Leadership and Improvement Inspo - Content That’s Shaped Me
I’m an avid reader, and really enjoy books, podcasts, and speakers that are engaging and teach me something quickly. I don’t have the attention or energy to invest in anything that takes too long to get to the point! I crave new ideas, as each one builds on the next to help me make smarter, more strategic moves in life and my career.
I have a few rules when considering what to spend my time reading:
If you don’t like it in the first 15 minutes, dump it. Who knows if this rule will change when I have more free time. I’d rather spend my free time with my family and friends, and use my early morning hours immersing myself in content that makes a big impact quickly.
Try before you buy. I always read on Libby or another free source. Use your local library on your phone or laptop, folks! Save yourself buckets of cash.
Buy the books that you REALLY love. The ones you couldn’t put down. The ones that taught you something. Those are the ones you should likely read again and again and will want to share with others. They make you grow. Support the authors and teachers that helped shape you.
Here are a few of my favorite reads that I highly recommend for anyone on a personal leadership or career development journey:
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss. This is my favorite of all time. So many good ideas for how to focus on the right things, separate your passion projects from what generates income so you are never tied to a job, and find freedom and joy in living a life that you really want.
Rising Strong by Brene Brown. So much gold here about vulnerability, self-acceptance, and getting back up from your fails as a more authentic, caring and strong version of yourself.
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown. If you want to be a kick-ass leader that catapults your business to new heights while being someone you can look in the mirror and feel good about each day, then get this book. This level of success only comes from leading as someone who shows up as their realest self, rumbles with vulnerability in order to exemplify courage, breaks down shame and models empathy to find the best ideas, build the best and happiest team, progress the fastest and accomplish more than anyone thought possible.
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. This book changed my life. I changed career paths, took a risk I never would have considered before reading it, and got my MBA. For the past five years I’ve been a part of Lean In - Seattle Chapter and have my own personal advisory board comprised of an incredible group of successful and amazing women. Together we push each other to achieve more than we ever dreamed.
The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch. Cut all the least profitable, least enjoyable, least meaningful things from your life and business and realize incredible success, opportunity and earnings as a result.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear. The framework he provides is what I’ve been doing most of my life to meet and exceed my goals. He also has an incredible blog and weekly email with short yet thought-provoking and motivational content.
I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi. This guy is hilarious and the advice he gives is realistic, honest, and effective. Retire early without risking your life savings on Dogecoin. Just follow this dude’s instructions and you’re set.
What content do you love? Share your favorite books and podcasts with me at hello@kendehlandco.com.
