Welcome, welcome, welcome! You’re listening to the Read to Lead Podcast, and I’m your host, Jeff Brown. Today is an incredibly special day because we’re celebrating 11 years of this podcast! 🎉

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of speaking with some of the brightest minds and discussing some of the most transformative books out there.

So, in honor of our 11th anniversary, I thought it would be fitting to look back at 11 of the most influential books I’ve read since starting this journey. Each of these books has left a lasting impact on me and, I hope, on you too.

Let’s dive right in, shall we? For a complete list of the books, just scroll down.

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Our first stop is way back to Episode 28 with Daniel Pink’s “To Sell is Human.” This book completely redefined my understanding of sales. Dan Pink argues that sales isn’t just for salespeople; it’s a fundamental human skill.

Whether you’re an accountant, engineer, or manager, you’re in the business of moving others. Pink introduces the new ABCs of selling: Attunement, Buoyancy, and Clarity. Attunement is about understanding and aligning with others’ perspectives.

Buoyancy keeps us afloat amidst rejection, and Clarity helps us see solutions more clearly. One of the most surprising insights was that ambiverts, not extroverts, are the best salespeople because they balance listening and assertiveness.

Next, let’s talk about Greg McKeown’s “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,” from Episode 52.

This book is a game-changer for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of modern life. Greg teaches us that by focusing on the vital few instead of the trivial many, we can achieve more meaningful success.

He shares a personal story about missing the birth of his daughter due to work commitments, which really drove home the importance of prioritizing what’s truly essential. His three-step process: exploring and evaluating options, eliminating the non-essential, and executing essential tasks effortlessly, has been a blueprint for my own productivity.

Episode 68 introduced us to Hal Elrod and “The Miracle Morning.” Hal’s morning routine is designed to set a positive tone for the rest of the day. His lifesavers—Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing—are simple yet powerful practices that anyone can integrate into their morning routine.

Hal’s personal story of overcoming a near-fatal accident and financial ruin is incredibly inspiring. His message is clear: by starting our day with intention and purpose, we can transform our lives.

Moving on to Episode 71, we had Jeff Goins discussing “The Art of Work.” Jeff challenges the notion that we all have a predetermined path. Instead, he argues that clarity comes through action.

The book is filled with stories of people who discovered their calling through a series of intentional steps, learning from failures and pivoting when necessary.

Jeff’s advice to see failures as pivot points and to embrace the journey resonates deeply with me.

Episode 170 brought Vanessa Van Edwards and her book “Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People.” Vanessa’s research on human behavior is fascinating. She emphasizes the importance of listening intently and engaging deeply in conversations.

Her concept of “conversation sparks” helps make interactions more memorable and impactful. By understanding micro-expressions and the Big Five personality traits, we can improve our social skills and build stronger relationships.

Episode 183 featured Brian Moran’s “The 12 Week Year.” This book revolutionizes traditional goal-setting by advocating for shorter, more focused execution periods. By condensing planning into 12-week cycles, we create a sense of urgency that drives progress.

Brian’s emphasis on clear, specific goals and accountability partnerships has helped me achieve more in less time. It’s a powerful system that can transform your productivity.

Tim Pollard’s “Mastering the Moment” from Episode 294 is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their presentation skills. Tim’s insights on preparation, rehearsal, and delivery are invaluable. He stresses the importance of matching the room’s energy and using “muscular language” to engage the audience.

His approach to proportional rehearsal ensures that key parts of the presentation are delivered flawlessly. This book has significantly improved my own public speaking abilities.

In Episode 324, BJ Fogg introduced us to “Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything.” BJ’s behavior model shows that small, manageable actions can lead to significant transformations. His emphasis on celebrating small successes, or “self-reinforcement,” creates positive emotions that make habits stick. By simplifying behaviors and integrating them into daily routines, we can achieve lasting change. This book is a treasure trove of practical strategies for personal growth.

Alain Hunkins joined us in Episode 328 to discuss “Cracking the Leadership Code.” Alain emphasizes empathy, effective communication, and credibility as the cornerstones of strong leadership. His personal stories and practical advice make the complex concepts of leadership accessible and actionable. By focusing on these three areas, we can become more effective and inspiring leaders.

Episode 355 with Todd Henry brought us “Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day.” Todd talks about understanding the hidden forces that drive our best work. He introduces the concept of “productive passion,” the intersection of our skills, affinities, and the value we bring to others. Aligning our work with our core values and beliefs enhances motivation and leads to more meaningful contributions. Todd’s insights are crucial for anyone looking to tap into their full potential.

Finally, in Episode 407, we had Dr. Nate Zinsser with “The Confident Mind.” Dr. Zinsser demystifies confidence and provides practical strategies for achieving unshakable performance. He emphasizes managing our psychological “bank account” through positive mental practices like visualization and positive self-talk.

His insights from working with elite athletes and military personnel are incredibly valuable for anyone looking to enhance their confidence and performance.

And there you have it!

Eleven incredible books that have shaped my journey and, I hope, yours too. Each of these books offers unique insights and practical advice that can transform our personal and professional lives.

As we celebrate 11 years of the Read to Lead Podcast, I want to thank you, our listeners, for your support and for being a part of this journey. Here’s to many more years of learning and growing together!

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with your friends and colleagues. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, and keep leading.

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