Labour Day Reading Recommendations
Stories break down barriers. They connect us across differences and help us see what might otherwise stay hidden. That’s the power of narrative; it's not just entertainment, it’s meaning-making. In leadership, as in life, stories help us process complexity, make sense of change, and imagine new possibilities.
Reading keeps me sharp for this work. It fuels creativity when energy is thin, expands vocabulary, and deepens perspective. I couldn’t do what I do, helping leaders articulate vision and voice, without it.
Some books stay with us because they’re enjoyable, some because they’re useful, and some because they shift the way we think. The best ones do all three.
That’s why I often share books with leaders who want to stretch their thinking. The right book doesn’t just inform, it challenges assumptions, sparks conversation, and offers new ways of seeing their role. Here are two I’d recommend right now for any CEO looking to sharpen perspective and lead with greater clarity:
Free Days with George: Learning Life's Little Lessons from One Very Big Dog — Colin Campbell
Why this book?
First, I love dogs. Secondly, it highlights how resilience, empathy, and unexpected connections are crucial for growth and how leaders' vulnerability and stepping outside rigid structures can drive renewal.
One idea I can’t stop thinking about:
"Free Days" - spending a whole day doing things you love with people (or dogs) who love you, "not growing old that day." Intentionally consistently stepping out of the daily grind to revitalize, create space to think, and achieve sustained productivity and innovative leadership. Plus, there’s a dog who surfs.
How it shaped the way I lead or communicate:
Active listening and non-verbal communication became more prominent in my approach - understanding unvoiced struggles requires keen observation; building trust requires adaptable approaches. Ultimately, the most effective communication happens through aligned actions, not just words.
How to apply the lessons of this book:
Mandate "Free Days": Encourage and model taking intentional, regular breaks from the grind to rejuvenate, fostering creativity, and preventing burnout across the team and for yourself. A wise leader once told me “the best gift you can give your team is a resilient you”.
Practice Observational Empathy: Develop keen awareness of non-verbal cues and unvoiced concerns within your team, understanding struggles beyond explicit communication that connect with others where they are.
Lead Through Action (and Vulnerability): Demonstrate resilience and adaptability through your own behavior, showing that stepping outside rigid structures fosters growth and connection.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking - Susan Cain
Why this book?
It reframes introversion as a powerful asset, exposing how the "extrovert ideal" stifles talent and innovation. Plus, I’m a proud introvert.
One idea I can’t stop thinking about:
The "New Groupthink" – forced collaboration on the spot/ad hoc often hinders deep thought and creativity and excludes part of the team, which means you’re missing out on authentic innovations and possibilities.
How it shaped the way I lead or communicate:
Reminded me to (a) intentionally seek out input from all team members, especially those being quiet in a group setting (b) purposefully offer pre-reads or context ahead of asking for input (c) openly talk about why being an introvert is part of my superpower (HINT: It makes me a great listener and a deep thinker with the ability to make connections others may miss.)
How to apply the lessons of this book:
Design for Solitude: Create dedicated spaces and time for quiet, individual deep work and reflection.
Prioritize Written Input: Request pre-reads and written contributions before meetings to empower introverted thought.
Amplify Quiet Voices: Actively solicit input from less vocal team members in all discussions, valuing diverse perspectives.
This Long Weekend, Take a Pause!
The beauty of a long weekend is the silence between obligations. That space is where stories work best. The right book can cut through the noise, give us clarity we did not know we needed, and remind us that leadership begins with reflection before it moves into action. Reading is not passive. It is practice. It is how we expand imagination, sharpen our tools, and prepare to challenge the status quo. Over these quiet Labour Day days, let a book do the heavy lifting.