Books for the New Year

We have collected some of our favorite books to share with coworkers, clients, and friends. Here are some referred by Zach Brandon, President of Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and our President, Jim Pientka. Our employees have added their thoughts. What book would you add to the list for 2018 to read?

SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING AN F*CK, MARK MANSON

In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be “positive” all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people. A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-in-the-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.

Employee Favorite: Kathy Pientka, “Once he has your attention (easy with that title), Manson guides you down a path of consistent leadership by helping you identify and live your own personal values.”

THE NEW GEOGRAPHY OF JOBS, ENRICO MORETTI

We’re used to thinking of the United States in opposing terms: red versus blue, haves versus have-nots. Enrico Moretti’s research shows that you don’t have to be a scientist or an engineer to thrive in one of the brain hub cities. Carpenters, taxi-drivers, teachers, nurses, and other local service jobs are created at a ratio of five-to-one in the brain hubs, raising salaries and standard of living for all. Dealing with this split-supporting growth in the hubs while arresting the decline elsewhere-is the challenge of the century, and The New Geography of Jobs lights the way.

Employee Favorite: Todd Conkey, “A fascinating read about the impacts of technology and how the rise in productivity and creation of value in products changes communities. Mr. Moretti was clear in the creation of wealth and economic growth with technology jobs versus jobs that are a result of them.”

TOGETHER IS BETTER, SIMON SINEK

Simon Sinek, is an optimist who believes in a brighter future for humanity. His talk on TED.com is the third most watched talk of all time. Learn more about his work and how you can inspire those around you at his site, StartWithWhy.com. “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.”

Employee Favorite: John Seamon, “I am inspired by Sinek’s thoughts on future employees, business, and how we think about business.”

THE THIRD WAVE, STEVE CASE

Steve Case, the co-founder of AOL, writes part memoir, part manifesto, and part playbook for the future. The Third Wave explains the ways in which newly emerging technology companies will have to rethink their relationships with customers, competitors, and governments; and offers advice for how entrepreneurs can make winning business decisions and strategies-and how all of us can make sense of this ever-changing digital age.

Employee Favorite: Chad Faber, “I enjoyed reading about Steve’s journey with AOL and how innovation and entrepreneurship continually was called upon.”