Reading Worm

When most people think of leadership books, they expect polished advice, corporate buzzwords, and idealized success stories. What If Anger Is the Answer? completely flips the script. Framed as wisdom passed from a Marine officer to his son, this book blends high-stakes stories from Afghanistan with insights from Plato and Shakespeare. It reads less like a traditional manual and more like a late-night, unfiltered conversation about real-world friction, accountability, and purpose. Key Takeaway 1: Authenticity Over Ideology Instead of abstract theories, LeBlanc grounds his lessons in vivid, unvarnished experiences—from absurd battlefield encounters to the quiet shame of heavy moments. The book pulls no punches when addressing human flaws, rivalries, and the sheer grit required to turn divided groups into unified teams. Key Takeaway 2: Rethinking "Spiritedness" (Thumos) Using classical philosophy to frame his point, LeBlanc explores thumos —the spirited, protective drive within...

Most leadership books repeat the same ideas. But Dennis Akkerman’s Business as UNusual does something different: it introduces a practical, seven-step leadership model that helps you transform your organisation from the inside out. The StepWise™ framework shows the real connection between purpose, people, culture, money, and market decisions. Each step builds on the next, giving leaders a clear picture of how transformation actually happens over time. Instead of theory, the book offers real examples, reflective questions, and insights that make you rethink how you lead. One of the strongest ideas in the book is viewing uncertainty not as a threat, but as an opportunity. Akkerman explains how today’s most successful leaders aren’t the ones who avoid change — they are the ones who use change to create impact and stay ahead. Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organisation, this book offers a refreshing, practical, and deeply relevant guide for navigating modern challeng...

Most leadership books promise systems, shortcuts, and roadmaps. Dennis Akkerman’s The Naked Leader does the opposite—it asks you to stop hiding, sit with your truth, and lead from the inside out. What makes this book stand out is how personal it is. Akkerman begins with grief, failure, and a silent retreat that forces him to confront everything he’d avoided. Instead of handing you a neat framework, he offers tools shaped by real experience. The “NAKED TRUTH” notes, Personality Balance Sheets, and ego-mapping exercises hit surprisingly hard. They expose how often we switch between bravado and people-pleasing without noticing. The reframing tasks and conditional thinking tools are simple enough to use the same day you read them. By the end, The Naked Leader doesn’t just tell you how to lead—it shows you how to stop running from yourself. And that might be the real leadership skill we’ve been avoiding. 👉 Read the full detailed review: https://www.bookbelow.com/book-review/the-nake...

Most leadership books sound good on paper but fail in practice. Team Up for Cloud Success by Joe Vandermark is different. With 30 years of real-world experience, Vandermark shares practical insights and stories that resonate. The book starts with Vandermark’s 2023 thyroid cancer battle, showing the power of a supportive team. From hiring with empathy to handling remote work, every chapter is packed with actionable tips. His “Heart in Hiring” chapter stands out, emphasizing curiosity, grit, and emotional intelligence over just technical skills. Vandermark also shares client-focused strategies, like shadowing clients to understand their challenges. Each chapter includes checklists, templates, and frameworks you can use immediately. The 30-day action plan provides a step-by-step roadmap to implement what you learn. If you want leadership advice that actually works, Team Up for Cloud Success is a must-read. Read the full review here .

In a world where financial stress is commonplace, Lewis Yoshida's Manage Your Finances with Serenity offers a refreshing perspective. Released on September 9, 2025, this book delves into the psychological aspects of money, helping readers understand their emotional responses to spending and saving. Yoshida emphasizes that financial peace begins with self-awareness and conscious decision-making. Available on Amazon , this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to build a healthier relationship with money.

  Sometimes, the road to passion begins with a simple mistake. In Taken by the Dark Billionaires by Chloe Kent, Sutton Baxter only wanted to help her friend—but instead finds herself at the mercy of three ruthless billionaires with a dark secret. Set against the powerful world of Basilisk Industries, this story mixes mafia danger, mistaken identity, and intense romance into one unforgettable ride. Readers love the drama, the chemistry, and the unpredictable twists. Here’s what one reader had to say: “Best case of mistaken identity ever! Who knew helping out a friend could lead to everything she never knew she needed.” On sale now for just $0.99 (regularly $4.99) , this is the perfect time to dive into Chloe Kent’s dark, seductive world. 👉 Get it on Amazon today

Most leadership books feel like they were written in a corporate boardroom. They’re heavy on theories, light on practicality, and usually forget that leaders are human beings too. Rich Plumery’s Palms Up Leadership is the opposite. Plumery doesn’t sugarcoat his journey. He openly shares how he was once a college dropout, a bartender, and even fired from his first construction job for incompetence. Yet, he went on to become a Senior Vice President at AECOM, a Fortune 500 company. That raw honesty is what makes this book different—it’s leadership advice from someone who’s lived it. At the core of the book is the Palms Up Leadership philosophy , built on three E’s: Enable, Engage, and Embrace . The framework is refreshingly simple. You don’t need a PhD to understand it—you just need the willingness to lead with empathy and intention. One story that stays with you is Plumery’s escape during the 2023 Maui wildfires. His survival came down to trusting his instincts, which he connects to ...

I’ve picked up a lot of leadership books. Many follow the same script: communicate better, lead by example, influence others, etc. Synergy and Sparks by G. Riley Mills does those things—but with a twist. One of my favorite moments: Mills preparing to teach the Queen’s staff. Instead of sticking to lecture, he uses the Queen’s 1957 Christmas speech—something none of them had seen. It’s the kinds of concrete, creative storytelling examples that make the book worthwhile. Some sections lag a bit, especially where chapter pacing feels rushed, but even there, useful material to take away. Want to see if this book might change how you show up in meetings or presentations? My full thoughts are here: Synergy and Sparks Book Review

Kellie Hinkle’s The Fractional Leader’s Playbook is a refreshing guide for professionals ready to step away from the traditional 9-to-5 and explore fractional leadership. With a conversational tone and plenty of humour, Hinkle shares practical advice on pricing, setting boundaries, and finding clients who respect your work. Her scripts for saying “no” are worth the cover price alone—helping professionals protect their time and still maintain strong relationships. Plus, the included tools, like scope templates and pricing formulas, feel like a mini workshop in book form. While it leans U.S.-centric and sometimes repeats key points, its empowering message makes it a must-read for those seeking flexibility without losing impact. 📖 Full review: https://www.bookbelow.com/book-review/the-fractional-leader-s-playbook