Books that have shaped the way I lead, coach, and think.
Atomic Habits — James Clear
A practical, science-backed framework for how small changes compound into remarkable results. I recommend this to almost every client. The ideas are simple; the application is transformative.
Coaching Conversations — Linda M. Gross Cheliotes
A must-read for anyone who leads through conversation. This book helped shape how I approach coaching and gave me language for what good coaching actually looks like.
The Coaching Habit — Michael Bungay Stanier
Short, practical, and immediately applicable. If you want to ask better questions and talk less, start here.
Multipliers — Liz Wiseman
A compelling look at leaders who amplify the intelligence around them — vs. those who accidentally diminish it. Most leaders are unintentional diminishers. This book helps you stop.
Leaders Eat Last — Simon Sinek
An exploration of why some teams pull together and others don't. Sinek makes a compelling case for servant leadership rooted in trust and psychological safety.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen R. Covey
The foundation. If you haven't read it, read it. If you have, re-read it. This is the book behind the Leader in Me framework and still one of the most practical leadership books ever written.
The Speed of Trust — Stephen M.R. Covey
Trust isn't soft — it's a business variable with real economic impact. This book changed how I think about credibility, relationships, and organizational health.
Think Again — Adam Grant
A case for intellectual humility and the power of rethinking what you know. Especially valuable for leaders in fast-changing environments.
Hidden Potential — Adam Grant
Challenges our assumptions about talent and effort. A hopeful, evidence-based argument that growth is more available than we think.
Insight — Tasha Eurich
Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership — and most of us have less of it than we think. Eurich's research is eye-opening.
Extreme Ownership — Jocko Willink
A military-to-business leadership framework built on radical accountability. Intense and direct.
Never Split the Difference — Chris Voss
Negotiation skills for every leader, not just deal-makers. Voss's techniques for listening and influence show up in my coaching work regularly.
Thanks for the Feedback — Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen
We talk a lot about giving feedback. This book focuses on receiving it — arguably the harder skill. Essential for anyone in a growth mindset.
The Advantage — Patrick Lencioni
Makes a persuasive case that organizational health, not strategy or talent, is the greatest competitive advantage. Practical and punchy.
Trust and Inspire — Stephen M.R. Covey
A forward-looking update on leadership for the modern era. The command-and-control model is over; this is what replaces it.
Turn the Ship Around! — L. David Marquet
One of the best leadership stories ever told. Marquet turned a struggling submarine crew into one of the best in the Navy by giving control away, not hoarding it.
Power Questions — Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas
A practical guide to asking questions that open doors, deepen relationships, and shift conversations. I use ideas from this book in every coaching engagement.
Unreasonable Hospitality — Will Guidara
About creating extraordinary experiences for the people you serve. A surprising and delightful read on what it looks like to genuinely care.
The Anxious Generation — Jonathan Haidt
A sobering look at youth mental health and what's driving it. Required reading for school leaders and anyone who works with young people.
Cues — Vanessa Van Edwards
The science of nonverbal communication and charisma. Practical, immediately applicable, and surprisingly fun.
Fearless at Work — Molly Fletcher
A sports agent turned executive coach shares what she learned negotiating at the highest levels. Good on confidence, negotiation, and mindset.
So Good They Can't Ignore You — Cal Newport
Pushes back on the "follow your passion" advice. Newport argues that mastery creates passion — not the other way around.
The 4 Disciplines of Execution — McChesney, Huling & Covey
A practical framework for achieving your most important goals while managing the daily whirlwind. I recommend this to leaders who struggle to move big priorities forward.
The Orange Revolution — Gostick & Elton
A look at what makes great teams great, grounded in research. Readable, practical, and full of actionable takeaways.
The Next Conversation — Jefferson Fisher
A fresh, accessible guide to talking through conflict with less heat and more clarity. Especially good for leaders navigating difficult conversations.