The wealth of nations by Adam Smith

Get the book: https://amzn.to/3BRcwhi

“The annual labour of every nation is the fund of its wealth.”

Discover the groundbreaking ideas and principles of modern economics in The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith. This seminal work examines the wealth creation process, the division of labor, and the market forces that shape economies, laying the foundation for the study of capitalism.

A definitive work on economics and capitalism!

* Adam Smith's influential treatise on economics and capitalism

* Explores concepts such as the invisible hand, division of labor, and market dynamics

* Offers a comprehensive analysis of wealth creation, trade, and economic policies

* A cornerstone of economic theory that shaped modern thinking on markets and capitalism

* A must-read for students, economists, and anyone interested in understanding the foundations of modern economies

Key Lessons from The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith:

* Division of Labor Increases Efficiency: Smith emphasizes that dividing work into smaller, specialized tasks improves productivity. By focusing on a narrow range of activities, workers become more skilled and efficient, leading to increased output and economic growth.

* Invisible Hand: Smith introduces the idea of the “invisible hand,” where individuals acting in their own self-interest unintentionally benefit society as a whole. This concept underlines the importance of free markets and minimal government intervention.

* Importance of Competition: Healthy competition in the market leads to lower prices, better products, and innovation. A lack of competition often results in monopolies that are detrimental to consumers and the economy.

* Role of Government: While advocating for limited government interference, Smith still acknowledges the need for the government to protect society from harm, enforce laws, and provide public goods such as defense and infrastructure.

* Wealth is the Product of Labor: Smith argues that the true wealth of a nation is not its stock of gold or silver, but the productive capacity of its people and their ability to create goods and services.

* Capital Accumulation: Capital investment plays a crucial role in economic development. Individuals and businesses must save and reinvest profits to fund new projects, which in turn stimulate growth and job creation.

* Trade and Specialization: Smith advocates for free trade between nations, as it allows countries to specialize in what they do best, thereby maximizing efficiency and global wealth.

Believe by Jeremy Egner

Get the book: https://amzn.to/3PoqNFb

When Ted Lasso first aired in 2020, nobody—including those who had worked on it—knew how a show inspired by an ad, centered around soccer, filled mostly with unknown actors, and led by a wondrously mustached “nice guy” would be received. Now, eleven Emmys and one Peabody Award later, it’s safe to say that the show’s status as a pop culture phenomenon is secure. And, for the first time, New York Times television editor Jeremy Egner explores the creation, production, and potent legacy of Ted Lasso.

Drawing on dozens of interviews from key cast, creators, and more, Believe takes readers from the very first, silly NBC Premier League commercial to the pitch to Apple executives, then into the show’s writer’s room, through the brilliant international casting, and on to the unforgettable set and locations of the show itself.

Egner approaches his reporting as a journalist and as a cultural critic, but also with an affection and admiration fans will appreciate, carefully and humorously telling Ted Lasso’s story of teamwork, of hidden talent, of a group of friends looking around at the world’s increasingly nasty discourse and deciding that maybe simple decency still had the power to bring us together—a story about what happens when you dare to believe.

The art of work by Jeff Goins

Get the book: https://amzn.to/40fD6Ko

Jeff Goins, a brilliant new voice counting Seth Godin and Jon Acuff among his fans, explains how to abandon the status quo and live a life that matters with true passion and purpose.

The path to your life's work is difficult and risky, even scary, which is why few finish the journey. This is a book about discovering your life's work, that treasure of immeasurable worth we all long for. It's about the task you were born to do.As Jeff Goins explains, the search begins with passion but does not end there. Only when our interests connect with the needs of the world do we begin living for a larger purpose. Those who experience this intersection experience something exceptional and enviable. Though it is rare, such a life is attainable by anyone brave enough to try.Through personal experience, compelling case studies and current research on the mysteries of motivation and talent, Jeff shows readers how to find their vocation and what to expect along the way.

Here are some key lessons from The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do by Jeff Goins:

* Work is not a destination, but a journey: Goins emphasizes that discovering your true calling isn’t a single, life-defining moment but rather a continuous process of self-discovery, growth, and effort.

* Pursue mastery, not perfection: Instead of focusing on being perfect, the book encourages readers to focus on mastery—improving skills over time and through intentional effort, while allowing for mistakes and growth.

* Do meaningful work: Goins stresses that meaningful work is essential for fulfillment. It’s important to connect your daily tasks with a higher purpose or goal that aligns with your values and passions.

* Embrace the struggle: The journey to meaningful work can be difficult. Embracing failure, setbacks, and challenges is necessary for growth and ultimate success.

* Commit to the process: Goins argues that dedicating yourself to the process of work, rather than focusing solely on the end result, will lead to greater satisfaction and achievement in the long run.

* Follow your curiosity: Often, discovering your true calling begins with exploring what you are curious about. By following your interests and passions, you can uncover hidden talents and potential career paths.

* Be intentional with your choices: The book encourages being deliberate in how you choose to spend your time and energy. Your work should be aligned with what you want to create in life.

Grit by Angela Duckworth

Get the book: https://amzn.to/3ZQ229K

Why do naturally talented people frequently fail to reach their potential while other far less gifted individuals go on to achieve amazing things? The secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a passionate persistence. In other words, grit.

MacArthur Genius Award-winning psychologist Angela Duckworth shares fascinating new revelations about who succeeds in life and why. Based on her cutting-edge research, Duckworth shows how many people achieve remarkable things not just by relying on innate natural talent but by practising what she calls grit. She then offers a Grit Formula to help anyone to become grittier, focusing on six key factors: hope, effort, precision, passion, ritual and prioritisation.

She reveals:

* Why people who test high for talent often fail to achieve their potential and why people who do not test high for talent often overachieve what others expect them to do

* How grit can be learned, whatever your IQ or circumstances

* Why stubbornness is a key characteristic of gritty people

* When to be stubborn and when giving up is the grittiest thing you can do

* How gritty people found their passion and you can find yours

* How gritty experts practise and how you can do the same in your own life

* What the people who care about you can do to boost your grit when you need it most

* How grit is cultivated in the highest-performing sports teams, companies and schools

Leaping past clichés such as 'success is all about hard work', Grit offers a fresh and motivating way to climb to heights far beyond what natural talent would predict.

Never eat alone by Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl Raz

Get the book: https://amzn.to/4gWhrMC

As Keith Ferrazzi discovered early in life, what distinguishes highly successful people from everyone else is the way they use the power of relationships - so that everyone wins. His form of connecting to the world around him is based on generosity and he distinguishes genuine relationship-building from the crude, desperate glad-handling usually associated with 'networking'.

In Never Eat Alone, Ferrazzi lays out the specific steps - and inner mindset - he uses to reach out to connect with the thousands of colleagues, friends, and associates on his Rolodex, people he has helped and who have helped him. He then distills his system of reaching out to people into practical, proven principles.

Key Lessons from the book:

* The Importance of Networking: Building genuine, long-term relationships is the foundation of success. Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards; it’s about creating a community that supports and grows together.

* The Power of Generosity: Helping others without expecting anything in return is a powerful tool for creating meaningful connections. By offering help, resources, and advice, you strengthen bonds and establish trust.

* Be Vulnerable and Authentic: People are drawn to others who are authentic. Showing vulnerability and being yourself is key to making deep, lasting connections.

* Strategic Relationships: Successful networking is not about quantity, but about the quality of relationships. Focus on cultivating relationships with those who share common interests or can provide mutual benefits.

* Consistency in Building Relationships: Relationships need constant attention. Follow up, check in regularly, and ensure you maintain contact with key individuals in your network.

* Give First, Receive Later: It’s important to provide value to others before expecting anything in return. By creating goodwill, you’ll naturally attract support when you need it.

* Leverage Your Network: Your network can open doors that may otherwise be closed. Use your connections wisely and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.

So good they can't ignore you by Cal Newport

Get the book: https://amzn.to/40dbQfz

Cal Newport's clearly-written manifesto flies in the face of conventional wisdom by suggesting that it should be a person's talent and skill - and not necessarily their passion - that determines their career path.

Newport, who graduated from Dartmouth College (Phi Beta Kappa) and earned a PhD. from MIT, contends that trying to find what drives us, instead of focusing on areas in which we naturally excel, is ultimately harmful and frustrating to job seekers.The title is a direct quote from comedian Steve Martin who, when once asked why he was successful in his career, immediately replied: "Be so good they can't ignore you" and that's the main basis for Newport's book. Skill and ability trump passion.

Inspired by former Apple CEO Steve Jobs' famous Stanford University commencement speech in which Jobs urges idealistic grads to chase their dreams, Newport takes issue with that advice, claiming that not only is thsi advice Pollyannish, but that Jobs himself never followed his own advice.From there, Newport presents compelling scientific and contemporary case study evidence that the key to one's career success is to find out what you do well, where you have built up your 'career capital,' and then to put all of your efforts into that direction.

What color is your parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles

Get the book: https://amzn.to/3VYtWPK

For more than fifty years, What Color Is Your Parachute? has transformed the way people think about job hunting. Whether searching for that first position, recovering from a layoff, or dreaming of a career change, What Color Is Your Parachute? has shown millions of readers how to network effectively, compose impressive resumes and cover letters, interview with confidence, and negotiate the best possible salary—while discovering how to make their livelihood part of authentic living.

More than a job-hunting book, Richard N. Bolles’s timeless wisdom and famed self-assessment exercise clarifies seven key dimensions, so you can uncover your greatest passions, most valued traits, and transferable skills to design a life that enables you to flourish.

With the job market in constant flux, people everywhere have found that understanding who they are—what they care about, where and how they do their best work, and the most effective way to express their abilities—is the best compass to navigating an ever-changing and challenging professional landscape. It is also how their work can become part of a life filled with passion and purpose.Using the trailblazing advice and enduring guidance of What Color Is Your Parachute?, job-hunters and career changers will have the tools to discover—and land—the work, and life, most meaningful to them.

Small habits create big change by Rebecca Branstetter

Get the book: https://amzn.to/3PmeE3y

Small on-the-job changes you can make to identify your strengths, prevent burnout, and maintain your passion for being an educator

Small Habits Create Big Change is a valuable collection of micro-habits―small, science-backed adjustments―that educators can use to reclaim their mental health and their love for their jobs. This book helps you identify your unique personality type, so you can find the hacks and tweaks that will actually work as you strive to manage stress and reignite your passion for working with students. Many educators feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and on the verge of burnout, but it's never too late to turn things around. Best of all, psychologist Rebecca Branstetter gives you solutions that you can use while you work, so you don't have to sacrifice your already-scarce downtime.

Large-scale approaches to preventing educator burnout often fail to consider an important fact―educators are individuals, and no one-size-fits-all solution will really fit everyone. People's innate strengths and weaknesses play a big part in determining whether the changes we make are likely to work for us. This unique book accounts for what makes you who you are, giving you options, ideas, and proven strategies that set you up for success. This way, you can manage stress, battle burnout, and get excited about your career once again.

* Identify your strengths and weaknesses using the exclusive Thrive-o-gram personality indicator

* Learn micro-habits that turn research about burnout prevention into transformation in your daily life

* Understand how to tap into your core strengths and protect your positive energy

* Personalize your action steps with a Thriving Roadmap

This book isn't just about understanding who you are. It's about preventing burnout by aligning your work with your core strengths, values, and habits. All K-12 educators, including school psychologists and school-based mental health providers, will benefit from this balanced approach to work, fostering self-compassion, mindfulness, and resilience.

Speak like Churchill, stand like Lincoln by James C. Humes

Get the book: https://amzn.to/4gvitzw

Ever wish you could captivate your boardroom with the opening line of your presentation, like Winston Churchill in his most memorable speeches? Or want to command attention by looming larger than life before your audience, much like Abraham Lincoln when, standing erect and wearing a top hat, he towered over seven feet? Now, you can master presentation skills, wow your audience, and shoot up the corporate ladder by unlocking the secrets of history’s greatest speakers.

Author, historian, and world-renowned speaker James C. Humes—who wrote speeches for five American presidents—shows you how great leaders through the ages used simple yet incredibly effective tricks to speak, persuade, and win throngs of fans and followers. Inside, you'll discover how Napoleon Bonaparte mastered the use of the pregnant pause to grab attention, how Lady Margaret Thatcher punctuated her most serious speeches with the use of subtle props, how Ronald Reagan could win even the most hostile crowd with carefully timed wit, and much, much more.Whether you're addressing a small nation or a large staff meeting, you'll want to master the tips and tricks in Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln.

Key Lessons from Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History’s Greatest Speakers by James C. Humes:

* Power of the Pause: Silence can be as impactful as words. Pausing at the right moments adds drama, emphasizes key points, and captivates the audience.

* Start with a Bang: Begin with a powerful opening line or statement to immediately grab attention and set the tone for your speech.

* Command the Room: Your posture, gestures, and presence can communicate confidence and authority before you even speak.

* Speak in Headlines: Deliver concise and memorable statements that are easy for your audience to remember and repeat.

* Use the Rule of Three: Group ideas into threes for maximum impact and memorability.

* Tell Stories, Not Just Facts: Relating your message through stories makes your speech more engaging and relatable.

* End on a Strong Note: Leave your audience with a clear, inspiring, or thought-provoking conclusion they won’t forget.

Confessions of a public speaker by Scott Berkun

Get the book: https://amzn.to/4gWgK5Y

In this hilarious and highly practical book, author and professional speaker Scott Berkun reveals the techniques behind what great communicators do, and shows how anyone can learn to use them well. For managers and teachers -- and anyone else who talks and expects someone to listen -- Confessions of a Public Speaker provides an insider's perspective on how to effectively present ideas to anyone. It's a unique, entertaining, and instructional romp through the embarrassments and triumphs Scott has experienced over 15 years of speaking to crowds of all sizes.

With lively lessons and surprising confessions, you'll get new insights into the art of persuasion -- as well as teaching, learning, and performance -- directly from a master of the trade.

Highlights include:

* Berkun's hard-won and simple philosophy, culled from years of lectures, teaching courses, and hours of appearances on NPR, MSNBC, and CNBC

* Practical advice, including how to work a tough room, the science of not boring people, how to survive the attack of the butterflies, and what to do when things go wrong

* The inside scoop on who earns $30,000 for a one-hour lecture and why

* The worst -- and funniest -- disaster stories you've ever heard (plus countermoves you can use)

Filled with humorous and illuminating stories of thrilling performances and real-life disasters, Confessions of a Public Speaker is inspirational, devastatingly honest, and a blast to read.