26 Reads That Shaped My 2023

One of my resolutions for 2023 was to read more. As this was not one of my priorities in 2022, I missed the multiple readings of previous years.

I simply added “Read More” to my list of resolutions, not expecting to reach a specific quantity, just to enjoy my reading and acquire more knowledge, as a firm believer in the “transformative power of continuous learning”.

As a result, I embarked on the journey and devoured 26 books that not only enriched my professional experience but also offered me a lot of personal growth and a diverse perspective, as well as some laughs and good times.

Here is a glimpse of this journey, the most important quotes I wrote down, and my opinion on these books that have accompanied me in my processes these past twelve months:

1. Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown

"Being ourselves means sometimes having to find the courage to stand alone."

I truly enjoyed this book, because it encourages finding true belonging and the courage to stand alone, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection. Brown highlights the importance of belonging to yourself as the basis for the courage to face life's challenges. She cleverly navigates the balance between strength and vulnerability, providing practical tools for managing difficult conversations and rekindling connections with friends and family.

Brown's exploration of belonging and authenticity resonates deeply with my quest to forge genuine connections, not only in my personal life but also in customer experience (CX).

2. Daring to Succeed: How Alain Bouchard Built the Couche tard & Circle K by Guy Gendron

"We don’t make a cent in these offices. The money is made in the stores."

A fantastic story about succeeding beyond belief.

Although not widely known, this book is incredibly motivating and highlights the strategic wisdom of Alain Bouchard and his partners, particularly their philosophy of taking care of the “little people” to ensure business success. It offers insightful lessons on the nuances of making money and who benefits the most in entrepreneurial ventures.

This book is a remarkable source of inspiration for those interested in business, especially for young entrepreneurs, as it provides valuable guidance for overcoming challenges and fostering positive interactions with employees. It is also a recommended reading for anyone looking to gain practical knowledge about business success and leadership.

3. Finish What You Start by Peter Hollins

"You need to be honest about what works and what doesn’t."

Hollins addresses various aspects of productivity, demonstrating how the concepts can be applied in a variety of areas. This book stands out for its well-structured points and logical reasoning, which make it easy to follow and put into practice.

4. Focus by Harvard Business Review (HBR)

"What is needed is not as much talent as perseverance: the willingness to exercise the attentional circuits of the brain in the same way that we exercise our analytical skills or other systems of the body."

Focus is a beautiful and useful little book, which explores the importance of being focused in a distracted world, providing strategies to improve concentration and productivity. It also teaches how to easily put its advice into practice.

I highly recommend it if you want to improve your productivity and better manage your energy.

5. Dealing with Difficult People by HBR

"Focus on the problem, not on people."

This is a great book that provides strategies for managing challenging interactions and improving relationships with difficult colleagues and customers. It also helps in understanding various personality types and how to interact with them effectively. Indeed, it tells you a lot about difficult people.

It is a good book to have at hand at any time.

6. Purpose, Meaning, and Passion by HBR

"Your purpose is... the magic that pushes you forward. It's not really about what you do, it's about how you do it and why - the yearnings and passions that drive you to be part of whatever business table you need to be at."

As its title specifies, this book offers insights into finding and nurturing purpose, passion, and meaning in life. It guides you to discover the meaning of your daily activities and challenges you to develop your own Passion Statement.

Among others, it showed me further the importance of having a purpose and clear objectives in life.

7. Power and Impact by HBR

"For real change to happen, you don't have to control people, but empower them. This is the difference between authority and leadership. "

Power and Impact explains how power influences our emotions and behaviors, and how it can be used responsibly in a professional setting. It also offers strategies for maintaining self-awareness, managing power dynamics, and creating lasting value in leadership roles.

As you have read, the last four books are part of the HBR collection, specifically the Emotional Intelligence serie, which I highly recommend to everyone as a “must-read”. I look forward to reading the rest of the collection in 2024.

8. How to Make Good Things Happen to You by Marian Rojas Estapé

"Let’s do not forget that success in life is achieved by people who are able to concentrate and focus on what they really want, being able to persevere in purpose."

A beautiful reminder of the power of positivity, and an extraordinary book that encourages introspection and self-awareness.

I consider it a guide on how to transform and develop aspects of ourselves to foster a positive approach to uncontrollable events.

9. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

"A person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language."

A book that needs no introduction.

How to Win Friends & Influence People is a classic and a “must-read” that I refer back to often. Carnegie's book is basic to understanding and influencing human behavior. A bestseller in self-help and personal development, presented in an accessible format, with each piece of advice supported by practical examples.

Highly recommended for everyone.

10. How to Wow by Frances Cole Jones

"More isn’t better. Bette is better."

France Cole Jones is clear in offering techniques in professional and personal interactions, improving communication skills that are easy to put into practice.

This is the best book I have read on first impressions, personal introduction, and communication. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, I also integrated a lot of the tips I learned into my everyday life and I highly recommend it to everyone, in business or not.

11. In Case the Voices Return by Angel Martin

"Just because something seems impossible to you today doesn't mean it will be impossible tomorrow."

I found this book honest and accurate, heart-warming and funny at the same time, and I believe it opens our eyes to what in our cultures is often hidden in a veil of modesty: mental illness.

An engaging read that broadened my understanding of diverse human experiences, increasing my empathy in interactions.

12. Leadership 101 by John C. Maxwell

"Look at last week’s schedule. How much of your time did you devote to regular, disciplined activities? Did you do anything to grow and improve yourself professionally? Did you engage in activities promoting good health? Did you dedicate part of your income to savings or investments? If you’ve been putting off those things, telling yourself that you’ll do them later, you may need to work on your self-discipline."

This book is packed with incredible insights and practical advice on the essence of great leadership. It demystifies common misconceptions about this concept, offering clarity on what true leadership involves.

From my point of view, it is a key book that is often overlooked by many managers. It is an invaluable guide for anyone who wants to understand effective leadership and improve their skills.

13. Letting Go by David Hawkins

"Letting go implies being aware of a feeling, letting it grow, staying with it and allowing it to run its course without wanting it to be different or doing anything in relation to it."

One of my most important findings in 2023.

In this book, David Hawkins illustrates how a change in mindset can lead to remarkable personal empowerment. It offers a realistic and educational approach to human behavior, accessible to anyone willing to learn and commit to personal growth.

The book has had a profound impact on my self-awareness and personal development, as well as on my understanding of others.

I highly recommend this book to those who are willing to reflect on themselves and embrace change.

14. More Bad Karma by David Safier

"If you don't make an effort, you always have the excuse that your professional failure is not due to a lack of talent. Wouldn't it be absurd to work hard and then realize that you have no aptitude? There is no better excuse in life than not making an effort."

Discovering David Safier's "More Damned Karma" was a happy accident. This book is a humorous look at karma and reincarnation. One of its most memorable messages is about the courage it takes to love.

The funniest thing is that I realized I had read the preceding book, "Bad Karma", 15 years ago, just after finishing "More Damned Karma".

15. Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss

"Negotiation is not an act of battle, is a process of discovery."

A negotiation masterpiece. The best negotiation book I have ever read.

Never Split the Difference offers practical, real-world negotiation tactics, teaching essential skills such as attentive listening, mirroring, and the use of calibrated questions to change the dynamics of negotiation. These techniques are applicable in everyday professional interaction.

I highly recommend this book to anyone in a role involving negotiation and buy-in.

16. Punk CX by Adrian Swinscoe

"Loyalty is a whole business game not just some bolted-on programme."

In this book, Adrian Swinscoe places the human being at the center of customer service, providing practical advice and challenging traditional customer service norms, advocating a more responsive, customer-centered approach.

17. Punk XL by Adrian Swinscoe

"Tom went on to say that business is about people serving people serving people serving people, leaders serving employees who, in turn, are serving their customers."

This is a truly remarkable book.

Swinscoe, inspired by the spirit of punk rock, once again challenges conventional business wisdom. He advocates a radical change of mindset, urging companies to break with the norm to deliver extraordinary customer experiences.

I particularly appreciate Adrian Swinscoe's original style. A CX challenging and refreshing take, advocating bold and unconventional approaches.

I have found his books stimulating for CX professionals at all levels.

18. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

"So that morning in 1962 I told myself: Let everyone else call your idea crazy . . . just keep going. Don’t stop. Don’t even think about stopping until you get there, and don’t give much thought to where “there” is. Whatever comes, just don’t stop."

This narrative is fascinating and serves as a powerful reminder that belief and dedication can turn visions into reality. I was hooked.

It underlines the importance of staying focused and persevering in the pursuit of one's goals.

Another "must-read", especially for those who are starting or want to start their own business.

19. Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono

"We don't fully realize how obstructive the ego is in preventing effective thinking."

Six Thinking Hats is a methodology for group discussion and individual thinking, with six colored hats representing different ways of thinking.

De Bono's innovative thinking model was a game-changer for me. It improved my problem-solving skills, allowing me to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. I can now consciously switch hats, which also improves my communication skills.

20. Start with Why by Simon Sinek

"People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe."

I think there is little I can say about this book that has not been said before.

Start with Why is a must-read for anyone interested in leadership, corporate strategy, and personal development.

A groundbreaking book that stands out for its unique perspective on leadership, focusing on the "WHY" of influential figures such as Steve Jobs, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Wright Brothers. Sinek's concept of the "Golden Circle" - the WHY at the center, surrounded by the HOW and then the WHAT - provides a revolutionary framework for understanding leadership and business success. His insights into the core purpose of leadership and its impact on organizations are unique.

It is a book that I always read and always recommend to have in the library.

21. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

"Love is a choice you make every day."

This classic book, which has been on my reading list for a long time, delves into how recognizing and speaking different love languages can significantly improve interpersonal relationships.

While primarily aimed at personal relationships, the ideas in "The 5 Love Languages" extend into the emotional intelligence sphere, offering valuable lessons that are relevant to both, personal and professional lives.

22. The Anti-Stress Miracle by Carlos Jaramillo

"Until you make your unconscious conscious, it will rule your life and you will continue to call it destiny".

Dr. Jaramillo encourages us to live as holistic beings, providing various tips for understanding and overcoming stress.

This excellent book offers a scientific summary accessible to all thanks to its easy language that highlights the importance of combining proper nutrition with meditation. It links the gap between Western medicine and our innate healing abilities, challenging many long-held beliefs.

I consider it a treasure of practical advice, perfectly adapted to our busy and turbulent lives. Another must-read I highly recommend to everybody, especially those who are exposed to high levels of stress and/or white lights.

23. The Feelings of Prince Charles by Liv Stromquist

"Where there is power, there can be no love."

A graphic novel that humorously and critically addresses our patriarchal society and human relationships.

The author uses humor and accuracy to explore how men and women are conditioned in their relationships with each other, encouraging us to question social norms and education around gender roles.

24. The Last White Man by Nuria Labari

"I have felt that I had to be the best to become just one more."

This book is a thought-provoking great novel exploring identity, power, change, and women's condition in business.

25. The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma

"The greatest risk in life is not taking one."

Sharma's book is a powerful narrative that democratizes leadership, asserting that every individual has the potential to be a leader, regardless of their position.

This book redefined leadership, that it is not about titles or positions, but about the impact that everyone can have at any level.

This resonated deeply with my work, where every interaction can be an opportunity to influence change and inspire and motivate others. I recommend it to CX professionals who want to learn more about leadership.

26. Working Backwards by Colin Bryar & Bill Carr

"Leaders operate at all levels, stay connected to the details, audit frequently, and are skeptical when metrics and anecdotes differ. No task is beneath them."

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about Amazon's leadership, processes, practices, and vision for meeting customer needs. In other words, what made Amazon successful.

I highly recommend it for CX practitioners who want to delve deeper into how to develop a customer-centric approach and for those who want to embrace change in their business.

Each of these books contributed to my growth, both professionally and personally, throughout 2023. They have not only enriched my understanding of customer experience but also broadened my perspective on various aspects of life.

Looking forward to 2024, my reading list will continue to prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on topics that align with my personal and professional passions, including health and nutrition, personal development, CX, business strategy, effective communication, finance, and investment.

I hope that sharing my reading journey inspires you to embark on your literary adventure and discover books that will challenge, inspire and ultimately transform your life.

My best wishes to you all in 2024 and happy reading! ?

Thank you for taking the time to read this article.

I am Elena Marcelle, I specialize in creating and executing?digital?&?#omnichannel?strategies aimed at enhancing the?#customerexperience (#CX).