In this high-voltage thriller, Scot Harvath must race to locate an ancient secret that has the power to stop militant Islam dead in its tracks. The story spans from June 632 AD, where the Prophet Mohammed shares a final revelation with his closest companions, to September 1789, where US Minister to France Thomas Jefferson makes a shocking discovery that could impact the world’s relationship with Islam. Harvath faces a former CIA assassin turned radical Islamist and navigates through intense action, historical snippets, and political intrigue.
In this thriller by Brad Thor, four elite female operatives from the Athena Project join Delta Force to hunt down a Venetian arms dealer responsible for a terrorist attack in Rome. As they close in on their target, they uncover a complex web of secrets and threats, including a young intelligence officer's grisly discovery in South America and a foreign spy penetrating a secret beneath Denver International Airport. The novel combines action, suspense, and political intrigue, highlighting the skills and lethality of the female operatives.
In 'The Score That Matters', Ryan Hawk and Brook Cupps argue that the internal score, which reflects alignment with one's purpose and values, is more important than external measures of success. The book provides both descriptive and prescriptive advice and anecdotes to help readers discover their purpose, identify their values, create critical behaviors, and live them faithfully every day. It emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation, resilience, and avoiding comparison to achieve true fulfillment and happiness in both personal and professional life.
In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.
In 'The Da Vinci Code', Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre Museum in Paris after the murder of the curator, Jacques Saunière. Along with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, Langdon embarks on a perilous journey to decipher cryptic clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. The plot revolves around an alternative religious history, suggesting that Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene had a child, and their descendants are protected by the Priory of Sion. The novel is a blend of relentless adventure, scholarly intrigue, and cutting wit, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the astonishing conclusion.
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
In 'Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women', Susan Faludi presents a detailed examination of the backlash against feminist gains of the 1970s. The book argues that this backlash, fueled by media, politics, and popular culture, blames the women's liberation movement for various problems faced by American women in the late 1980s. Faludi identifies and debunks myths such as the 'infertility epidemic' and the 'man shortage', showing how these myths were constructed and disseminated to undermine feminist progress. The book also explores historical trends of backlash following significant feminist advancements and its ongoing impact on women's rights and equality.
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Notes:
Brad Thor best selling author of 22 thrillers...
- Excellence as a leader… What has Brad seen from the military leaders he’s studied: Empathy - Understand what it’s like from their perspective. LISTEN - Care for your people. Actually LISTEN to them and be there. Creativity. Innovate, and think of new creative ways to solve problems.
- Effective storytelling - Don’t start with the weather. Leave out the parts people skip. Don’t be boring. This same advice is useful for leaders when communicating with your team. Put yourself in their shoes. How can you most effectively share your message without being boring. The more entertaining it is, the more likely they’ll remember it.
- Effective storytellers - Plotters (outlines, Dan Brown), Pantsers (write by the seat of your pants). Brad is a pantser.
- Take the first 4 ideas and throw them out. You need the element of surprise. Create surprise.
- Be comfortable breaking the rules.
- Loves Ray Donavon and Billions for the element of surprise
- "No joy in the writer, no joy in the reader."
- "No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader."
- Brad has served as a member of the Department of Homeland Security’s Analytic Red Cell Unit.
- Excellence as a leader (McChrystal) - Empathy, Listen, Creativity.
- PBL - Problem-Based Learning. John Bettis (country singer). How do you recharge your battery? International travel. Immerse yourself in another culture.
- Loves politics. Ran for President.
- Advice for writers – “Gotta Keep Writing” Mary Higgins Clark did it for 2 hours each morning before her family woke up. Whatever it is we want to be great at, we have to get the reps. Consistency beats intensity.
00:53 The Art of Storytelling
04:13 Elements of Effective Storytelling
08:26 The Importance of Surprise in Storytelling
11:33 Writing Process and Challenges
20:43 Research and Realism in Writing
27:04 Leadership Lessons from Writing
30:59 The Importance of Open-Mindedness
32:01 Pre-Publishing Feedback Process
35:09 Homeland Security and the Red Cell Unit
39:05 Maintaining Creative Energy
42:38 Political Ambitions and Leadership
50:57 Advice for Aspiring Writers
54:36 The Benefits of Reading Fiction for Leaders
56:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk 
