The Next Chapter by American Express Business Class

Every workplace needs a troublemaker. If that sounds odd, then check out “Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual” by Luvvie Ajayi Jones. Ajayi Jones, a best-selling author and speaker, known for her honesty and wit, offers advice to readers on how to command the room at work and leave their fears at the door. She also chronicles her own rise as a self-described troublemaker. Earlier this year, Ajayi Jones adapted the work for young adults ready to make their mark in a new edition entitled, “Rising Troublemaker: A Fear-Fighter Manual for Teens”.

Negotiations are an essential part of everyday life. We negotiate with our family members, our colleagues and people we’ve met for the first time. So why do so many business books claim that great negotiators should be uncompromising and cold? In “Bring Yourself: How to Harness the Power of Connection to Negotiate Fearlessly,” Mori Taheripour makes the case that the best negotiators are curious, empathetic and, oftentimes, the best listeners in the room. Taheripour is a master negotiator whose techniques have been implemented by all types of leaders, from sports executives to Fortune 500 C.E.O.s – but her book offers advice that anyone can draw from to be more confident as they navigate their everyday lives.

How far can a person get on talent alone? Angela Duckworth is a researcher, teacher, MacArthur fellow and best-selling author who has dedicated her career to finding out what factors can lead a person to be successful. In her book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” Duckworth draws from a mixture of firsthand experiences, interviews with high performers and academic research to make the case that a person’s ability to overcome setbacks may actually be their most valuable trait. Duckworth and host Cardiff Garcia discuss her personal relationship with the idea of genius, the benefits of mentorship and how life has changed since the publication of “Grit.”

The Next Chapter is a new podcast from American Express Business Class, hosted by Cardiff Garcia. In each episode we’ll hear from a best-selling author from the world of business offering insights and inspiration for anyone looking to expand their company or elevate their career.