BookThinkers: Life-Changing Books

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Caroline Stokes, author of AfterShock to 2030: A CEO’s Guide to Reinvention in the Age of AI, Climate, and Societal Collapse.Caroline is a global leadership strategist, PCC-level executive coach, and a Sony alum who helped launch PlayStation. A leading voice on 5th Industrial Revolution leadership, she blends trauma-aware systems, emotionally intelligent AI, and adaptive intelligence to help CEOs reinvent for a polycrisis era. Her work has appeared in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes, and she’s spoken at the World Bank, IEEE, and even the UN Peace Day celebration in Los Angeles.In this episode, you’ll learn how to shift from old-paradigm playbooks to a 100-day transformation that rebuilds your organization from the inside out, why leaders must decarbonize habits (yes, even how we read) to build truly sustainable systems, and how to turn AI, climate shocks, and societal unrest into a strategic advantage with emotionally intelligent, ecosystem-first leadership.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Caroline Stokes.To Learn More about Caroline and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/03g9gbjWebsite/Socials:https://www.theforward.co/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ocarolinestokeshttps://x.com/oCarolineStokeshttps://www.instagram.com/ocarolinestokes/https://www.facebook.com/theforwardcohttps://www.threads.com/@ocarolinestokesChapters: 0:001:46 Building a future for the next generations5:26 Shocks on leadership levels from today’s world changes10:19 Caroline’s shocking experience in England & Singapore 14:24 We forget we’ve experienced profound change17:08 Evolving & embracing disruptions (human capital, technology, ecosystems)21:15 Book’s environmental impact (and why her book is only digital)33:13 Read less & apply more (& reduce the environmental negative impact)37:26 How to adapt to the upcoming change (hint: curiosity & deep work)42:31 “Neuroplasticity is the meaning of life”________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Mike Goldman, author of The Strength of Talent: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Profit.Mike is a leadership team coach, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and host of The Better Leadership Team Show. Over his 30+ year career, he’s worked with companies like Disney, Verizon, CHANEL, and Polo Ralph Lauren, and his insights have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and Chief Executive Magazine. Widely regarded by CEOs as the expert on building great leadership teams, Mike helps leaders grow their business by first growing their people.In this episode, you’ll learn why traditional performance management is broken and what to do instead, how to retain and develop your highest performers while avoiding “polished mediocrity,” and how to make people growth your #1 priority in measurable, practical ways.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Mike Goldman.To Learn More about Mike and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/51WmuVzWebsite/Socials:https://www.mike-goldman.com/http://instagram.com/mikegoldmancoachhttps://www.facebook.com/mikegoldmancoachhttps://twitter.com/mgoldman10http://www.linkedin.com/in/mgoldman10Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:30 No.1 driver of profit growth is people growth4:44 The problem of unclear expectations8:08 Clear KPIs vs Micro-Management9:02 Examples from big companies13:55 How to retain high performers18:12 Doubling down on high performance21:35 Raising the minimum standards24:00 Everyone can be a superstar somewhere26:59 Benchmarks for people growth30:09 How to get started 32:47 The talent density launchpad34:23 Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)36:00 9-Box grid talent management37:45 A movement for people growth41:02 AI, tech & people growth43:58 Where to connect with Mike, his work & his book45:10 A message for leaders________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Joseph Rutakangwa, author of Never Stay Broke: Because Motivation Alone Won’t Pay the Bills.Joseph is an entrepreneur, artist, and storyteller best known as the co-founder and CEO of Rwazi, a consumer-trained AI platform helping global brands make faster, smarter decisions with real-world data. Recognized by the Los Angeles City Council for innovation, he builds systems at the intersection of technology, creativity, and human potential.In this episode, you’ll learn how to get out of “stuck” in the next 24 hours by creating motion, how to stack simple, high-margin gigs and trim the ones that drain you, and how to align your daily energy with your long-term vision using Joseph’s physics-inspired “work done” framework—so you can generate cash, build buffers, and design a life that moves forward.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Joseph Rutakangwa To Learn More about Joseph and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/fpB2ZWpWebsite/Socials:https://www.rutakangwa.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-rutakangwa/https://www.instagram.com/jrutakangwahttps://x.com/JRutakangwahttps://www.youtube.com/c/JosephRutakangwaChapters: 0:00 Intro1:30 From a comfortable life to having nothing4:00 What do you have a competitive advantage on?11:49 Friction that keeps you static (& how to get in motion)22:36 Integrating passion and cash generation24:21 Pushing through friction and negativity26:20 Being useful & solving problems with high-demand36:59 Defining your vision38:39 Spend energy moving your life in the direction of your vision43:29 Where to connect with Joseph, his work & his book________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Tammy J. Cohen, author of Text Messages to My Sons: A Guide to Using Mobile Devices to Connect and Communicate with Your Kids.Tammy is a dynamic speaker, award-winning author, podcaster, and brand messaging consultant. She’s the founder of Women Beyond the Table and TC Brand Consulting, where she helps leaders align mission, values, and message for authentic impact. With an MBA from Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business, she blends warmth, humor, and practical wisdom to help families and teams communicate with intention.In this episode, you’ll learn how to turn phones into a force for connection with simple daily texts, what to say (and why a reply isn’t required) to build trust and resilience, and a repeatable framework for infusing love, gratitude, and accountability into short messages that cut through digital noise.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Tammy J. Cohen.To Learn More about Tammy and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/eooVgDBWebsite/Socials:https://tammyjcohen.com/https://www.instagram.com/tammyjcohen/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-j-cohen/Chapters: 1:31 Life with more books and less distractions & mobile devices5:11 Physical books vs Digital reading7:52 You never read the same book twice… you’re a new reader10:55 The story of Tammy’s highly positive impact of phone usage19:31 Meeting people unselfishly where they are at22:15 The power of connection over poor mental health26:24 Healthy & positive relationships don’t need to be 50/5028:42 The reciprocity will eventually come… at the right time33:07 Sharing gratitude and vulnerability36:28 Where to connect with Tammy, her work and her book37:36 Think of life as your best friend________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Alan Gregerman, an award-winning innovation strategist and author, shares his insights on utilizing 'enlightened ignorance' to fuel creativity. He warns that expertise can limit innovation and discusses how fresh hires can bring invaluable outside perspectives. Gregerman introduces a clipboard exercise for new employees to highlight fresh insights and emphasizes the importance of observing nature for innovative ideas. He also elaborates on the powerful leadership practices that drive innovation, urging listeners to embrace curiosity and take initiative in problem-solving.

Join us for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Milam Miller, author of The Charisma Craft: A Modern Leadership Guide to Enhance Your "Rizz" Factor.Milam is a keynote speaker, leadership coach, and sales performance consultant who’s been described by clients as “the real-life Ted Lasso.” Over his career in sports and entertainment, he negotiated more than $100 million in commercial revenue, but it was his passion for soft skills and human connection that led him to launch BCK – Be Confident and Kind, a movement helping leaders create stronger teams and drive better results.In this episode, you’ll learn why charisma is not a personality trait but a craft you can develop, how to balance confidence with kindness to influence others authentically, and why boldness and curiosity are the currencies of modern leadership.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Milam Miller.To Learn More about Milam and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/0VCA5ukWebsite/Socials:https://beconfidentandkind.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/milam-miller-bck/https://www.instagram.com/milam.millerChapters: 0:00 Intro1:32 Charisma and rizz: The way to connect on the human level4:30 Nick's & Milam's biggest charisma role-model7:25 The value of charisma as an asset in the age of AI13:38 The growth mindset & 3 ways to improve your communication skills18:17 Kindness, warmth and competence20:02 Having a customer centric mindset22:47 Milam's experience selling toilets27:38 Personal development and charisma29:42 Ted Lasso as a charisma case study33:44 Serena Williams as a boldness and charisma case study36:42 Asking yourself: How can I be brave and more bold?40:04 Where to connect with Milam, his work and his book41:28 To be interesting, be interested42:17 Practical lesson: remember people's names________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview James Shin, author of The Leader’s Soul.James is the Founder and CEO of Blue Koi Global Partners and holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Penn State. With more than 25 years leading rapid, sustainable growth across global markets, he’s known for transforming operations, supply chains, and procurement while developing leaders who can carry the mission forward.In this episode, you’ll learn how to define what “good” looks like and lead with a long-term view, how great leaders “take arrows” to protect their teams while building a strong pipeline of future leaders, and simple weekly practices—reading, reflection, travel, time in nature, and with family—that sharpen judgment and resilience.We hope enjoy this incredible conversation with James Shin.To Learn More about James and buy his book visit: The Book:https://a.co/d/gh0uSsLWebsite/Socials:https://www.bluekoiglobal.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-j-shin/https://www.instagram.com/james.j.shin/Chapters: 1:26 What is true, good leadership?4:38 The effectiveness of reading as a learning method11:06 You can tell a leader by counting the number of arrows in his ass12:59 Fundamental leadership principles14:13 How to grow drastically as a young leader18:00 How traveling helps you understand people20:34 Culture shocks between Corea & The U.S.A22:47 Lessons from slowing down in nature25:50 What James has learned from his family27:55 Finding ways to spend more time with your children29:50 The effect of developing new leaders31:12 The biggest mistake James has made as a leader34:25 Where to connect with James and his work35:13 Final thoughts & advice________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠⁠⁠⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠⁠⁠⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Derek Coburn, author of Let’s Retire Retirement: How to Enjoy Life to the Fullest — Now and Later.Derek is a USA Today bestselling author, entrepreneur, and financial advisor with over twenty-five years of experience helping clients design lives so fulfilling they’ll never want to retire from them. He’s the cofounder of CADRE, a professional community for CEOs and entrepreneurs, and the author of the acclaimed Networking Is Not Working.In this episode, you’ll learn why you should question everything you’ve been told about the traditional path to retirement, how to balance ambition and presence so you don’t miss life’s most important moments, and why flexibility—not flashy possessions—might just be the ultimate status symbol.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Derek Coburn.To Learn More about Derek and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/7PodfIuWebsite/Socials: https://www.derekcoburn.com/https://www.cadredc.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekcoburn/Chapters: 1:27 Derek’s father blueprint on Derek’s life & work4:06 Regret reduction & navigating through stages of life9:13 Building memories & relationships you’ll keep for the rest of your life13:21 Flexibility is the ultimate flex18:01 You gotta have meaning & purpose in your life21:14 Extending your working-life is a financial & health hack26:16 The concept of retirement is barely 100 years old29:50 The future of retirement31:53 The positive effects of AI on work & introspection opportunities36:24 Where to connect with Derek36:48 Don’t rely on assumptions to plan your life, enjoy it now________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Samantha Woo, author of What Other Leadership Books Don’t Tell You: How to Lead & Manage Highly-Emotional Employees.Samantha is a leadership coach, Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, and founder of the E.M.B.R.A.C.E.® method. She blends neuroscience, clinical therapy, and trauma-informed coaching to help tech leaders and executives navigate the people problems no one talks about.In this episode, you’ll learn how trauma shows up at work—and why most leaders are unprepared for it, why emotional intelligence isn’t something you teach with a slide deck, and what it really takes to support both high-performing and hypo-aroused employees in today’s workplace.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Samantha Woo.To Learn More about Samantha and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/iJol27kWebsite/Socials: https://www.swnconsultingllc.com/https://www.instagram.com/samantha.s.woo/https://x.com/SWNconsultingChapters: 0:00 Intro1:22 Why people live unhappy for 90,000 hours in their lives3:07 Root causes of dissatisfaction at work5:22 The impact of remote & virtual work7:40 Empathy and recognizing not-work-related problems of your team11:37 Practical tips for leaders to keep your team happy13:05 Everybody’s overwhelmed in some way18:19 Dealing with work-induced mental health problems21:54 The rise of problems in the modern workplace25:19 Talking about emotional intelligence & the EQ at work30:41 The adoption of AI & its impact in business decisions34:18 Exhale & step back to become more emotionally intelligent36:27 What makes a good leader (The Growth & Spiritual Mindset)41:02 Where to connect with Samantha and get the book41:44 We’re all in this together________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website.

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Philip Portman, author of The Three Keys to Success: Define Your Version of Success and Achieve It.Phil is a serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of TextDrip, and a proud member of the Forbes Technology Council. He’s launched multiple startups in automation and communications, he helps businesses scale with AI-driven solutions, and even owns a horse farm in Michigan focused on employee well-being.In this episode, you’ll learn how redefining success can help you break free from hustle culture, why writing down your goals isn’t just motivational—it’s transformational, and how building self-confidence might be the most underrated driver of success.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Philip Portman.To Learn More about Philip and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/6SbH8QkWebsite/Socials: https://philportman.com/https://www.instagram.com/phil.portmanhttps://www.facebook.com/philportmanhttps://twitter.com/philportmanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philportman/https://www.youtube.com/@successispodcastChapters: 0:00 Intro1:23 The influence of Phil’s mom raising him and his 6 siblings3:15 The pursuit of approval limits intelligent decisions12:59 Having balance, time-freedom and making a difference18:36 The reason why you work hard20:43 Slowing down to achieve more23:20 Defining & sharing your goals with a goal-partner27:06 100 Goals to tell your life where you want to go29:59 Phil’s most ambitious accomplishment33:26 Habits of high-achievers (exercise & reading)36:13 Discipline & the habit of saying “no”39:19 Building self-confidence & pursuing discomfort43:28 To slow down time, get uncomfortable45:15 Connect with Philip & get the book!46:44 Phil’s book suggestions49:16 You are far more capable than you realize________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!