Read to Lead Podcast

Jeff Brown
Read to Lead Podcast

If you believe as I do, that intentional and consistent reading is key to success in business and in life, then this is your podcast. My goal each week is to bring you key thoughts and insights from my conversations with those I consider to be among today's brightest minds: our generation's non-fiction authors. We discuss their latest book, as well as their unique perspectives on Leadership, Business, Personal Development, Marketing, Career, and Entrepreneurship. If you love reading, or desire to do more of it, then consider this podcast your audio Cliff's Notes. The Read to Lead Podcast is a four-time Best Business Podcast nominee.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    554: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short Term World with Dorie Clark (an Encore Presentation of Episode 389)

    My guest today is making her third appearance on the podcast. That’s, in part, because I think she’s one of the best writers around. As I say in today’s episode: when I first hear she’s got something new coming out, I always look forward to it (and I’ve never been disappointed). I’m talking, of course, about Dorie Clark. She’s a consultant and keynote speaker who teaches executive education at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. In her new book titled The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short Term World, Dorie says much of the pressure in our culture pushes us toward doing what is easy, what’s guaranteed, or what looks glamorous in the moment. Dorie argues for doing small things over time to achieve our goals – and being willing to keep at them, even when they seem pointless, boring, or hard. I’ve loved every one of her books, including this one, and I think you will too. I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Dorie and her work. For a summary, just keep scrolling. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS In today’s episode, Dorie and I chat about: * The concept of strategic patience and how to make it work for you * Why, for many of us, our jam-packed calendars are a prison of our own making * Her framework for identifying the goals you should be setting for yourself * And lots more… Order Dorie’s New Book You can order your copy of The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short Term World right now! Consider Ordering My New Book Too! Purchase a copy of my new book Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career. You can also download the introduction and first chapter for free! Dorie in Action Books (and Authors) Dorie Recommends The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael Gerber Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success,

    39 min
  2. 12 NOV

    553: The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper with Roland Allen

    I’ve been waiting for over a year to bring you today’s conversation and episode. That’s right. It was in the fall of last year that I got word on X about a new book coming out, all about the history of The Notebook. It indeed came out last fall…but only in the UK. It wasn’t slated to come out in the US until today, November 12th. Turns out, it actually ended up releasing in the US a couple of months ago, an update that I missed. But no matter. I’m still “on schedule” as far as I’m concerned. 😉 And I’m thrilled and geeking out about an historical look at the journey the notebook has taken these last 800 years. The author of The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper, Roland Allen, reveals the notebook’s surprising and profound influence. Our powerful connection with our notebooks matters, he says. In an age of AI and digital overload, the simple act of moving a pen across a blank pae can boost our creativity and mood—and continues to transform our ideas. I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Roland and his work. For a summary, just keep scrolling. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS In today’s episode, I ask Roland about: * How commonplace books have shaped personal learning and intellectual engagement * What aspects of a person’s notebook entries can provide insights into their personality or cognitive patterns * How notebooks function as an extension of the mind * And lots more! Order Roland’s Book You can order your copy of The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper right now! Consider Ordering My Book Too! Purchase a copy of my new book (written with Jesse Wisnewski) Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career. There, you can also download the introduction and first chapter for free! Note-Making Mastery Cohort AND the Read to Lead Community Note-Making Mastery Cohort is now available as a self-paced course! Check it out. Also, consider giving ReadtoLead+ a try free for two weeks! Roland in Action

    49 min
  3. 5 NOV

    552: Escape the 9-5, Create a Life You Love, and Still Pay the Bills with Marianne Cantwell (an Encore Presentation of Episode 286)

    You know when you go outside on a pleasant day and there’s that perfect breeze in combination with just the right amount of warmth from the sun on your face? That’s pretty much the same feeling you’ll get from hanging out with my guest today. Delightful, effervescent, fun, and cool (yes, cool) are all words I would use to describe her. Her name is Marianne Cantwell and her book is called Be a Free Range Human: Escape the 9-5, Create a Life You Love, and Still Pay the Bills. Marianne’s book is about much more than quitting your job and becoming your own boss. It’s about life on your own terms, working when, where; and how you want – so you don’t have to fit yourself into someone else’s box to make a great income. Be a Free Range Human won’t just inspire you, it will give you unconventional and practical steps you need to discover what you really want to do with your life. Click the play button below to join our conversation now, or keep scrolling for a summary. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | RSS In today’s episode, I ask Marianne to share: * What she means when she says our weaknesses are actually strengths but just in the wrong environment * The importance of starting with what you have and why it’s important to ask yourself why you need what you think you need * What she’s learned about things like standing out from the crowd and personal branding  * …and plenty more! Marianne’s Book You can order Be a Free Range Human: Escape the 9-5, Create a Live You Love, and Still Pay the Bills right now! Marianne in Action Books Marianne Recommends Turning Pro: Tap Your Inner Power and Create Your Life’s Work by Steven Pressfield Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari Check Out These Additional Resources Visit Marianne’s website here for more about her and her work. Be sure and grab your copy of Marianne’s book now. Find out more about hiring Marianne to speak to your group. Connect with Marianne on Twitter and LinkedIn. Podcast Mentioned Check out the How to Be Awesome at Your Job podcast with host Pete Mockaitis. I recommend a href="https://awesomeatyourjob.

    51 min
  4. 29 OCT

    551: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life with Nir Eyal (an Encore Presentation of Episode 284)

    Every so often, someone reaches out to me and says, “You’ve gotta talk to so-and-so.” Sometimes I’m skeptical, but when it’s a good friend that is doing the talking, my ears perk up. That was the case when it was suggested I chat with today’s guest. His name is Nir Eyal and he did not disappoint. His new book is called Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. In it, he lays bare the secret of finally doing what you say you will do with a four-step, research-backed model. Indistractable reveals the key to getting the best out of technology, without letting it get the best of us. Click the play button below to join our conversation now, or keep scrolling for a summary. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | RSS In today’s episode, I ask Nir to share: * Why he feels the ability to control your attention is the single most important skill you can have in the twenty-first century * We’ll dig into the root causes of distraction * Methods he recommends for avoiding distraction and interruptions at work? * …and plenty more! Nir’s Book You can order Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life right now! Nir in Action Books Nir Recommends Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Dan Pink Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope by Johann Hari Moby Dick by Herman Melville Check Out These Additional Resources Nir mentioned his schedule maker. Get Nir’s Distraction Guide here. And, don’t miss his habits versus routines article here. Visit Nir’s website here for more about him and his work. Be sure and grab your copy of Nir’s book now. Find out more about hiring Nir to speak to your group. Connect with Nir on Twitter and LinkedIn. Nir Mentioned These Apps Self-Control Forest Focus Mate Podcast Mentioned Check out a href="https://www.jeffsanders.

    32 min
  5. 22 OCT

    550: This Is Strategy with Seth Godin

    Today, we’re tackling a topic that’s often shrouded in mystery and perceived as exclusive to the corporate elite or military strategists: strategy. But as my guest argues, strategy is for everyone who desires to create positive change in the world. Seth Godin’s latest book, This Is Strategy, is a thought-provoking manifesto that breaks down this seemingly complex subject into digestible concepts, revealing the power of time, games, empathy, and systems in shaping our world. Through insightful answers and compelling examples, Seth encourages us to think differently about how we approach our work, our relationships, and the changes we seek to make. Unfamiliar with Seth Godin? Where have you been? He’s a renowned author, entrepreneur, and speaker, widely recognized for his insights on marketing, leadership, and the way ideas spread. He’s written over 20 bestselling books, including “This Is Marketing,” “Linchpin”, and “Purple Cow,” and his blog is a daily source of wisdom for millions worldwide. Seth has a unique ability to cut through the noise and offer practical advice that empowers individuals and organizations to make a meaningful impact. So, get ready to explore the fascinating world of strategy with Seth Godin. I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Seth and his work. For a summary, just keep scrolling. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS In today’s episode, I ask Seth about: * The role of “systems” in developing and implementing a successful strategy * Why tension is an important element of a successful strategy * Some common misconceptions people have about strategy, and how can understanding these misconceptions help us make better plans * And lots more! Order Seth’s Book You can order your copy of This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans right now! Consider Ordering My Book Too! Purchase a copy of my new book (written with Jesse Wisnewski) Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career. There, you can also download the introduction and first chapter for free! Note-Making Mastery Cohort AND the Read to Lead Community Note-Making Mastery Cohort is now available as a self-paced course! Check it out. Also, consider giving ReadtoLead+ a try free f...

    36 min
  6. 15 OCT

    549: Unlocking Creativity: The Science of Brainstorming and Generating New Ideas

    In this episode of Read to Lead, I dive deep into the fascinating world of creativity and innovation. Challenging common myths about creativity being an innate gift reserved for a select few, this episode empowers listeners with scientific insights and practical strategies to unlock their creative potential. For more on this topic, and for a summary of the episode, simply scroll down. To listen, just click the play button below. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Key Topics Covered: * Debunking the Creativity Myth: Understanding that creativity is not exclusive but an innate trait that can be rediscovered and nurtured. * Quantity Over Quality: Exploring how producing more ideas leads to higher quality through continuous learning and improvement, illustrated by anecdotes about Agatha Christie, Picasso, Thomas Edison, and James Dyson. * Establishing a Creative Routine: Practical tips on building habits that foster creativity, including finding your optimal time, creating a dedicated creative space, and warming up your mind. * The Myth of Originality and Combinational Creativity: Revealing how new ideas often stem from combining existing concepts, a process known as combinational creativity, with examples like Airbnb, the spork, and Philippe Starck’s “Juicy Salif” lemon squeezer. * Types of Combinational Creativity: A breakdown of problem-driven, similarity-driven, and inspiration-driven creativity, providing listeners with frameworks to generate ideas. * Exploratory and Transformational Creativity: Discussing other forms of creativity that involve exploring within existing rules or completely redefining them. * Effective Brainstorming Techniques: A step-by-step guide to brainstorming individually or in teams, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and iterative processes. * Embracing the Creative Journey: Encouraging listeners to view creativity as an ongoing process of exploration, experimentation, and sharing ideas without the fear of imperfection. Resources and Links Mentioned: * Books: * Art & Fear by David Bayles – An insightful read on the challenges artists face and how to overcome them. * Daily Rituals by Mason Currey – A collection of the daily routines of famous creatives. * Incognito: The Secret Lives of The Brain by Dr. David Eagleman – An exploration of the unconscious processes that drive our thoughts and actions. * Quotes: * W.H. Auden on the importance of routine in creative work. * Mark Twain on the non-existence of new ideas. * Henri Poincaré on the collision of ideas leading to creativity. Comment and Share Please consider a href="https://readtoleadpodcast...

    14 min
  7. 8 OCT

    548: Standing Out in the Age of AI with Pascal Bornet

    I find that I’m reading more and more books on the topic of AI these days. Why? Well, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that if you don’t want to be left behind, you need embrace the world of AI and embrace it ASAP. Today, my guest’s book is designed to help you do exactly that. His name is Pascal Bornet, and his book is called IRREPLACEABLE: How to Stand Out in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. With over 20 years of pioneering research at the human-AI intersection, Pascal reveals the secrets to living in harmony with AI while cultivating uniquely human qualities. He introduces the Three Competencies of the Future that we need to develop urgently to thrive in our new world. Whether you’re an individual looking to future-proof your career, a parent aiming to raise future-proof children, or a business leader eager to steer your organization through technological disruption, IRREPLACEABLE offers a universal and comprehensive framework. AI is not the destination; it’s the vehicle that takes us to a more human future, and this book is your GPS. Stand out. Become IRREPLACEABLE. I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Pascal and his work. For a summary, just keep scrolling. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS In today’s episode, I ask Pascal about: * Why he is critical of a lot of the hype surrounding AI and some of the more common myths associated with the technology * His thoughts on how AI will affect the future of work * The need to learn the increasingly valuable human skills of genuine creativity, critical thinking, and social authenticity * And lots more! Order Pascal’s Book You can order your copy of Irreplaceable: The Art of Standing Out in the Age of Artificial Intelligence right now! Consider Ordering My Book Too! Purchase a copy of my new book (written with Jesse Wisnewski) Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career. There, you can also download the introduction and first chapter for free! Note-Making Mastery Cohort AND the Read to Lead Community Note-Making Mastery Cohort is now available as a self-paced course! Check it out. Also, consider giving ReadtoLead+ a try free for two weeks!

    33 min
  8. 1 OCT

    547: 7 Minutes a Day to Communication Mastery with Arthur Joseph (an Encore Presentation of Episode 253)

    This, for me personally, is one of the most fun conversations I’ve had with a guest. I so identify with the power of one’s voice to influence and impact. Arthur Samuel Joseph has an incredible background training world-class athletes, actors, and politicians in the discipline of Empowerment Through Voice. I’m fascinated by his work. It was one of those moments where I had the epiphany, “I’m cut out to teach this too!” Arthur’s latest book, released in 2014, is called Vocal Leadership: 7 Minutes a Day to Communication Mastery. In it, Arthur provides proven techniques and daily exercises to help you develop a commanding voice and presence and improve vocal quality, mental acuity, body language, and self-esteem to dramatically increase your influence. Scroll down for more or click the “play” button below to learn more about Arthur Samuel Joseph. Join in on our chat below Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS In today’s episode, I ask Arthur to share: * How Vocal Awareness impacts every part of your life and business * What it means to develop your Vocal Business Brand * Communicating and embodying leadership through your voice, even if you don’t feel you can Arthur’s Latest Book You can order Vocal Leadership: 7 Minutes a Day to Communication Mastery right now! Arthur in Action Books Arthur Recommends The Poetry of Seamus Heaney Night: A Memoir by Elis Wiesel Joseph and His Brothers by Thomas Mann Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez Don Quixote by Miguel De Cervantes Check Out These Resources Mentioned Visit Arthur’s website for more about him and his work. Grab a copy of Arthur’s book now. Find out more about hiring Arthur to train your group.

    27 min

About

If you believe as I do, that intentional and consistent reading is key to success in business and in life, then this is your podcast. My goal each week is to bring you key thoughts and insights from my conversations with those I consider to be among today's brightest minds: our generation's non-fiction authors. We discuss their latest book, as well as their unique perspectives on Leadership, Business, Personal Development, Marketing, Career, and Entrepreneurship. If you love reading, or desire to do more of it, then consider this podcast your audio Cliff's Notes. The Read to Lead Podcast is a four-time Best Business Podcast nominee.

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