A Product Account Director’s Favorite Books

These books apply both to personal and professional life in a deep way that helps to build character and skills through concrete, actionable teaching.

Why Men Fight, by Bertrand Russell

I was doing research on independent thought and saw the quote below. I HAD to read the book after discovering that!

“Men fear thought as they fear nothing else on earth — more than ruin, more even than death. Thought is subversive and revolutionary, destructive and terrible, thought is merciless to privilege, established institutions, and comfortable habits; thought is anarchic and lawless, indifferent to authority, careless of the well-tried wisdom of the ages. Thought looks into the pit of hell and is not afraid … Thought is great and swift and free, the light of the world, and the chief glory of man.”

Eight Pillars of Prosperity, by James Allen

This is one of the most impactful books of my life and helped to set me in a direction I’m forever thankful for. It’s a complete “how to live” masterpiece and beautifully written as well!

“Prosperity is at first a spirit, an attitude of mind, a moral power, a life, which manifests outwardly in the form of plenty, happiness, joy. Just as a man cannot become a genius by writing poems, essay as plays, but must develop and acquire the soul of genius — when the writing will follow as effect to cause-so one cannot become prosperous by hoarding up money, and by gaining property and possessions, but must develop and acquire the soul of virtue, when the material accessories will follow as effect to cause, for the spirit of virtue is the spirit of joy, and it contains within itself all abundance, all satisfaction, all fullness of life.”

Never Split the Difference, by Chris Voss

I love negotiating and had always been annoyed by the concept of splitting the difference. Chris Voss is THE master when it comes to negotiation as the former head of the FBI’s global hostage negotiation team. I re-read it often.

“When the pressure is on, you don’t rise to the occasion; you fall to your highest level of preparation.”

Captivology, by Ben Parr

Captivating the attention of others is always a useful skill especially in public speaking, pitches, and presentations.

Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader by Herminia Ibarra

I wish I would have read this book 10 years ago. It’s one of those, “Man, I wish I would’ve known” experiences. It’s a fantastic book on leadership and growing as a leader…a must read for sure.