Our Trainers Share Their Summer Reads & Resources

Great leaders never stop learning. Whether it’s through continuing education, leadership training, master classes, or simply a steady stream of reading and podcasts, the most effective leaders stay curious and continually build the skills to navigate life’s complexities.

Bill Sanford shared:

“My summer learning has centered around a few key reads:

• Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux – A fascinating look at the evolution of organizations and what may be coming next.
• How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims – With my third son heading to college this fall, it’s been a helpful reflection on what we’ve done well—and what still needs attention—as parenting challenges grow more complex.
• The Way of Grace: The Transforming Power of Ego Relaxation by Miranda Macpherson – The practice of “ego relaxation” is a great Stabilizer complement to all of my personal development “effort-ing.”

Next up: a mid-year life plan review, reflections on the Seven Domains of Happiness, and setting priorities for the rest of 2025.”

Jon Player mentioned:

“I’m reading a book by David Brooks called How to Know a Person. David does a great job using his own experiences to argue how getting to know someone well benefits us as people. It has lots of commonalities in what we teach through our communication work, so it’s an interesting read for me.

I’ve also spent some of my legal continuing education hours studying the impact of AI on industry. I’m curious about how AI and the increase of automation of tasks impacts the need for better, more focused leadership with people using the technology.

On a personal note, I’ve started watching “The Bear.” I know I’m late to the game, but it’s a super interesting character study and of course, I love food.

I’ve also been brushing up on all kinds of fishing information. One of my kids is really obsessed with all kinds of fishing, so I need to make sure I am up to the task. Can’t let him “out catch” me!”

• Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts by Oliver Burkeman – Short, insightful principles about time, best read slowly and reflectively.
• Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery – A compelling biography and an inspiring glimpse into a different era of U.S. history.
• Good to Great by Jim Collins – Revisiting this classic to reconnect with concepts some of our clients use in their work.

• Good Inside with Dr. Becky – Practical, thoughtful parenting insights.
• ReThinking with Adam Grant – A great extension of his book Think Again.
• Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus – A delightful and funny exploration of wisdom from older women who have lead exceptional lives.

• Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well by Amy Edmondson.
• Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport.
• Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results by Shange Parrish.

What reads and resources have you explored lately? Whether it’s a new book, a podcast series, or a personal project, carving out time for growth can be both relaxing and enriching.

When you’re ready to engage in a more immersive and interactive learning experience, Bell Leadership is here to support your continued leadership learning and development.

Great leaders never stop learning. Whether it’s through continuing education, leadership training, master classes, or simply a steady stream of reading and podcasts, the most effective leaders stay curious and continually build the skills to navigate life’s complexities.

Bill Sanford shared:

“My summer learning has centered around a few key reads:

• Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux – A fascinating look at the evolution of organizations and what may be coming next.
• How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims – With my third son heading to college this fall, it’s been a helpful reflection on what we’ve done well—and what still needs attention—as parenting challenges grow more complex.
• The Way of Grace: The Transforming Power of Ego Relaxation by Miranda Macpherson – The practice of “ego relaxation” is a great Stabilizer complement to all of my personal development “effort-ing.”

Next up: a mid-year life plan review, reflections on the Seven Domains of Happiness, and setting priorities for the rest of 2025.”

Jon Player mentioned:

“I’m reading a book by David Brooks called How to Know a Person. David does a great job using his own experiences to argue how getting to know someone well benefits us as people. It has lots of commonalities in what we teach through our communication work, so it’s an interesting read for me.

I’ve also spent some of my legal continuing education hours studying the impact of AI on industry. I’m curious about how AI and the increase of automation of tasks impacts the need for better, more focused leadership with people using the technology.

On a personal note, I’ve started watching “The Bear.” I know I’m late to the game, but it’s a super interesting character study and of course, I love food.

I’ve also been brushing up on all kinds of fishing information. One of my kids is really obsessed with all kinds of fishing, so I need to make sure I am up to the task. Can’t let him “out catch” me!”

• Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts by Oliver Burkeman – Short, insightful principles about time, best read slowly and reflectively.
• Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery – A compelling biography and an inspiring glimpse into a different era of U.S. history.
• Good to Great by Jim Collins – Revisiting this classic to reconnect with concepts some of our clients use in their work.

• Good Inside with Dr. Becky – Practical, thoughtful parenting insights.
• ReThinking with Adam Grant – A great extension of his book Think Again.
• Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus – A delightful and funny exploration of wisdom from older women who have lead exceptional lives.

• Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well by Amy Edmondson.
• Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport.
• Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results by Shange Parrish.

What reads and resources have you explored lately? Whether it’s a new book, a podcast series, or a personal project, carving out time for growth can be both relaxing and enriching.

When you’re ready to engage in a more immersive and interactive learning experience, Bell Leadership is here to support your continued leadership learning and development.