Part of being a good leader is knowing the difference between when a bold move is required and when it’s best to stay the course. As the former head of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, and Texas A&M University, Robert Gates has long years of experience with both paths. In A PASSION FOR […]
You (Version 2.0)
Each of us manages a collection of habits—some good, and some bad. But over time, these habits become so familiar that they’re almost invisible. Whether it’s a small project or a comprehensive overhaul, the self-improvement process is about examining these habits and letting go of the ones that don’t work. It’s easier than it sounds! […]
Your Next TED Talk
The speakers in viral TED talks may sound unattainably cool and professional. The good news is that excellent speakers are made, not born—public speaking is like any other competence, in the sense that practice strengthens the skill. Our latest Instaread original will walk you through the steps, from selecting the right topic all the way […]
Want to be Happy? Do the Bare Minimum
How many things are necessary for a good life? Minimalist Fumio Sasaki pared down the number of objects in his home to just 150—which he bumped up to 300 when he moved into a larger flat. In the spirit of his bestseller, Goodbye, Things, here are just two top insights from our latest release. Key Insight […]
Positive Thinking Isn’t Enough
Optimism is a mighty tool. But in THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING, Normal Vincent Peale makes a common-sense observation: sometimes a good attitude and affirming mantras aren’t enough to get the job done. According to Peale, the key to a truly effective session of positive thinking is to incorporate visualization.Thinking happy thoughts about your big Monday […]
What’s Going On with WeWork?
After years of speculation about WeWork’s potential overvaluation, fans and critics have finally been granted a closer look at the coworking company’s current status. In the past, WeWork’s leaders have justified its astronomical estimated value, last projected at $47 billion, by pointing to an ever-expanding customer base of freelancers and entrepreneurs who could benefit from […]
How a Teenager Disrupted his African Village—and Became a Celebrity Innovator
William Kamkwamba’s fellow villagers worried that he was a malevolent wizard. But the African teen was in fact a talented inventor who taught himself how to build windmills from library books. Up against immense hardship—family tragedy, a hostile government, famine, and catastrophic weather—Kamkwamba found a way to better the lives of everyone in his village. […]
The Real Competitive Edge
People with positive attitudes tend to deliver the best results, which means that attitude can be a critical differentiator in highly competitive industries. Whether you’re trying to find the best and brightest overachievers to staff your team, or wooing new clients yourself, a little positivity goes a long way. Our Instaread on HOW HIGH WILL […]
Weekend Wisdom: Having a Weakness is Human. Admitting it is Leadership.
With more than 50 books about leadership and faith under his belt, John Maxwell knows a thing or two about success in business. His most popular title, THE 21 IRREFUTABLE LAWS OF LEADERSHIP, teaches leaders and would-be leaders to sharpen their skills and competencies. While there’s always room for self-improvement, Maxwell points out that it’s important […]
Learn From a Classic
When was the last time you read something that people will still be talking about centuries from now? The love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy was rendered by Jane Austen with such intensity and wit that it still has a powerful pull in the present day. Learn why readers keep coming back to […]
