Reading and Podcast List
We have curated a list of readings and podcasts to inspire thoughtful pauses and deeper thinking — whether you are unwinding at home or away.
We hope it brings a moment of inspiration, clarity, or simply a welcome pause in the busyness.
Enjoy the read/listen!
August Selections
READ
An Everyone Culture: Becoming a Deliberately Developmental Organization
Robert Kegan , Lisa Laskow Lahey , Matthew L Miller (Primary Contributor) , Andy Fleming (Primary Contributor) , Deborah Helsing (Primary Contributor)
Main themes: Growth-Based Workplaces, Radical Transparency, Culture as Strategy
Some takeaways:
Introduces Deliberately Developmental Organizations (DDOs), where personal growth is embedded into daily work for all employees.
Solves the “two jobs” problem by eliminating the need for image management through normalized vulnerability.
Built on three pillars: Edge, Home, and Groove.
READ
Navigating Polarities: Using Both/And Thinking to Lead Transformation
Brian Emerson , Kelly Lewis
Main Themes: Both/And Thinking, Leadership Balance, Systems
Some takeaways:
Advocates managing tensions (e.g., stability vs. change) rather than solving them.
Uses the Polarity Map to visualize and balance opposing forces.
Encourages leaders to flex across traits and balance performance with morale.
READ
The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever
Michael Bungay Stanier
Main Themes: Curiosity, Empowerment, Habitual Conversations
Some takeaways:
Promotes asking over telling to foster growth and independence.
Introduces seven key coaching questions to deepen conversations.
Encourages short, impactful coaching moments integrated into daily work.
READ
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
Miguel Ruiz , Janet Mills (Contributor)
Main Themes: Integrity, Detachment, Awareness, Personal Freedom
Some takeaways:
Live with integrity: speak truthfully and kindly.
Don’t internalize others’ actions—what they do reflects them, not you.
Avoid assumptions by communicating clearly.
READ
The Let Them Theory
Mel Robbins
Main Themes: Boundaries, Emotional Freedom, Self-Responsibility
Some takeaways:
Encourages letting others make their own choices without interference.
Promotes emotional detachment to reduce stress and overreaction.
Shifts focus to personal growth through the “Let Me” mindset.
READ
The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture
Gabor Maté , Daniel Maté
Main Themes: Trauma & Illness Link, Cultural Toxicity, Mind-Body Unity
Some takeaways:
Frames trauma as internal disconnection from everyday stress and suppression.
Critiques modern culture for normalizing stress and isolation.
Links emotional pain to physical illness through mind-body unity.
Advocates for trauma-informed systems and authentic healing.
READ
When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress
Gabor Maté
Main Themes: Hidden Stress & Illness, Emotional Repression, Boundaries & Healing
Some takeaways:
Links chronic illness to unacknowledged emotional stress and repression.
Shows how saying “yes” too often and suppressing anger harms health.
Emphasizes the long-term impact of childhood trauma on disease vulnerability.
LISTEN
Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee
Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author
Main Themes: Holistic Health, Emotional Mastery, Purposeful Living
Some takeaways:
Breaks down wellness into simple, daily habits.
Features expert insights on sleep, nutrition, movement, and emotional health.
Offers short and long episodes for practical inspiration.
LISTEN
Real Self-Care with Pooja Lakshmin
Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast
Main Themes: Self-Care, Mental Health and Empowerment, Burnout and Systemic Issues
Some takeaways:
Self-care is about values-driven choices, not consumerism.
Boundaries protect your energy and mental health.
Reclaiming agency means prioritizing your own needs over societal expectations.
