The New Year is a time for reflection — to purposefully think about the last twelve months and how to make the most of the next twelve. Often, this reflective time culminates in meaningful resolutions to start the year on the right foot toward achieving goals. And many of us make reading more books part of that journey!
To that end, we wanted to share some inspiring and thought-provoking reads frequently highlighted by CEO and Founder Rob Siegfried. Remember, literature allows us the opportunity to engage with the thoughts and stories of impactful and inspiring individuals without having to know the writer personally. As you explore these reads, think about how they may motivate or challenge you to grow, become more committed to your core values, and transform into the best version of yourself.
Keep an open mind for new perspectives and embrace the lessons learned, personally and professionally. Without further ado, let’s dive into the list!
1. The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions by Geoff Woods
The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is here to stay, and AI promises to be a tool that powers human capabilities to even greater heights: but only if used strategically. The AI-Driven Leader serves as an essential guide for leaders looking to integrate artificial intelligence into their decision-making processes. The book explores how AI can revolutionize leadership by enabling faster, data-driven insights and fostering innovative problem-solving approaches.
Through practical examples and actionable strategies, the book demystifies AI technologies and explains how to implement them effectively within organizations. It emphasizes the importance of balancing technological advancements with human intuition and ethical considerations to create a sustainable, future-ready leadership style.
Designed for leaders at all levels, The AI-Driven Leader provides the tools and mindset needed to harness AI’s potential, drive organizational success, and remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.
2. This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life by Annie Grace
Resolutions, even reading, require change to be accomplished. Many rethink their habits of consumption in the New Year, particularly around alcohol, and consider how living a cleaner life may lead to more clarity in the pursuit of their goals. In This Naked Mind, author Annie Grace offers a groundbreaking approach to rethinking your relationship with alcohol. Combining psychology, neuroscience, and personal insights, she uncovers the subconscious beliefs that drive drinking behavior and helps readers regain control.
Grace challenges societal norms and the glamorization of alcohol, offering a compassionate and empowering method to break free from addiction or reliance. The book provides practical strategies and a mindset shift to find freedom, happiness, and a healthier, more fulfilling life—whether readers aim to moderate their drinking or stop altogether.
With a focus on understanding rather than judgment, This Naked Mind is an invaluable guide for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on alcohol and its role in their life.
3. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
True dreams are centered around maximizing your personal freedom, and what that means to you. In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz draws on ancient Toltec wisdom to offer a transformative guide to achieving personal freedom and lasting happiness. The book introduces four simple, yet profound principles:
- Be impeccable with your word – Speak with integrity and use your words to create positivity and truth.
- Don’t take anything personally – Recognize that others’ actions and words are a reflection of their own reality, not yours.
- Don’t make assumptions – Seek clarity and avoid misunderstandings by asking questions and expressing your needs.
- Always do your best – Give your best effort in all circumstances, understanding that your “best” may vary from moment to moment.
Ruiz’s practical framework empowers readers to break free from self-limiting beliefs, foster healthier relationships, and embrace a life of joy and authenticity. This timeless book serves as a powerful guide for anyone seeking inner peace and personal growth and promises to be a transformative read for the New Year.
4. Everybody Ought to Be Rich: The Life and Times of John J. Raskob, Capitalist by David Farber
Learning from those that came before us is a powerful way to reflect on and consider experiences outside of our own. This engaging biography chronicles the life of John J. Raskob, a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in early 20th-century American capitalism. Raskob, a self-made financier, played a crucial role in shaping the modern corporate landscape through his work with DuPont and General Motors, as well as his contributions to financial innovation. Author David Farber explores Raskob’s ambitious vision, exemplified by his creation of the Empire State Building and his infamous advocacy of widespread wealth through stock market investment—a dream cut short by the Great Depression.
Farber weaves Raskob’s story into the broader tapestry of American history, shedding light on the economic optimism and speculative excesses of the Jazz Age. The book offers an insightful look at Raskob’s complex personality, business acumen, and influence on the intersection of capitalism, politics, and culture during a transformative era. In a time that feels supercharged by change, remembering previous periods of evolution can empower us to sift through the noise and become the best version of ourselves.
5. Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg
Relationships are a critical part of life and success, and are therefore critical to consider when we think about how we want to achieve our own goals. In Supercommunicators, Charles Duhigg provides a practical guide to mastering the art of communication in a world where connection is key to success. The book breaks down the psychological and emotional factors that influence how people communicate and connect with others.
Duhigg explores techniques to improve clarity, confidence, and impact in both personal and professional interactions. Through real-life examples and actionable strategies, readers learn how to harness the “secret language of connection” to build trust, engage their audience, and convey messages effectively, whether in meetings, presentations, or everyday conversations.
Packed with insights and exercises, Supercommunicators empowers readers to become more effective communicators, foster deeper connections, and unlock new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
6. Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
Walter Isaacson’s Elon Musk offers a compelling portrait of one of the most influential and enigmatic innovators of the modern era. Based on unprecedented access to Musk, his family, and his colleagues, the biography delves deep into the personal and professional life of the visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and more.
Isaacson explores Musk’s relentless drive to revolutionize industries, his audacious goal of colonizing Mars, and his often-polarizing leadership style. The book examines Musk’s upbringing, his rise as a tech entrepreneur, and the challenges he faces in balancing his ambitions with personal relationships.
Through vivid storytelling, Elon Musk captures the complexity of a man determined to shape the future, offering insights into his genius, controversies, and the impact of his innovations on technology, society, and humanity.
We hope these compelling reads inspire you to make the most of your New Year and meaningful progress on your most important dreams and freedoms. Transformation requires change, and change can only come from the commitment to engage more purposefully with your life and those around you.
