The Book Leads: Impactful Books For Life & Leadership

John M Jaramillo
  • 5.0 (14)
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On The Book Leads podcast, Leadership Performance Coach John M. Jaramillo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmjaramillo/) speaks to specialists and experts across various industries and from varied backgrounds to learn about the book that made an impact and left an impression on their work, life, and leadership.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 185: Ana Hebra Flaster and her book, Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town

    Episode 185: Ana Hebra Flaster and her book, Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town ABOUT ANA Ana Hebra Flaster is a journalist, speaker, and author who arrived in the U.S. as a child refugee when her working-class family fled Cuba, in 1967. She has written about Cuba and the Cuban American experience in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Boston Globe. Her commentaries and storytelling have aired on NPR’s All Things Considered and PBS’s Stories from the Stage. Ana supports human rights and peaceful democratic change in Cuba with her weekly Substack, CubaCurious, sourced from uncensored Spanish-language news outlets in and outside of Cuba. Her award-winning memoir, Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town, explores the long reach of “refugeedom” on her tightknit, multigenerational family and celebrates immigrant grit and courage. Published in 2025, the book was selected as an all-city read and a first-year university read andt has won multiple awards, including 1st place in the Discovery Book Awards, the International Book Awards, and the Indie Author Project, a Library Journal competition judged by librarians in the U.S. and Canada. With immigrants in the news and Americans on edge, Ana hopes her family’s story inspires readers and reminds them of the best of America—and Americans. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS • Why Ana’s family left Cuba and how that experience shaped her life • The moment her mother realized the revolution was not what she thought it was • What it was like arriving in New Hampshire as a Cuban refugee family • How Ana moved from software and family life into writing and journalism • Why structure mattered in turning her family history into a memoir • The role of leadership, self-awareness, and the ability to rethink what you believe • How nature, gardening, and focused work help Anna stay grounded • Why telling hard stories can be both healing and exhausting • What Ana hopes readers take away from Property of the Revolution The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Ana is, For better or worse, how does the story of your family play into who you are and the work you do today? FIND ANA • Website: https://anacubana.com • Substack: https://anahflaster.substack.com • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anahebraflaster/ • Twitter: https://x.com/AnaHebraFlaster • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ana.flaster/ LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Ana Hebra Flaster00:47- Introduction & Bio21:00 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?32:16 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?01:06:02- How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?01:15:48 - What do you consider your superpower?01:17:12 - What does leadership mean to you?01:19:10 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?01:25:20 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?01:29:20 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:39:50 - What lessons do you hope someone takes away from the book?01:43:57 - What’s next for your writing?01:46:12 - What book has inspired you?01:50:22 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.) This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations. Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes: Watch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

    Episode 185: Ana Hebra Flaster and her book, Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town

  2. 3d ago

    Episode 184:⁠ Miriam Katz⁠ &⁠ Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert⁠ 

    Episode 184: Miriam Katz & Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert  ABOUT MIRIAM Miriam Katz is Los Angeles-based public speaking coach, podcaster, and performer. She studied comparative literature at Columbia University, worked at Artforum magazine for many many years, followed by stints curating comedy shows and panels for Moma in New York and Silencio in Paris. She trained in improv at The Groundlings and UCB, and also studied acting, clown, and voice over in many other theaters and schools. You may have heard her in video games or seen her in films, tv shows, and Chili’s commercials (plural). She is the host of the “Ex Appeal” podcast for which she interviews every person she’s ever been romantic with on any level. The show was recently a “hot topic” on The View. That’s right, Whoopi Goldberg knows her name. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS • Miriam’s unconventional podcast, X Appeal, and her honest conversations with ex-partners reveal our shared human experiences• The importance of curiosity over fear in creative pursuits and personal development• How her diverse background in arts and academia informs her approach to coaching and life• The influence of spirituality and intuition on her creative processInsights from Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic and its encouragement to see art and inspiration as playful, divine collaborations• Practical tips on embracing silence, pauses, and authenticity in communication and art• The significance of setting boundaries and focusing energy on what truly fuels your passion• The role of continuous learning and experimentation in evolving as a creative individual The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Miriam is, How curious, playful, and open are you when it comes to your creative endeavors and general goals in life FIND MIRIAM • Website: https://www.miriamkatz.com/• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-katz-b53ba828b• Twitter: https://x.com/miriamdkatz• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miriam.katz.7 LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Miriam Katz01:05 - Introduction & Bio06:33 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?13:50 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?52:15 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?55:43 - What do you consider your superpower?56:11 - What does leadership mean to you?01:04:32 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?01:08:20 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?01:18:21 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:23:20 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.) This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations. Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes: Watch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

    Episode 184:⁠ Miriam Katz⁠ &⁠ Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert⁠ 

  3. Jul 8

    Episode 183: David Dean & his book, An Inbox Between Us: AI is not here to replace human judgment. It is here to make the absence of judgment visible.

    Episode 183: David Dean & his book, An Inbox Between Us: AI is not here to replace human judgment. It is here to make the absence of judgment visible. ABOUT DAVID David Dean is an author, speaker, and business AI realist who explores how artificial intelligence reshapes work, judgment, and accountability in organizations. Rather than focusing on AI capabilities, he examines the human elements that remain essential: how people navigate uncertainty, where accountability lies when AI assists decisions, and what holds organizations together when technology accelerates faster than clarity. His philosophy is grounded in a simple truth: AI doesn't understand confidence, risk, or consequence—people do, and that's why they still matter. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS • David shares his personal journey from tech curiosity sparked by his father to becoming an AI architect and behavioral thinker• The concept of the "behavioral record" within organizations and how AI uncovers these hidden dynamics• The role of self-awareness and organizational proximity in successful AI adoption• How AI acts as a mirror, revealing organizational culture and behaviors• The importance of authenticity and leadership grounded in integrity amidst AI-driven change• The influence of storytelling, organizational myths, and the unwritten contracts on workplace dynamics The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with David is, Before worrying about AI's role in your work, how might you have forgotten and taken for granted all that goes into your work and organization? FIND DAVID • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidchristopherdean/• Website: https://www.davidchristopherdean.com LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - David Dean00:48- Introduction & Bio01:34 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?04:18 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?:45:27 - What do you consider your superpower?48:26 - What does leadership mean to you?50:30 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?58:25 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?01:05:32 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:09:00 - What’s next for your writing?01:10:33 - What book has inspired you?01:14:01 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.) This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations. Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes: Watch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

    Episode 183: David Dean & his book, An Inbox Between Us: AI is not here to replace human judgment. It is here to make the absence of judgment visible.

  4. Jul 1

    Episode 182: Ryan McCrea, MAIOP & his book, Quick Bites of Insight: Micro-Sized Learning on Work and Leadership

    Episode 182: Ryan McCrea, MAIOP & his book, Quick Bites of Insight: Micro-Sized Learning on Work and Leadership  About Ryan Ryan is a senior talent and leadership development executive known for building practical, high-impact strategies that help organizations grow stronger leaders, better teams, and healthier cultures. With more than two decades of experience across talent management, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, mentoring, and culture transformation, Ryan brings a science-practitioner approach to helping people and businesses perform at their best. He is also the author of Quick Bites of Insight, a book that offers practical, real-world leadership lessons for managers and professionals looking to grow in the flow of work.  Conversation Highlights Ryan’s background in organizational development and talent managementHow his Sicilian roots influence his leadership philosophyThe transition from chiropractic aspirations to psychology and IO psychologyThe importance of family, resilience, and overcoming health challengesThe balance between science, practical application, and everyday leadership challengesHow the pandemic shifted leadership towards emotional intelligence and human-centric approachesThe role of vulnerability, responsibility, and continuous growth in leadershipPersonal passions: music, movies, art, and pop cultureThe MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Ryan is, How do you view the responsibility of leadership — to yourself and to others -- to improve each person and not just the bottom line?  Find Ryan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmccrea/Website: https://www.quickbitesofinsight.com/CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Ryan McCrea 00:56 - Introduction & Bio 02:54 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 06:41 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 23:15 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 31:13 - What is your superpower? 36:09 - What does leadership mean to you? 39:33 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 47:36 - Can you provide a general overview of the book? 51:06 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book? 53:22 - What’s next for your writing? 57:59 - What book has inspired you? 01:04:42 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.) This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations. Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes: Watch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

    Episode 182: Ryan McCrea, MAIOP & his book, Quick Bites of Insight: Micro-Sized Learning on Work and Leadership

  5. Jun 24

    Episode 181: ⁠Jill Salzman⁠ & her book, The Big But Book: A Graphic Novel About the Detours That Shape Us

    Episode 181: Jill Salzman & her book, The Big But Book: A Graphic Novel About the Detours That Shape Us ABOUT JILL Jill Salzman is a business and personal coach who helps clients make more money. Through defying expectations and breaking the rules, she succeeds in inspiring entrepreneurs to figure out what works for them by using meaningful action to create positive results. Jill is the author of The Best Business Book In The World* (*According To My Mom), Found It: A Field Guide for Mom Entrepreneurs, and her third book, The Big But Book: A Graphic Novel About the Detours That Shape Us was released on January 21, 2026. She’s shared the speaker stage with Richard Branson, Sheryl Sandberg, Daymond John, Marilu Henner, and Desmond Tutu among others, and professed her love of Eddie Vedder in her TEDx talk on 11/11/11. CNNMoney calls her a “mogul” and MSN Live says she’s a “Cool Entrepreneur We Love.” Forbes rated her a Top 100 Champion Small Business Influencer and voted her third business, The Founding Moms, one of the Top 10 Websites For Entrepreneurs. When she's not speaking to audiences in patterned leggings or podcasting from her basement, she fruitlessly tries to convince her daughters that cassette tapes actually existed. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS • Jill's unconventional career path from music to law to entrepreneurship • How childhood playfulness influences her business style and writing • The role of joy and authenticity in effective leadership • Recognizing burnout and implementing self-care strategies • The evolution of Jill’s publishing journey and her creative process • Using humor and play to introduce joy in work and life The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Jill is, To both avoid burnout and build upon your own unique energy, how do you incorporate joy and playfulness into the work you do and the life you live? FIND JILL • LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jillll • Website: https://jillsalzman.com • Substack: https://jillsalzman.substack.com • Jill's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDAFMOHTl44 LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads - Jill Salzman00:53 - Introduction & Bio04:08 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?09:34 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?19:46 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?26:35 - What do you consider your superpower?30:48 - What does leadership mean to you?37:34 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?43:20 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?46:44 - What’s next for your writing?50:40 - What book has inspired you?53:58 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.) This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations. Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes: Watch on YouTubeListen on YouTube MusicListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

    Episode 181: ⁠Jill Salzman⁠ & her book, The Big But Book: A Graphic Novel About the Detours That Shape Us

  6. Jun 14

    Mod #15: Communication As Currency w/Dr. Christina M. Lapierre

    Mod #15: Communication As Currency Syllabus Contributor: College & Career Readiness Strategist Dr. Christina M. Lapierre We tend to underestimate the power of the words we use and how we communicate with each other. It’s never too late to listen to how we’re expressing ourselves, conveying our value(s) and ideas, and improving our process and approach. It’s especially important to share that understanding with students working toward their careers. In this episode, Christina shares just how powerful of a currency communication can be. About ChristinaThrough her translator’s lens, Christina turns high-level educational jargon into community-facing programs that foster equity and self-advocacy. When it comes to Strategic Architecture, she designs frameworks that connect local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) with the students who need them most. And when it comes to leadership, it’s about Leadership with Heart: She’s passionate about building "The Readiness Bridge"—ensuring that being "college eligible" actually means being "college ready". Find Christina LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/e7GS9byfPathways Forward Consulting: https://lnkd.in/eaGuYdqB ABOUT ⁠⁠THE LEADERSHIP SYLLABUS⁠⁠ The Leadership Syllabus Podcast is a video/audio series providing insights from leaders on the main leadership lesson they’ve learned from their work, life, and experiences -- and who they are as a person. Each 30-minute mod will capture a bit about who the guest is, their work, and the one lesson they would contribute to The Leadership Syllabus. This collection of mods will offer the audience a one-series stop of real-world and life lessons to enhance their own self-understanding, awareness, and effectiveness in leadership and life. THE EPISODE BREAKDOWN Below is a general breakdown of the timeline of each episode. While recording, these markers are fluid, merely serving as guides to ensure we’re moving along steadily to cover everything in the 30 minutes allotted to each episode. Podcast IntroductionGuest IntroductionHow would you describe yourself – who you are as a person?What do you want to share about your work? Guest shares about the work they do and/or the services they offer.What has your work taught you? How has it changed you overall?What is the biggest lesson you have learned, whether from your work or your life, that applies to leadership?Audience Call To Action: Specific action steps to take or questions to consider regarding the lessons of this mod title added to The Leadership Syllabus.Anything else you want to share about what you’re up to?

    Mod #15: Communication As Currency w/Dr. Christina M. Lapierre

  7. Jun 2

    Episode 180:⁠ Jamie Turner⁠ & his book,⁠ Better: A Guidebook to a New and Improved You⁠ 

    Episode 180: Jamie Turner & his book, Better: A Guidebook to a New and Improved You About Jamie Jamie Turner is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, and Emory University lecturer who helps people discover a better version of themselves. His  insights on leadership and business have been featured by top media outlets including CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes, and he has been recognized globally as a "Top 10 Speaker." In addition to driving the popular UnspokenRules.Live platform and releasing his newest book, Better: A Guidebook to a New and Improved You, Jamie frequently delivers keynote speeches for major brands like Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz and Verizon. Outside of his professional endeavors, he is the co-founder of the global non-profit A School Bell Rings and the proud father of three remarkable women. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS Jamie Turner’s background in leadership, entrepreneurship, and his journey through life’s pivotal momentsThe impact of ADHD and how meditation and mindset work transformed Jamie’s focus and productivityPractical strategies for managing anxiety and living in the presentThe power of affirmations and how to leverage them for life changesInsights into emotional intelligence, including "name it to tame it" and reading the room techniquesLessons learned from personal experiences with failure, resilience, and authenticityThe significance of self-awareness and building trust in relationships and leadershipThe story behind Jamie’s book, "Better: A Guidebook to a New and Improved You," and its core principlesThe four pillars for personal and professional growth: Mindset, Mentoring, Management, and MarketingThe MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Jamie is, To enable and empower real deep work, how do you seek out (and share yourself) the unspoken rules of leadership (or anything else, for that matter)?  Find Jamie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askjamieturner/Unspoken Rules Quiz & Communication Tools - https://unspokenrules.live/LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article:  CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads - Jamie Turner 01:02 - Introduction & Bio 01:57 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 06:55 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 43:17 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 53:52 - What do you consider your superpower? 54:27 - What does leadership mean to you? 56:00 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 01:09:35 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book? 01:20:50 - What’s next for your writing? 01:22:57 - What book has inspired you? 01:24:58 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.) This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations. Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes: Watch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

    Episode 180:⁠ Jamie Turner⁠ & his book,⁠ Better: A Guidebook to a New and Improved You⁠ 

  8. May 19

    Episode 179: Julian Lighton & his book, Navigating Your Next: Discover the Career You Want and the Path to Get There

    Episode 179: Julian Lighton & his book, Navigating Your Next: Discover the Career You Want and the Path to Get There ABOUT JULIAN Julian Lighton is one of Silicon Valley’s leading strategy practitioners and business coaches, helping individuals and organisations navigate what’s next. He has more than 30 years’ experience advising, hiring and developing talent as a senior operating executive, general manager, consultant and coach. Julian was a Chief Strategy Officer at four, billion-dollar revenue, public companies, a board director, and associate partner for McKinsey and a senior global sales and marketing executive at Fortune 100 companies Hitachi and Cisco. He holds a BA and MA in Law from Oxford University, a Masters-level in Negotiation from Harvard University, and is a Chartered Director by the Royal Institute of Directors. Julian is one of only four hundred coaches worldwide to be recognized as a senior professional coach at the individual and team level by both the ICF and EMCC. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS • Julian’s diverse career journey from law to tech to private equity• The role of curiosity in innovation and leadership• How resilience and failure have shaped Julian’s career• The importance of focus, discipline, and storytelling in achieving goals• Leadership principles: responsibility, relationship, and service• The shift in corporate culture and leadership in the modern era• Practical advice for career navigation and self-actualization• Self-care, self-awareness, and balancing work with healthKey characteristics of effective leaders and collaborators The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Julian is, What do you really take into account and consider when it's time to decide what comes next for you? FIND JULIAN • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianlighton1/• Website: https://www.julianlighton.com• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julian.lighton/ • LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Julian Lighton00:58 - Introduction & Bio05:15 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?08:24 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?56:03 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?58:18 - What do you consider your superpower?01:01:06 - What does leadership mean to you?01:19:09 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?01:39:35 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:42:25 - What book has inspired you?01:45:48 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.) This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations. Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes: Watch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

    Episode 179: Julian Lighton & his book, Navigating Your Next: Discover the Career You Want and the Path to Get There
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On The Book Leads podcast, Leadership Performance Coach John M. Jaramillo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmjaramillo/) speaks to specialists and experts across various industries and from varied backgrounds to learn about the book that made an impact and left an impression on their work, life, and leadership.

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