poor dad,' a highly educated but fiscally poor man, and his 'rich dad,' the father of his best friend who was a successful entrepreneur. It emphasizes the importance of financial education, distinguishing between assets and liabilities, and building wealth through investing in assets such as real estate and businesses. Kiyosaki argues that a good education and a secure job are not guarantees for financial success and provides practical lessons on how to make money work for you rather than working for money.

In 'Why We Swim,' Bonnie Tsui examines the multifaceted relationship humans have with water. The book is propelled by stories of Olympic champions, a Baghdad swim club, modern-day Japanese samurai swimmers, and an Icelandic fisherman who survived a six-hour swim after a shipwreck. Tsui, a swimmer herself, investigates what it is about water that seduces us and why we return to it repeatedly. She explores the therapeutic, communal, and transformative aspects of swimming, drawing from personal experiences, historical contexts, and scientific insights. The book is a cultural history of humankind’s relationship with bodies of water, highlighting the benefits and dangers of swimming and its impact on human behavior and well-being.