The Book Leads: Impactful Books For Life & Leadership

John M Jaramillo

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. Episode 166: Brian Gorman and his book, Leading into the Age of Wisdom: Reimagining the Future of Work

    MAR 2

    Episode 166: Brian Gorman and his book, Leading into the Age of Wisdom: Reimagining the Future of Work

    "Our work doesn't get done by the 40 hours or 50 hours or 60 hours we put in every week. It gets done by our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy. So, let's get wiser about how we use and restore our energies." Episode 166: Brian Gorman and his book, Leading into the Age of Wisdom: Reimagining the Future of Work ABOUT BRIAN For decades, Brian has been engaged with change at the individual, organizational, and social levels. Through his business TransformingLives.Coach, he serves those who are seeking to strengthen their leadership in today’s disrupted business environment, working with leaders from the frontline to the C-suite. Today, Brian is focused on the implications of artificial intelligence on the future of work and on society more broadly. He does so through his role as a coach, trusted advisor, speaker, author, and Wisdom Circle keeper. Brian is an International Coach Federation (ICF) certified professional coach, a member of ICF-New York City, a certified Edgewalker Facilitator, and a member of the Gay Coaches Alliance. He also hosts the podcast Conversations where his guests include thought leaders who are shaping the future. Brian and his son Brandon live in Hoboken, New Jersey. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS AI can be a catalyst for a more humane workplace.Wisdom is essential for effective leadership.The choices we make about AI will resonate for decades.Leadership requires followers by choice, not force.Understanding the difference between intelligence and wisdom is crucial.The structure of organizations needs to evolve with changing times.Wisdom circles promote deeper understanding and connection.Introversion can enhance leadership qualities through reflection.The future of work demands continuous adaptation and learning.Love and compassion should be integral to leadership.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Brian is, How will we keep using our heads, hearts, guts, and fortitude as leaders in the advancing age of AI? FIND BRIAN Website: https://TransformingLives.CoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangorman07030/Email: Brian@TransformingLives.CoachLinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Brian Gorman 00:57- Introduction & Bio 03:01 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 05:21 - Brian's perspective of the evolution of technology from word processor to AI. 09:51 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 14:04 - Where Brian's awareness of humanity in others came from. 22:26 - The meaning of a Wisdom Circle. 32:47 - Brian's journey of introversion. 37:17 - What do you consider your superpower? 35:32 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 41:07 - What does leadership mean to you? 41:38 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 44:08 - Can you provide a general overview of the book? 57:01 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book? 01:02:42 - What’s next for your writing? 01:04:33 - What book has inspired you? 01:10:55 - 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!

    1h 14m
  2. Episode 165:⁠ Iran Nazario (He/Him/His)⁠ and his book,⁠ The Original Peacebuilder: From A Lie of Violence to A Heart-Lead Purpose⁠

    FEB 25

    Episode 165:⁠ Iran Nazario (He/Him/His)⁠ and his book,⁠ The Original Peacebuilder: From A Lie of Violence to A Heart-Lead Purpose⁠

    Episode 165: Iran Nazario (He/Him/His) and his book, The Original Peacebuilder: From A Lie of Violence to A Heart-Lead Purpose ABOUT IRAN Iran Nazario is the Principal Owner of Nazario Motivation, LLC, a consulting practice dedicated to uplifting individuals and communities through lived experience. Through consulting, training, strategy, and program development, he helps groups, institutions, and organizations navigate challenges, foster transformation, and achieve positive outcomes. With over three decades in program and strategy development, program management, youth outreach, community engagement, and mediation, Iran has made lasting contributions to social change. As the founder and former CEO of The Peace Center of Connecticut, he led initiatives in leadership development, violence intervention, and community engagement, pioneering the inclusion of formerly incarcerated individuals as community resources. Iran has trained and presented for schools, youth service agencies, and organizations nationwide, focusing on crisis response, violence intervention, and strategies for organizational and community transformation. Committed to social justice and equity, he serves on the Wethersfield Greater Good Collective and the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST). A published author and motivational speaker, his memoirs, “The Original Peacebuilder” and “Rage to Peace,” inspire personal transformation and highlight his journey to becoming a Peacebuilder, while his co-authored poetry collection, “Bullets into Bells,” addresses the impact of gun violence in Connecticut. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS The importance of continuous personal evolution.Compassion is a driving force behind Iran's work and advocacy.How fear paralyzes us from seeing beyond their immediate circumstances.The power of reflection on past experience for personal growth and understanding -- and helping others.The power of mentorship and community support.Subtle changes in mindset can lead to significant personal transformations.Emotional awareness is key to managing stress and trauma effectively.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Iran is, How are we using what was taken from us, or that we went without, to learn, thrive, and give back to others? FIND IRAN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iran-nazario-he-him-his-aa873a35/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nazariomotivation?_t=ZT-8vLgElPWyjb&_r=1Website: https://www.nazariomotivation.com/LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-165-iran-nazario-hehimhis-his-book-original-john-m--nbmhe/?trackingId=KV%2Fhv7n1RbWMNvdNlT4YgA%3D%3D CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads - Iran Nazario 00:45 - Introduction & Bio 03:24 - Iran's reflection on his work. 07:00 - Iran and the constant journey. 09:10 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 10:57 - What's has your path to today looked like? 14:44 - The Power of Compassion in Iran's life. 24:45 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 34:34 - What does leadership mean to you? 35:32 - Iran's journey into book-writing. 38:11 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 49:21 - Can you provide a general overview of the book? 51:21 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book? 57:45 - What’s next for your writing? 01:02:20 - What book has inspired you? 01:06:13 - Iran talks about the power and effect of fear. 01:09:27 - 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. 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!

    1h 15m
  3. Episode 164: Bruce Mayhew and his book, The Path of an Inspired Leader: Inspire Greatness, Lead with Integrity, and Build a Loyal Team Culture

    FEB 18

    Episode 164: Bruce Mayhew and his book, The Path of an Inspired Leader: Inspire Greatness, Lead with Integrity, and Build a Loyal Team Culture

    Episode 164: Bruce Mayhew and his book, The Path of an Inspired Leader: Inspire Greatness, Lead with Integrity, and Build a Loyal Team Culture About Bruce Bruce Mayhew is a corporate trainer, keynote speaker, and author who has spent more than two decades helping leaders and teams build empowering cultures that turn good intentions into everyday behaviours that build trust, engagement, and results. As president and founder of Toronto-based Bruce Mayhew Consulting, Bruce delivers practical, people-first and research-informed programs and keynotes covering: Leadership and new-leader development, difficult conversations, generational differences / generational dynamics, time management, email etiquette. Conversation Highlights Introversion has guided, informed, and empowered his work.Going from a small town to a big city can awaken you.When the corporate ladder may not be what you want.The power of pushing the right buttons.The need to understand both the soft and technical sides of leadership.Understanding and meeting people where they are.The power of values in leadership.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Bruce is, Do you understand how your challenges and insecurities of the past might translate into strengths today? Find Bruce Website: brucemayhew.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brucemayhewconsulting/Instagram: bruce.mayhewTwitter / X: @BMCtrainercoachEmail: bruce@brucemayhew.comLinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads - Bruce Mayhew 00:47 - Introduction & Bio 01:53 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 03:04 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 06:47 - Bruce's & Introversion 10:28 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 15:45- What do you consider your superpower? 17:34 - What does leadership mean to you? 21:44 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 29:09 - What did you want to capture in your book? 30:13 - Can you provide a general overview of the book? 33:55 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book? 36:15 - What’s next for your writing? 40:10 - What book has inspired you? 48:19- 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, the catelog my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons! https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/last-week-s-leadership-lessons-7058038561366794240/

    52 min
  4. Mod #11: A Different Approach w/Dan Starbuck Pelletier

    JAN 14

    Mod #11: A Different Approach w/Dan Starbuck Pelletier

    Mod #11: A Different Approach Syllabus Contributor: Dan Starbuck Pelletier Mod Teaser In life and work, the same path won't work for everyone. We're all programmed differently. Too often, people take the same prescribed and predictable path as everyone else. Is that working for you? Have you asked yourself that? What if you're cut for a different approach to life? About Dan Dan is an entrepreneur, educator, and a licensed real estate agent driven by a passion for building communities. He began his career by founding DIG USA and DIG Chess in Connecticut, programs dedicated to helping students develop confidence, strategic thinking, and life-long friendships. Dan's interest in long-term financial growth and property management led him to real estate investing, where he steadily built a portfolio of nine multifamily rental properties with over thirty units. Find Dan • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-starbuck-pelletier-360898110/ • Website - DIG USA: www.TeamDIGUSA.com • Website - DIG CHESS: www.DIGChessTeam.com • Website - Real Estate: https://salzillorealty.com/agent/daniel-pelletier 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 Introduction • Guest Introduction • How 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?

    30 min
  5. Mod #10: Moral Leadership w/Jamal JImerson

    12/22/2025

    Mod #10: Moral Leadership w/Jamal JImerson

    Mod #10: Moral Leadership Syllabus Contributor: Jamal Jimerson Jamal is a Brooklyn-born educator, coach, and leadership strategist who partners with nonprofits and purpose-driven organizations to strengthen leadership, equity, and impact. He is the Co-Founder, Chief Innovation Officer, and MISSION Coach with North Star Partners, drawing on more than twenty years in nonprofit leadership, including founding The Minority Inclusion Project and Thought Partner Solutions. He is completing his doctorate in educational leadership and organizational innovation, studying how moral conviction, shared values, and character help leaders sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments under pressure. Mod Teaser In this episode, Jamal shares how moral leadership shows up in real nonprofit work, not just in mission statements. He'll break down what it looks like to lead from your values when the politics, the funding, and the pressure all push you to compromise. Find Jamal • Website: https://www.northstarimpactcoaching.org/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamaljimerson/ 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 Introduction • Guest Introduction • How 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?

    30 min
  6. Mod #9: Authentic Communication w/Jess Mand

    12/17/2025

    Mod #9: Authentic Communication w/Jess Mand

    Mod #9: Authentic Communication Syllabus Contributor: Jess Mand - Founder of INDEMAND Communications Jess Mand is a strategic communicator, writer, and founder of INDEMAND Communications, where she helps purpose-driven leaders and organizations clarify their voice and vision. She is the author of The Enchanted Manifesting Journal, a guided tool for aligning intention with inspired action. With a passion for meaningful dialogue and transformative storytelling, Jess empowers people to lead with authenticity—on the page, on stage, and in life. Mod Teaser True leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with presence, clarity, and alignment. When leaders communicate from a place of authenticity and intention, they inspire trust, connection, and meaningful action. Find Jess• LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eQHHhac6• Instagram: https://lnkd.in/eBhEggUT• Instagram - Manifesting By Mand: https://lnkd.in/e_MUfeWT• Instagram - INDEMAND Communications: https://lnkd.in/eXctFa6x• Facebook: https://lnkd.in/eSsM7Dme• Book: https://lnkd.in/erYvD7uv 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 Introduction • Guest Introduction • How 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?

    30 min
  7. Mod #8: The Upside Of Falling Down w/Carrianne Polo

    11/24/2025

    Mod #8: The Upside Of Falling Down w/Carrianne Polo

    Mod #8: The Upside Of Falling Down Syllabus Contributor: Carrianne Polo - Founder & CEO of New Park Creative Carrianne is the Founder & CEO of New Park Creative, a digital marketing agency helping businesses grow through strategic branding, storytelling, and data-driven marketing. She began her career in live TV as a designer and animator at FOX61 and holds a degree in Visual Media Studies from the University of Hartford. With over 15 years of experience, she leads with a focus on creativity, inclusion, and community impact. A proud mom of two, Carrianne is also a speaker, mentor, and advocate who serves on the boards of Camp Courant and the Connecticut Women’s Council. Mod Teaser Leadership isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about how quickly you get back up and what you learn along the way. Real growth happens when you're uncomfortable, when things don’t go as planned, and when you choose to persevere anyway. In this episode, Carrianne shares how grit, self-belief, and the ability to advocate for yourself are essential tools for rising stronger every time. Find Carrianne • Website: www.newparkcreative.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrianne-polo • Instagram: @newparkcreative • Twitter: @newparkcreative • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newparkcreative 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 BREAKDOWNBelow 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 Introduction• Guest Introduction• How 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?

    25 min
  8. Mod #7: Creating Space w/Andre Rochester

    11/19/2025

    Mod #7: Creating Space w/Andre Rochester

    Mod 7: Creating Space Guest: Andre Rochester - Creative Consultant Andre Rochester is a fine artist, curator, educator, and creative consultant from Hartford, CT. Through wearing multiple hats, he has woven a web of intersecting creative endeavors that focus on collaboration and cultivating community.  Mod Teaser Leaders must create space for others to thrive. Helping others develop and knowing how/when to step aside to allow their work to grow is a sign of true leadership. Inspire and motivate, but create space for people to take action. Find Andre ⁠https://www.andrerochester.com⁠⁠https://www.rochestercreativeconsulting.com⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrerochesterartist/⁠ 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 Introduction • Guest Introduction • How 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?

    29 min
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

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.