The Book Leads: Impactful Books For Life & Leadership

John M Jaramillo
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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. 4d ago

    Episode 190: Davina Stanley & her book, Elevate: How to Lift the Quality of Thinking in Your Team's Board Papers Without Rewriting Them Yourself

    Episode 190: Davina Stanley & her book, Elevate: How to Lift the Quality of Thinking in Your Team's Board Papers Without Rewriting Them Yourself ABOUT DAVINA Davina Stanley is the founder of Clarity First, which helps executives get to the point when engaging senior leaders and boards. She offers a mix of private and public programs, self-paced learning, articles, podcasts and other resources to help executives communicate better. With over 20+ years of experience, she began her communication coaching career at McKinsey & Company in Hong Kong helping consultants improve their communication, and is one of the few people globally accredited by Barbara Minto to teach the Pyramid Principle. Since then, she has built an international client base spanning predominantly tech, retail, and finance sectors, and authored three books on business communication. She works with leaders to set up their teams to prepare papers and presentations that those same leaders no longer need to rewrite. Davina lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband, and loves spending time with her two adult sons and broader family in Australia and the UK. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Why communication is an evolving discipline, especially in the age of AI• How structured thinking helps leaders and teams communicate more effectively• What Davina learned from growing up in rural Australia and moving across countries• How her career unfolded through teaching, corporate communication, consulting, and coaching• Why leaders often need to spend more time thinking before they write• How her books and frameworks help teams avoid unnecessary rework• What she’s learned about leadership, emotional control, and personal balance• Why art, curiosity, and community remain important parts of her life The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Davina is, What additional steps of intention and consideration do you take when to comes to preparing the various forms used in communicating with those who have a stake in your leadership? FIND DAVINA • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davinastanley/• Website: https://clarityfirstprogram.com• Website: https://claritycompass.news• Email: contact@clarityfirstprogram.com FULL LINKEDIN ARTICLE: CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Davina Stanley00:44- Introduction & Bio01:45 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?08:59 - What did you path to today look like?48:02 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?47:20 - What do you consider your superpower?01:01:26 - What does leadership mean to you?01:03:14 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?01:13:44 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?01:18:00 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:21:28 - What’s next for your writing?01:27:31 - Is there a certain part of the book that resonates most with people?01:40:27 - What book has inspired you?01:42:46 - 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 YouTube · Listen on Spotify · Listen on Apple Podcasts · Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post For more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

    Episode 190: Davina Stanley & her book, Elevate: How to Lift the Quality of Thinking in Your Team's Board Papers Without Rewriting Them Yourself

  2. Aug 11

    Episode 189: Travis Hahler & Rethink Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change

    Episode 189: Travis Hahler & his book, Rethink Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change ABOUT TRAVIS Travis transforms how Fortune 500 companies navigate change by revealing a startling truth: Resistance isn't rebellion—it’s biology. As Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce, and Founder of The Neurological Nomad, Travis brings an unprecedented fusion of neuroscience and business acumen to organizational transformation. His unique journey conducting EEG research in Denmark, studying neuropsychology at Harvard, earning an MBA, and leading change at Google, Salesforce, and others, makes him a unique transformation expert who can explain why your amygdala sabotages your strategic plan and why you can blame everything on your basil ganglia. Over fifteen years, Travis has guided more than one hundred companies through successful transformations, earning him the nickname Resistance Fortune Teller for his uncanny ability to predict where change efforts will fail. His signature keynote, The Neuroscience of Change, has reached over 25,000 leaders across 150 global events, consistently delivering that aha moment when executives finally understand why 70 percent of transformations fail to achieve their goals. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS • Travis introduces his background blending neuropsychology, neuroscience, and business transformation.• The misconception that resistance is rebellion and how to reframe it as a natural protective response.• Six neurological barriers affecting change: basal ganglia routines, overloading prefrontal cortex, exclusion pain, ambiguity, threat responses, and loss.• Practical leadership strategies aligned with brain science to navigate each barrier.• The importance of emotional regulation and empathy in parenting and leadership inspired by neuroscience.• How neuroscience understanding helps to normalize resistance, reducing ego threats for leaders.• The evolution of Travis’s work from consulting to public speaking and authoring the book "Rethink Resistance."• The role of language, poised by Brené Brown's insights, in shaping emotional experiences and understanding.• The future focus on applying neuroscience to AI transformations, emphasizing mindset shifts over tools. The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Travis is, To avoid the adverse and unfortunate effects of impulsive emotion, how much do you seek to understand the science of your mind when it comes to your leadership? FIND TRAVIS• Website: http://www.travishahler.com/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurologicalnomad/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisdhahler/• Link to order the book: https://linktr.ee/theneurologicalnomadFULL LINKEDIN ARTICLE: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Travis Hahler00:57- Introduction & Bio03:51 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?10:36 - What did you path to today look like?32:57 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?40:39 - What do you consider your superpower?43:54 - What does leadership mean to you?48:27 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?55:46 - How did you structure the book to take the reader on their journey?01:02:28 - What’s next for your writing?01:04:39 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:07:10 - What book has inspired you?01:12:31 - 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 YouTubeWatch 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 189: Travis Hahler & Rethink Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change

  3. Jul 29

    Episode 188: Ralph Kellogg SHRM SCP SPHR & His Book, Leading While Human: Notes I Wish Someone Had Given Me

    Episode 188: Ralph Kellogg SHRM SCP SPHR & His Book, Leading While Human: Notes I Wish Someone Had Given Me ABOUT RALPH Ralph Kellogg is a Chief Human Resources Officer, speaker, professor, and author of Leading While Human: Notes I Wish Someone Had Given Me. For nearly 30 years, he's helped leaders navigate the realities of leadership with greater self-awareness, empathy, and authenticity. Through his writing and speaking, Ralph reminds audiences that leadership begins before you're ready—and that our greatest growth often comes from the moments we least expect. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS • Ralph's early experiences growing up as a latchkey kid and navigating self-sufficiency• The impact of college imposter syndrome and mental health challenges, including a suicide attempt• His journey of coming out in the workplace and embracing authenticity• How mental health and vulnerability shape leadership practices• Lessons learned from personal crises and their influence on Ralph’s leadership style• The importance of compassion, curiosity, and self-reflection in leadership• Practical advice for navigating midlife transitions and future purpose• The inspiration behind Ralph’s book "Leading While Human" and its key takeaways The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Ralph is, What might you be keeping from others that, if it were freed or revealed, might help you breathe a little easier and show up as your true self with all your gifts? FIND RALPH • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ralphkellogg• Website: https://ralphkellogg.com LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Ralph Kellogg00:49- Introduction & Bio01:23 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?03:09 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?45:00 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?47:26 - What is your superpower?48:48 - What does leadership mean to you?53:22 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?56:35 - A breakdown of the chapters in the book.01:03:29 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:11:26 - What’s next for your writing?01:16:05 - What book has inspired you?01:17:03 - 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 188: Ralph Kellogg SHRM SCP SPHR & His Book, Leading While Human: Notes I Wish Someone Had Given Me

  4. Jul 28

    Episode 187: Lynne Beausoleil Ghelfi & Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown

    Episode 187: ⁠Lynne Beausoleil Ghelfi⁠ & ⁠Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown ABOUT LYNNE Lynne is a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer, and Speaker with more than 15 years of leadership experience in the automotive industry. She is passionate about helping leaders build positive cultures through practical coaching, training, and speaking that inspires people to grow, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact. Currently she is writing a book called No talent Required: 12 Positive Leadership Practices That Build Culture, Trust, and Performance CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS The formative experiences shaping Lynn’s leadership philosophy The importance of intentionality in leadership and daily practices Building trust through small, meaningful acts and clear communication Overcoming size of armor and embracing vulnerability in leadership The role of reflection, self-care, and curiosity in personal growth Key lessons from Brené Brown's Dare to Lead influencing Lynn’s leadership style Practical strategies for fostering authenticity and trust in teams The legacy of silent leadership from parents and mentors The significance of gratitude and acknowledgment in personal and professional spheres Insights into Lynn’s upcoming book No Talent Required and its core practices The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Lynne is, How do you show up — intentionally and thoughtfully — for yourself and others in the moments that matter?  FIND LYNNE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynne.beausoleil.ghelfi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynne-beausoleil-ghelfi-3882b364/ Website: www.soleilleadership.com LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article:  CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Lynne Ghelfi 00:56- Introduction & Bio 01:30 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 06:11 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 23:47 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 27:37 - What is your superpower? 30:31 - What does leadership mean to you? 32:00 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 41:29 - Can you provide a general overview of the book? 47:53 - What's changed in you as a result of reading the book? 53:26 - Lynne talks about her upcoming book, No Talent Required 12 Positive Leadership Practices That Build Culture, Trust, and Performance 01:04:31 - 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 187: Lynne Beausoleil Ghelfi & Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown

  5. Jul 27

    Episode 186: Marc Inzelstein & his book, Essential Leadership: Practicing L.O.V.E. in Turbulent Tim

    Episode 186: Marc Inzelstein & his book, Essential Leadership: Practicing L.O.V.E. in Turbulent Times ABOUT MARC Marc Inzelstein is an executive advisor and leadership coach to senior leaders of global organizations. With more than 25 years of experience, he works closely with executive teams to navigate complexity, align around what matters most, and translate strategy into meaningful action. His work focuses on how leaders show up under pressure and shape the environments around them. Essential Leadership reflects this work and offers a practical path for leading with greater clarity, presence, and impact. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS • Marc’s work advising senior leaders and executive teams in complex, high-pressure environments• How he developed a writing practice while balancing client work, family, and reflection• The role inspiration, curiosity, and service play in his daily life• His professional journey from Europe to the United States and through multiple entrepreneurial ventures• The failures and setbacks that forced him to rethink identity, success, and purpose• The influence of his father’s Holocaust survival story on his worldview and leadership philosophy• Why leadership is, in his view, about helping people become their best while pursuing a meaningful purpose• The four pillars of L.O.V.E. in Marc's work The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Marc is, How often do you take stock of the meaning in your life — the real meaning you seek to reach your deep fulfillment? FIND MARC • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcinzelstein: • Website: www.essential-leadership.com LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Marc Inzelstein00:52 - Introduction & Bio01:32 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?06:51- How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?25:04 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?27:30 - What do you consider your superpower?35:00 - What does leadership mean to you?36:41 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?39:18 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?58:24 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:00:46- What’s next for your writing?01:01:38 - What book has inspired you?01:04:06 - 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 YouTube • Listen on Spotify • Listen on Apple Podcasts • Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post For more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

    Episode 186: Marc Inzelstein & his book, Essential Leadership: Practicing L.O.V.E. in Turbulent Tim

  6. Jul 15

    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

  7. Jul 13

    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 

  8. 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.
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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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