Favorite Books I Learned the Most From in 2024 on Leadership & Inclusion

To support lifelong learning, I read A LOT of books, articles, and blogs. In 2024, I set a goal to read 40 books annually. Reading, for me, includes reading a physical book or e-book and also listening to audiobooks. To keep track of which books I have read, I keep a list in a Google Docs spreadsheet. I also recommend books of interest in my monthly newsletter.

➡️ SEE All my book recommendations

10 books I learned the most from in 2024

Leadership

I frequently read books about business and leadership because I often use the lessons in my consulting practice or when I am teaching leadership development or coaching my clients.

The Science of Change: Discovering Sustained, Desired Change from Individual to Organizations to Communities: By Richard E. Boyatzis
This book is the newest by Dr. Richard Boyatzis. I have learned from Richard's courses, books, and articles for over 10 years, and whenever he publishes, I read and study his work because it has been extremely helpful to me as a coach, consultant, and facilitator; especially his work on the brain and coaching and emotional intelligence.

Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting: By Tal Ben-Shahar
I listened to this book when I recently attended a workshop by this author. Amazon.com says "Grounded in the revolutionary “positive psychology” movement, Ben-Shahar ingeniously combines scientific studies, scholarly research, self-help advice, and spiritual enlightenment. He weaves them together into a set of principles that you can apply to your daily life. Once you open your heart and mind to Happier ’s thoughts, you will feel more fulfilled, more connected ... and, yes, HAPPIER."

Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection: By Charles Duhigg
I enjoyed listening to this book that shares the behaviors and approaches of those that are "super-communicators."

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplish Without Burnout: By Cal Newport
I have appreciated all of Cal Newport's books and this is his latest. I like the suggestions to not multitask and to prioritize.

Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age: by Chip Conley
With many of my clients being in the midlife chapter, this book offered great resources and tips that I use in my coaching with these leaders.

Executive Presence 2.0: Leadership In an Age of Inclusion: By Sylvia Ann Hewlett
This updated version of the Executive Presence book by the same author shares the qualities essential to leadership in our fast-changing, post-pandemic world.

The Algebra of Happiness: Notes On the Pursuit of Success, Love, and Meaning: By Scott Galloway
I have been following the author, Scott Galloway on his podcasts and books for a while. I appreciate his openness and vulnerability in this book as it relates to his life and career.

Inclusion and Belonging

The more I work with folks in historically under-represented communities, the more I want and need to learn about their struggles and successes.

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew: I recently listened to this book and found it eye opening in helping me better understand the history of jews, Israel and Palestine. I had very little knowledge about this religion or these countries.

White women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better: I listened to this book as it was required reading for a DEI book club that I belong to. The book was extremely honest about white supremacy and the impact on people of color. If you want to better understand the impact of white woman, please read this book!

Inclusion on Purpose: : An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work:
Inclusion is both the right thing to do and good for business. This book shares tips and best practices on ways to build inclusion in the workplace.

What books did you most enjoy in 2024? Leave a comment.

TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK. WHAT BOOKS DID YOU READ AND RECOMMEND IN 2024? I SPENT A LOT OF TIME WRITING THIS BLOG, SO IF YOU ENJOYED IT, PLEASE CONSIDER SHARING, AND LEAVE A COMMENT OR QUESTION AT THE BOTTOM. I’D REALLY APPRECIATE IT!

Check out my other recommended books on:

Favorite Books on Positive Psychology
Favorite books on Coaching
Favorite books on Leadership
Favorite books on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

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About the Author:
Sarah Scala is a senior talent management leader and executive coach with 20+ years of experience providing organization development, change management, and leadership development solutions for diverse global and local industries. She is a collaborative consultant, coach, and educator supporting the performance transformation of executives, leaders, and teams. Sarah is a methodical, results-driven leader recognized for helping clients reach their highest potential, increase revenue, reduce turnover, elevate business profitability, build competencies, and improve performance.