Every season is a good season for readers, but there is nothing like picking up a good book or two to inspire you this fall. We’ve compiled a list of books that members of our senior leadership team are reading this fall.
Start with Why, by Simon Sinek
*Recommended by two KJ Leaders!*
“I really enjoyed his TED talk, and the book covers his premise in greater depth. Being inspired and inspiring others are essential to leadership. I think everyone strives to understand one’s purpose and feel fulfilled by what one does.”
-Recommended by Laura Kennedy, COO IEBU
“Starting with the reason we are looking at change has always been something I believe in, so I’m looking forward to this book.”
-Recommended by Laurie Bishop, CFO
Wisdom of Crowds, by James Surowiecki
“Diversity of thought is critical to making good decisions… I believe that real diversity and inclusion is the diversity of thought AND the consideration of those thoughts, regardless of their origin.
Hint: What do a bottle of scotch, a nuclear submarine and 220 yards all have in common?”
-Recommended by Keith London, President/CEO
In Search of Excellence, by Tom Peters and Robert Waterman
“I was inspired to read this book by a former CEO and mentor during a lunch visit in Walnut Creek. He mentioned that he was reading it and I was floored that anyone would write a book about business. Turns out Peters was a graduate of the civil engineering program at Cornell University.”
– Recommended by Harold Glaser, COO WIBU
The Sixth Extinction, by Elizabeth Kolbert
“In our fast-paced world it can be difficult to remember to study our history. Studying the geologic record, this book covers the five major extinction events that have taken place on earth since life evolved and what caused them. It then covers modern day human activities and how these activities are part of the current loss of biodiversity. An environmental call to arms and motivator extraordinaire.”
-Recommended by Jean Debroux, Technical Excellence
The Art of Happiness at Work, by Dalai Lama
“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” -Dalai Lama
-Recommended by Jerry Cavaluzzi, VP/General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer
Never Eat Alone, by Keith Ferrazi with Tahl Raz
“Great tips to building relationships and steps to connecting will all types of personalities.”
-Recommended by Anita Marsh, Director of Marketing and Proposals
Our Iceberg is Melting, by John Kotter
“Every manager, leader and employee of any organization should read this book.”
-Recommended by Keith London, President/CEO
Brother, I’m Dying, by Edwidge Danticat
“The book is a memoir of family, immigration, and the political instability of Haiti. It is one of the Three Books that incoming Stanford students are reading this year. I enjoy the Three Books because they broaden my perspective and expose me to literature I might not normally read.”
-Recommended by Laura Kennedy, COO IEBU
The Excellence Dividend, by Tom Peters
Another great read by Tom Peters. “I like the book because it has a high level of energy, and a big wow factor. My favorite chapter is two, ‘Excellence is the Next Five Minutes.’”
– Recommended by Harold Glaser, COO WIBU
The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, by David McCullough
“Most New Yorkers take for granted this engineering marvel designed in the late-1860s and constructed during 1869-1883. This book recounts its design and construction including details about the fraud in construction materials supplied, the political corruption, and questioning of engineering matters, the fabrication of “engineering issues” by non-engineers, construction site safety issues (at least 20 workers died during its construction), and more. This story is told in an engaging and humanizing manner, featuring the bridge’s chief engineer, Washington Roebling as its “hero” and highlights the significant role that his wife, Emily Warren Roebling, had in its construction.”
-Recommended by Jerry Cavaluzzi, VP/General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick Lencioni
“This book is always a good reminder that to be successful that after we have trust, we need to be able to engage in healthy conflict to get the commitment of all team members. Healthy conflict can often create some of the best solutions to a problem.”
-Recommended by Laurie Bishop, CFO
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
“Beautifully written and fascinating, this book is part falconry detail, part eulogy to the author’s beloved father, and part exploration of an early twentieth century author. My imagination loves books that take me out of my engineering mind.”
-Recommended by Jean Debroux, Technical Excellence
If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What Do You Say?, by Sarita Maybin
“Great go to for how to be tactful in tough conversations when you need to have something positive to say in dealing with a negative situation.”
-Recommended by Anita Marsh, Director of Marketing and Proposals
“I Used 2 Know”, Podcast by Scott Czesak, IS&T Director
Finished with the KJ’s Top Fall Reads already? You’re in luck! Our IS&T Director, Scott Czesak produces a podcast that celebrates all the things we grew up on, know, and love, that may not be around today. From CB radios to Saturday morning cartoons, Scott and his friend Steve invoke a sense of bittersweet nostalgia with this educational podcast. Check it out! http://www.iused2know.com/
