Read to Lead Podcast

Jenny Wood, a former Googler turned full-time author and speaker, shares insights from her book Wild Courage. She discusses the concept of wild courage and the power of self-advocacy in achieving career success. Jenny emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and embracing risks as catalysts for growth. She redefines being 'bossy' as a positive trait that fosters collaboration while encouraging a balanced approach to ambition. Through her journey, she highlights the need to enjoy the process of pursuing goals, promoting curiosity and empathy along the way.

Paula Davis, founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute, is a stress and resilience expert who has worked with leaders across various fields. In this engaging discussion, she explores how workplace transformations, from remote work to AI, have heightened employee stress. Paula shares her holistic framework for leadership that prioritizes well-being and enhances team resilience. She underscores the importance of communication and autonomy in leadership, as well as practical mindsets from her book 'Lead Well' to inspire and retain teams.

Sondra Matz, a Columbia Business School professor and author of "Mind Masters," dives into the complex world of human behavior. She challenges traditional views on personality, illustrating its fluidity based on context. The discussion explores the impact of big data and algorithms, revealing both their benefits and risks. Matz also tackles the ethical concerns of psychological targeting, emphasizing the need for user protection. Ultimately, she advocates for frameworks that prioritize well-being over exploitation in our increasingly digital lives.

Margie Warrell, bestselling author and globally respected speaker, dives into the 'courage gap'—the chasm between our abilities and the actions we take. She shares personal stories of overcoming childhood insecurities and financial fears that shaped her outlook. Margie introduces the transformative 3P test to help listeners reframe limiting narratives. She emphasizes embracing fear as a path to growth and offers strategies for fostering resilience, highlighting that discomfort can be a powerful catalyst for personal development.

Exciting changes are on the horizon! The host announces a major shift from a weekly to a monthly format, allowing for deeper dives into selected books. This decision aims to enhance the listening experience, taking into account valuable feedback from listeners. Big transformations are coming, promising to enrich the content and keep audiences engaged!

Dive into the must-reads for aspiring leaders, starting with the renowned 'Made to Stick', which reveals the secrets behind making ideas unforgettable. Explore the realms of persuasion and the ethical nuances intertwined with effective communication. Plus, uncover transformative insights from pivotal titles that delve into optimal experiences, habit formation, and the search for meaning. Each book offers unique lessons that are essential for personal development and effective leadership.

In this two part, year-ending series, I unpack the eleven book that should be a part of every leader’s library. If there are any books on this list you haven’t yet made time for, I suggest you carve out time in 2025 for each of them. In that there are 11 books on the list, […] The post 559: Game-Changing Reads: 11 Books Every Leader Needs – Part 1 first appeared on Read to Lead Podcast.

Mike Kim, a marketing strategist and author of 'You Are the Brand,' dives into the art of building authentic personal brands. He emphasizes the need for genuine connections and the journey of entrepreneurship versus mere tactics. The conversation highlights reading’s transformative power on personal growth, revealing how impactful literature has shaped Kim’s path. He also discusses an eight-step blueprint for creating a profitable personal brand, underscoring the importance of self-reflection and understanding one's value in solopreneur ventures.

In this engaging discussion, Arnie Malham, an award-winning CEO and bestselling author, shares his insights on creating vibrant organizational cultures. He underscores how challenges can shape a strong culture that attracts top talent. Arnie introduces the innovative Better Book Club, promoting collaborative reading as a tool for growth. He also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of investing in employees and creating positive hiring practices. Plus, he explores the joy of reading and how it transforms both individuals and organizations.

In this engaging discussion, Michael B. Horn, co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, and Bob Moesta, founder of Rewired Group, share nine actionable steps for advancing your career. They delve into the significance of networking and crafting a personal career narrative that connects with employers. The duo emphasizes the importance of informational interviews and weak ties in discovering hidden job opportunities. They also explore rethinking job structures, focusing on respect and fulfillment over mere financial gain, to enhance overall job satisfaction.