Disclaimer: All the links in this post require a LinkedIn account to access the full reviews. If you’re not already connected with me there, consider this your invitation to join the conversation! This post is purely my own—no affiliate links, no compensation. Just my honest thoughts and opinions on these books.
There’s a saying that “leaders are readers,” and I wholeheartedly agree. As a life-long learner, the nonfiction books I read are one of my windows into the world, guiding me toward new perspectives, innovative ideas and moments of self-reflection. And the fictional books I read open doors to new worlds that expand my experience… if only in my imagination.
Whether it’s curling up with a thought-provoking leadership book or listening to an inspiring audiobook on my commute, reading fuels my growth as a communicator, leader and person.
This year, I explored a range of books that expanded the way I think about leadership, personal accountability and innovation. Each one brought new insights, and I shared my reflections in detailed reviews on LinkedIn.
Below, you’ll find a complete list of the books I reviewed in 2024, along with a quick summary to pique your interest. They’re ordered by popularity according to my LinkedIn followers. If something sparks your curiosity, click the link to dive into my full review.
1. Innovative Internal Communications by Joanna Parsons
- Curiosity fuels innovation: Parsons makes a compelling case for asking “what if” and “why not?” instead of clinging to what’s always been done.
- Rethink ‘best practices’: Not everything that works for one company will work for another. Tailor your approach.
- The scientific method matters: Experimentation, measurement, and iteration lead to growth and innovation.
This book pushes communicators to think differently and approach their work with creativity and curiosity.
2. Come Up for Air by Nick Sonnenberg
Sonnenberg provides practical strategies to help teams work smarter and streamline their workflows. It’s a guide for anyone who feels like they’re drowning in tasks and looking for a better way to manage their time and energy.
- Systems Save Time: Sonnenberg emphasizes that streamlined processes and efficient systems are the keys to minimizing chaos and maximizing output.
- The Power of Tools: From task management platforms to communication strategies, the book highlights how leveraging the right tools can dramatically improve team performance.
- Work Smarter, Not Harder: His insights go beyond personal productivity—they’re about creating a culture where collaboration and efficiency thrive, freeing teams to focus on what really matters.
The book emphasizes building systems, using the right tools, and fostering a culture of efficiency to free up time for meaningful work.
3. Ask Powerful Questions by Will Wise and Chad Littlefield
Did you know that the average child will ask 40,000 questions between the ages of two and five? And that number drops off like a cliff in grade school and even further in the world of work. Wonder WHY?
- Curiosity transforms dialogue: Ask better questions to deepen connections.
- Listen actively: Truly hear others to foster trust and understanding.
- Build trust through vulnerability: Authenticity creates stronger relationships.
This book is a masterclass in meaningful conversations.
4. 10x is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy
If you’re chasing exponential growth, this book will challenge your thinking.
- Let go of 80%: Focus only on what truly matters.
- Pursue mastery: Prioritize depth over breadth.
- Take breaks to accelerate: Rest fuels innovation.
For those seeking exponential growth, 10x is Easier Than 2x offers a radically new mindset. While primarily aimed at entrepreneurs, there are powerful lessons in this book for any leader pursuing skip-level goals.
5. Be Water, My Friend by Shannon Lee
If you’re seeking balance and resilience, this book offers profound insights through Bruce Lee’s teachings.
- Embrace adaptability: Flow like water around obstacles.
- Practice discernment: Make thoughtful decisions over snap judgments.
- Find strength in softness: Balance power with grace.
Drawing from her father Bruce Lee’s philosophy, Shannon Lee shares lessons on navigating life with adaptability and grace. It’s an inspiring guide for anyone striving to grow stronger while staying true to themselves.
6. The Wisdom of Oz by Roger Connors and Tom Smith
If personal accountability is your goal, this book provides a practical roadmap.
- Take responsibility: Focus on what you can control.
- Stay “above the line”: Avoid blame and excuses.
- Own your results: Commit to solving problems and achieving goals.
This book emphasizes the transformative power of accountability, showing how owning your actions leads to success in work and life. It’s a great read for anyone ready to stop waiting for solutions and, instead, start creating them.
7. Wake Up Happy by Michael Strahan
Michael Strahan’s book is as authentic and uplifting as his personality. It’s not about having a perfect life—it’s about building a resilient mindset.
- Turn setbacks into fuel: Strahan’s journey from the NFL to TV stardom proves that obstacles can create momentum.
- Surround yourself with positivity: The people in your circle shape your outlook—choose wisely.
- Change before you have to: Stay proactive, adaptable, and open to growth.
Strahan’s blend of humor and wisdom makes this an easy but impactful read.
8. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Though controversial, this book offers lessons on influence and strategy.
- Listen more: Communication starts with understanding others.
- Lead by example: Inspire through actions, not words.
- Be patient and strategic: Timing is everything.
While I didn’t agree with every law, the book heightened my awareness of power dynamics.
9. What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell
This kaleidoscope of stories dives into the nuances of curiosity and perspective.
- Curiosity is king: Gladwell reminds us to ask better questions and dig deeper.
- Perspective matters: Through fascinating stories, he shows the importance of empathy and understanding different viewpoints.
- Context is everything: How you frame a message changes its impact.
If you’re looking to sharpen your communication skills, this book is a must-read.
10. Questions are the Answer by Hal Gregersen
This book challenges you to rethink how you approach innovation and problem-solving.
- Ask better questions: Unlock new possibilities by challenging the status quo.
- Embrace curiosity: Foster a questioning mindset to drive creative solutions.
- Get comfortable with uncertainty: Openness to “not knowing” can lead to breakthroughs.
Gregersen highlights the transformative power of asking the right questions, showing how curiosity and inquiry fuel innovation and deeper understanding.
11. Burn the Boats by Matt Higgins
Higgins challenges you to go “all in” on your dreams.
- Commit fully: Success demands focus and leaving no room for retreat.
- Learn from failure: Every setback is a stepping stone to growth.
- Innovate relentlessly: Stay curious and find new ways to improve.
This book is bold, motivating, and perfect for anyone ready to level up.
Parting Thoughts
2024 was another year of learning, growth and inspiration. Each book offered a unique perspective and valuable lessons. As we head into 2025, I encourage you to pick up one of these titles and see how it resonates with you.
Have a book you think I should add to my 2025 reading list? Drop your suggestions in the comments or message me directly. Let’s keep the learning—and the conversation—going!
Inspire On!
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Communications | Leadership | Life Coaching | Productivity | Spirituality
