I’m always on the lookout for books that mix business and creativity. Here are 5 of my favorites that do just that.
The Making of a Manager
by Julie Zhuo
Talks about: Experiences of becoming a manager; tips, tricks, and lessons learned.
Best for: Recently promoted managers or anyone newly managing a team, especially if you need a confidence boost.
Biggest takeaway: managing is hard and there are a lot of different styles. Learning through experience is often the only way and you are not alone.
Competing on Analytics
by Davenport Harris
Talks about: Examples of how leading companies use data and analytics to stay competitive, make better decisions, and drive performance.
Best for: Anyone interested in the power of data, especially business leaders, analysts, or those working to build a stronger analytics culture within their organization.
Biggest takeaway: Used correctly, analytics can be a major driver of strategy, innovation, and long-term success.
The Artist’s Way
by Julia Cameron
Talks about: what you can do or think about to gain a sense of creativity, safety, identity, and connection.
Best for: inspiration and reflection for anyone feeling stuck creatively or wanting to reconnect with their creative side.
Biggest takeaway: Creativity can be built through small and consistent practices and a shift in mindset.
Everyday Business Storytelling
by Janine Kurnoff & Lee Lazarus
Talks about: presentation best practices for connecting with your audience, presenting data, and calling for action.
Best for: really anyone who needs to create a presentation, especially if the goal is to persuade the audience.
Biggest takeaway: structure presentations in the way that you would a college paper: setting, conflict, resolution. Use headlines instead of titles to guide the audience.
The Landscape Painter’s Workbook
by Mitchell Albala
Talks about: landscape painting techniques and art concepts like composition, values, color, and directional energy.
Best for: anyone interested in painting landscapes or looking for landscape painting inspiration.
Biggest takeaway: There is a lot to consider when landscape painting. Simplify shapes, use variation, and consider directional energy for a successful landscape painting.
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