Hey Reader

Earlier this week, I shared a quick update about the book I’m reading, and honestly? I figured it might get a couple of likes, maybe a comment or two. But what I got was completely unexpected.

The post blew up—not just with comments, but with real recommendations. People weren’t just dropping titles; they were sharing books that actually matter to them. Stuff that’s making them think differently, work smarter, or just see the world in a new way. Fiction, nonfiction, deep dives into science, leadership—you name it.

So I went through the replies and put together this little reading list. Think of it as a cheat sheet from people who actually care about what they’re reading. Here’s what people are into right now:

📘 The Contemporary Leader by Tom Mawhinney, MBA, ICD.D

This is a fresh, no-nonsense guide for modern leaders in high-pressure roles. Instead of repeating the usual leadership theories, Tom Mawhinney gets right to the point with skills that matter today—like staying grounded under stress and staying sharp with new technologies. It’s clear, practical, and genuinely helpful for anyone leading through fast-changing times.

📘 Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, Ph.D.

This bestselling book offers a powerful take on leadership—one that’s rooted in courage, honesty, and real connection. Brené Brown uses years of research to show how things like empathy, trust, and open conversations can truly shift team dynamics and workplace culture. If you want to lead with both strength and heart, this is a great place to begin.

📘 Loving What Is by Byron Katie

A quiet revolution in self-awareness, this book introduces “The Work,” a method of questioning stressful thoughts that cause unnecessary suffering. With just four deceptively simple questions, Katie helps readers unlock peace by challenging the stories they tell themselves.

📘 Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph.D.

Ever wanted to understand the cosmos but didn’t have time for a textbook? Tyson breaks down everything from dark matter to the Big Bang in short, witty chapters that are both mind-expanding and refreshingly readable. Perfect for curious readers looking for awe in bite-sized form.

📘 The Great CEO Within by Matt Mochary

Originally written for startup founders, this no-fluff manual is packed with systems that help any leader scale themselves—and their business. From managing your inbox to hiring better and running efficient meetings, it’s a tactical guide to becoming a calmer, sharper, and more effective CEO.

📘 Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky, Ph.D.

This science-meets-storytelling classic explains how chronic stress harms human health—and why animals like zebras don’t suffer the same fate. Sapolsky mixes biology, psychology, and humor to show how our constant mental chatter triggers physical damage, and what we can do to break the cycle.

📓Join the conversation and share the book you are reading in the commnents

🔴 That’s the magic of community

As part of ICF’s International Coaching Week, I’m hosting an interactive webinar for HR and L&D leaders who want a concrete, data-backed way to understand and develop team dynamics.

We’ll explore The GC Index®, the world’s first organimetric—a framework that measures how individuals and teams are energized to create impact, not just what skills they have.

🎯 In this session, you’ll:

• Learn about the 5 GC Index proclivities that shape how people contribute
• See a live team profile built from participant data
• Discover how to use this insight to design more effective team structures, development plans, and performance strategies—especially in hybrid/remote environments

🎁 Up to 30 participants will receive a complimentary personal GC Index® report (valued at 300 USD)

​

Check out more of our work at...