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Showing posts from January, 2024

The Win Without Pitching Manifesto: Master the Art of Selling Ideas Effortlessly by Blair Enns

What's it about? The Win Without Pitching Manifesto (2018) outlines 12 proclamations that guide creative business owners in distinguishing themselves from competitors and mastering client relationships. It emphasizes a strategic approach for those selling ideas and advice, focusing on winning business without compromising their creative integrity or drafting extensive proposals. Introduction What’s in it for me? Secure success without giving away your talent. Have you ever felt pressured to give away your creative work for free to prove your worth? This is a common challenge faced by many in the creative professions. Artists, designers, writers, and other creatives often find themselves in a cycle where their talent is undervalued, and they are compelled to surrender their work without compensation. This issue isn't just a personal struggle; it's a systemic one, deeply rooted in the industry's status quo. But this issue is being challenged. Some creatives are fightin...

Everyone Leads: Building Leadership from the Community Up by Paul Schmitz

What's it about? Everyone Leads (2011) turns the leadership conversation on its head, asserting that the corner office isn't the only place for leaders. It paints a world where leadership is an action sport, open to all, from boardroom bigwigs to the unsung heroes in the break room. This narrative is a rally cry for every closet leader to step into the light, harnessing the power of collaboration and shared goals, regardless of their place on the organizational chart. Introduction What’s in it for me? How to draw out natural leadership from you and others. Have you ever thought about what it truly means to be a leader? Often, we picture leaders as those with high-ranking titles or in positions of power. But what if that leadership is really something each of us is equipped to master? Despite the ancient urban legend that only certain people have what it takes, everyone can lead. That’s not just a little feel-good tidbit; it's a powerful truth that reshapes our understan...

Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative? by Mark Fisher

What's it about? Capitalist Realism (2009) offers an analysis of how contemporary society is shaped and constrained by capitalist ideology. You'll explore the concept of “capitalist realism” – the pervasive sense that no alternative to capitalism is possible. This influential work challenges you to consider the psychological and cultural impacts of living under such a dominant economic system, prompting a reevaluation of societal structures and personal beliefs. Introduction What’s in it for me? Discover transformative insights into capitalism's impact on life and society. Have you ever stopped to consider how deeply the economic and cultural system of capitalism influences your life? How it shapes not only your everyday actions and decisions, but also your future dreams and aspirations? These questions were central to the work of the late Mark Fisher. His influential ideas on capitalism have sparked a wave of new thinking, challenging conventional perspectives and insp...

Leadership Revolution: The Future of Developing Dynamic Leaders by Lori Mazan

What's it about? Leadership Revolution (2023) explores the dynamics of executive coaching, and provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities in contemporary leadership development. It explains how today’s leaders must adapt to changing environments and cultivate a mindset of continuous growth and improvement. Introduction What’s in it for me? Learn the tips being taught by today’s best leadership coaches. What does it take to become a great leader? What qualities do the best leaders share? While these are popular, and reasonable, questions to ask, if you look at enough case studies, you’ll soon realize that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. This kind of insight is one of the benefits of Lori Mazan’s Leadership Revolution. Mazan is a seasoned executive coach, and has worked with a broad range of leaders, each with their own unique personality traits. While so many leadership advice books will try to squeeze everyone into an idealized mold, Mazan’s...

Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes by Morgan Housel

What's it about? Same As Ever (2023) explores how, despite surface-level changes, the underlying patterns of human behavior and decision-making remain constant throughout history. Ultimately, it advocates for embracing simplicity within this turbulence by focusing on timeless, fundamental truths of human psychology that endure amid superficial change. Introduction What’s in it for me? Invest in things that never change. Success requires vision, so it’s logical that when you’re dreaming big, you turn your attention to the future. After all, vision boards and vision statements are designed to help us realize our goals and aspirations. Forward-looking tools are excellent ways to keep us motivated as we work towards success. But when we’re fixated on attaining our goals, we can sometimes forget to look to the past. And it’s in the past that we not only have the chance to learn from our mistakes, but we can also observe another important element of success – human behavioral patterns....

Complex Borderline Personality Disorder: How Coexisting Conditions Affect Your BPD and How You Can Gain Emotional Balance by Daniel J. Fox

What's it about? Complex Borderline Personality Disorder (2022) unravels the layers of a multifaceted mental health condition. It guides you through understanding the intertwining of intense emotions, behavioral challenges, and co-occurring mental health issues, offering insights for those directly affected or supporting loved ones. This exploration empowers you with strategies for effective management, fostering resilience, healthier relationships, and personal growth. Introduction What’s in it for me? Gain insights into managing CBPD. Navigating the complex world of mental health can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding Complex Borderline Personality Disorder, or CBPD. Whether you’re grappling with this condition yourself or supporting someone close to you, gaining a clear perspective on CBPD is crucial. This disorder, often characterized by intense emotional fluctuations and intricate behavioral patterns, can deeply affect both individuals and their loved o...

Adaptive Resilience: How to Thrive in a Digital Era by Maria Santacaterina

What's it about? Adaptive Resilience (2023) offers an insightful guide to crafting a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable digital future through innovative organizational transformation. It emphasizes the importance of implementing game-changing strategies for big-picture business evolution, focusing on an approach that transforms from both the inside-out and the outside-in. Introduction What’s in it for me? Harness your innate adaptability and thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Have you ever wondered what it takes for businesses and societies to not just survive but flourish in our rapidly evolving digital era? This is a world where physical, digital, and biological realms are merging, reshaping our lives in unprecedented ways. This so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought about significant technological advancements, particularly accelerated by the global pandemic, challenging our preparedness and resilience. In this Blink, you'll le...