What's it about? The Creative Brain (2024) explores the science behind popular beliefs about creativity, finding valuable insights hidden within common misconceptions. Instead of simply debunking myths like right-brain thinking, tortured artists, or creative genius, it reveals how each belief contains elements of truth that deepen our understanding of how creativity actually works in the human brain. You’ve got to suffer for your art. Creativity lives in the right side of the brain. You need extraordinary intelligence, or an intoxicant-induced altered state of mind, to unlock your creative potential. These persistent beliefs about human creativity aren't simply myths to be debunked – they're windows into a deeper understanding of how creativity really works. By examining what's true within these age-old beliefs, neuroscientist Anna Abraham uncovers surprising insights about the creative brain that will transform how you think about your own creative potential. Ther...

What's it about? Burned Out to Lit Up (2023) is a practical guide to recovering from burnout. It shows that by prioritizing our own needs, setting boundaries, and adopting positive habits, we can live happier, healthier lives. The alarm goes off. You wake up exhausted, reaching for your phone to scroll through emails and to-do lists before you’re fully alert. For many of us, life feels like a relentless cycle where work, family, and society’s endless demands never stop. Burnout has crept into our day-to-day so deeply that it’s almost the norm. And it’s something that the author, Cara Houser, has experienced herself. After years of trying to juggle motherhood with a high-pressure career in real estate development, she burned out completely. But by taking a sabbatical and reevaluating her priorities, Houser was able to heal. Now, she works as a career strategist and empowerment coach, helping others recover from burnout. This lesson offers practical solutions – not just vag...

What's it about? Why We Do What We Do (1995) explores the science of human motivation, focusing on what drives people to act and how external influences shape their behavior. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, manager, or simply curious about human behavior, it offers transformative insights into fostering growth, collaboration, and authentic success in every area of life. What motivates you? Is it the thrill of recognition, a paycheck, or the quiet satisfaction of a job well done? If you’re a sports fan, you might assume that competition, fame, and prizes are the ultimate motivators for most athletes. But what if these external rewards aren’t actually what keep us truly satisfied? What if, instead of driving us forward, they’re the very things that can ultimately drain our motivation? Why We Do What We Do dives into the heart of human motivation to uncover why some goals energize us while others leave us drained. It posits that the secret lies in intrinsic motivation – the dri...

What's it about? Rebel Talent (2018) dives into why the rule-breakers and innovators – the rebels – are the ones who’ll thrive in today’s super competitive world. Encouraging a bit of rebellion can spark growth and innovation, and not just at work. By seeing the value in challenging the norm and thinking differently, life can become more exciting and fulfilling. Ever feel like the workplace is just a series of checkboxes and routines? It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of conformity, where going with the flow seems like the only way forward. Yet, it’s often people who zig when others zag, those who are sometimes labeled as troublemakers or outcasts, that bring about the most profound changes in their fields. These are the rebels, the individuals who aren’t afraid to question the norm and push boundaries. This lesson delves into the power and potential of embracing a rebellious spirit in a world that often rewards conformity. It shines a light on how rebels can be a formidable ...

What's it about? The Employee Advantage (2024) argues that prioritizing employees can drive business success by encouraging innovation, improving profitability, and attracting top talent. It highlights how organizations can benefit from focusing on employee well-being, showcasing examples of companies that have thrived by adopting an employee-centric approach. It also provides actionable strategies for leaders to create workplaces where employees feel valued and motivated. Businesses often attribute their success to innovation, technology, or customer service. Yet behind every breakthrough is a workforce that makes it happen. Employees are the driving force behind innovation, loyalty, and profitability – but too often, their needs are neglected in favor of external factors. This oversight leads to disengagement, high turnover, and missed opportunities for growth. Organizations that value and invest in their employees gain more than just workplace satisfaction – they create lasti...

What's it about? Patriot (2024) is the final testament of Russia’s most prominent opposition leader. Written in the aftermath of his poisoning, it chronicles his journey from activist to political prisoner, weaving together his personal life, political battles, and unwavering fight for democracy. On August 20, 2020, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny boarded a flight from Siberia to Moscow, riding high on the momentum of a successful campaign. Despite years of being banned from running for office, his network had found creative ways to win. Their latest investigation into the regime’s excesses had resulted in damning footage of a corrupt official’s private island estate. His team was positioning itself to deliver crushing defeats to regime candidates in upcoming regional elections. But 21 minutes after takeoff, Navalny’s body began to betray him. It began with cold sweats and a creeping sense that his entire system was failing. There was no pain – just a profound wrongness...