LEADERS WHO LEARN... Where do executives and small business owners go to tune into the latest trends and cultivate inspiration? We asked a few of our contributors for their top picks in print and podcasts.
PRO READS by Brené Brown
“Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown is a transformative guide that champions vulnerability, courage and empathy as essential components of effective leadership. Drawing from her extensive research on vulnerability and shame, Brown redefines leadership as an act of boldness and connection, emphasizing that true leaders are those who are willing to confront and embrace their fears. Brown introduces the concept of “rumbling with vulnerability,” which entails engaging in tough conversations with openness and honesty. She argues that courage is not about being fearless, but about acknowledging and navigating vulnerability. The book offers practical tools and strategies for developing daring leadership skills, such as setting clear boundaries, building trust and fostering a culture of feedback. A key takeaway is Brown’s emphasis on the importance of human connection in leadership. She challenges traditional leadership paradigms that prioritize power and control, advocating instead for leading with the heart, fostering genuine relationships and creating an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up and contribute. “Dare to Lead” provides actionable insights and relatable examples, making it a valuable resource for leaders seeking to
cultivate a more authentic and resilient organizational culture. Brown’s compelling storytelling and grounded research make the book both an inspiring and practical guide for anyone aspiring to lead with courage and compassion.
– by Amanda Haddaway, Managing Director, HR Answerbox
The Nordstrom Way to Customer Service: by Robert Spector and Andrew McCarthy
My husband, Greg, and I both come from families with a long history of owning small businesses. We grew up watching our relatives’ hard work and perseverance and saw how our own families worked at their dreams to build their successful businesses every day. The inspiration for our own small business, Studio 24E, now located in Thurmont, was drawn from those observations, as well as from other successful businesses. One of those is Nordstrom, the storied luxury department store with more than a century of great customer service traditions. We both began our journey in retail by working at Nordstrom, which not only helped guide our careers, but also led us to each other. So, it was natural for us to pick up and read, “The Nordstrom Way to Customer Service Excellence,” by Robert Spector and Patrick McCarthy. First published in 1995, it’s a guidebook
12 Frederick Business Quarterly
Fall 2024
istockphoto.com / Jacob Wackerhausen
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.