Empirical cherishes both the joy of the holiday season and books!
As we wrap up another year, our team has come together to curate a fresh collection of book recommendations for our annual tradition that also doubles as a gift guide. In this 2024 edition, you will discover captivating fiction and enlightening non-fiction titles, featuring both beloved classics and (hopefully) some titles that are new to you. Whether you’re looking for the perfect present for a loved one or seeking inspiration for your own reading list, we are confident that this year’s selection will offer something special for everyone.
So, without further ado, we present this year’s edition of The Gift. Our entire team wishes you a wonderful and joyous holiday season – one that is filled with great reads!
I recommend two books:
In Impact Players, Liz Wiseman offers a transformative guide for professionals seeking to enhance their influence and effectiveness in the workplace. Through a blend of research and practical insights, she identifies five key behaviors that distinguish high-impact contributors: taking ownership, adapting to challenges, and fostering collaboration. Wiseman’s engaging writing style, combined with real-world examples, makes the concepts accessible and actionable. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to elevate their career and make a meaningful difference, emphasizing that true impact comes from collective success rather than individual brilliance.
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand is a monumental exploration of individualism and capitalism, set in a dystopian future where society collapses under the weight of government overreach and collectivism. The novel follows the journey of Dagny Taggart and other industrialists as they fight to maintain their businesses and values amidst increasing regulation and societal decay. Rand’s philosophical underpinnings, particularly her promotion of Objectivism, are woven throughout the narrative, sparking both admiration and controversy. While some readers may find the lengthy exposition and ideological debates daunting, the book’s themes of personal integrity and the role of the mind in human achievement resonate powerfully, making it a thought-provoking read that challenges conventional notions of morality and success.
– Bill Morrow, Managing Partner
My book recommendation is Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs, though I found it more fascinating than really “liking” it. This is the story of drug addict who takes a journey for his own experience.
– Jason Fisher, Managing Partner
Crazy Hawk by RJ Stewart is a post-apocalyptic futuristic thriller. It is an awesome read; I could not put the book down.
– Chris Lee, Managing Partner
I recommend the book The Power of Six Sigma by Subir Chowdhury. The book is a fictional story of two managers / executives that breaks down the principles of Six Sigma and puts it in layman’s terms. It would be a good book for a team that is about to participate in a Six Sigma process that previously did not have any exposure to Six Sigma. It highlights the implications of only getting a process 99% accurate or 1% defect rate would result in:
20,000 articles of mail lost every hour
5,000 botched surgeries per week
4 or more accidents per day at major airports
200,000 incorrectly dispensed drug prescriptions each year
Internally, I think this recommendation is timely as we at Empirical pursue additional Lean / Six Sigma projects with our clients and could be recommended to participants in the process.
– Jonathan Peters, Senior Partner
I read the classic All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque for the very first time this past year, and what a powerful novel it is. The reader learns what life was like for soldiers on the front line in the first World War. Instead of told from a “heroic” point of view, this story truly exposes the mental and physical toll on the soldiers and the reader is pulled right into the conflict and experiences everything the soldiers’ eyes (and heart). This book is truly captivating from the very first paragraph.
– Laurel Cavalluzzo, Marketing Partner
I read Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance this year. It is a true story about the next VP of the United States. He has achieved great success despite his fractured family, and tough upbringing. His Grandparents were instrumental in his life since they believed in him and helping him navigate his childhood with an alcoholic and abusive Mom. The path that led him to the White House was bumpy and the memories of his childhood are still front and center in his mind despite all of his success.
– Laura Schlessinger, Talent Acquisition Partner
I recommend The Wisdom of Oz by Roger Connors and Tom Smith, a thought-provoking twist on The Wizard of Oz. All the characters in the book wished for something they did not have, as we do. This book creatively and masterfully shows us that we have the answers and don’t need a wizard behind the curtain to help us achieve our goals and overcome adversity within ourselves. This book puts the principles of personal accountability in a very practical way with engaging language that resonates with everyone.
– Laurie Beasley, Director of Human Resources
I recommend two books, the first one Demystifying Disability, What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally by Emily Ladau. Ladau describes her book as “a 101 on aspects of disability for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and be a stronger ally, whether or not they identify as disabled”. This isn’t an academic sort of book, rather the author’s experiences, plus insights and advice on how to be a more thoughtful, informed person. A short, engaging, informative book about a big topic.
I also recommend Mystery Writers of America Presents Vengeance: Short Stories by 20 Mystery Writers, including Lee Child. There’s nothing like a cozy mystery to read while drifting to sleep – but these stories are not so cozy! This compilation of twenty short mystery stories includes riveting, entertaining, twisty, dumbfounding narratives. I loved this book as sahort story form is a favorite; the solid don’t-waste-my-time story-telling lets you read a tale each night, but you might not drift to sleep.
– Lorraine Ortner-Blake, Marketing Associate
I recommend Think Again by Adam Grant. I was already an Adam Grant fan but, this book really touched home. A favorite childhood memory is of my father challenging us at the dinner table not to be lazy thinkers – to say not just what we think but why we think it. Embedded in that challenge was the notion that we all carry biases that prevent us from being open to new ideas. This is the premise of Think Again – it is a great book.
– Ann Doerries, Director of Finance Operations
I received The Millionaire Mind by Thomas J. Stanley as a Christmas gift from my husband last year, and it quickly became one of my favorite reads. This book reveals that behind every successful millionaire is a story of hard work, patience, and a relentless commitment to achieving their goals. Stanley debunks the myth that wealth is purely a result of luck or extraordinary talent, instead showing how millionaires typically rise from modest backgrounds, armed with perseverance and the ability to delay gratification.
The book highlights how millionaires focus on long-term gains rather than instant rewards, and how their patient approach allows them to make smart financial and life choices. Their stories emphasize that true success is not just about seizing quick wins but about making consistent, disciplined efforts over many years. This focus on resilience and a willingness to put in the work, even when results aren’t immediate, makes The Millionaire Mind a valuable read for anyone striving to build something meaningful. It’s a reminder that, in both life and career, the journey of hard work and patience often leads to the most fulfilling rewards; it is also a reminder that significant accomplishments, whether in personal finance or career goals, are often the result of small, consistent efforts rather than sudden wins. “The harder I work, the luckier I become.” – Thomas J. Stanley
– Peri Nikolas, Digital Marketing Associate
How to Grow Your Small Business by Donald Miller has been an invaluable resource for me this year. Miller breaks down practical strategies for managing and scaling a business with clarity and purpose, offering a roadmap that’s both inspiring and actionable. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to streamline their operations and drive growth with confidence.
– Kelley Nelson, Director of Digital Marketing
I’ve recently loved The Sales Acceleration Formula by Mark Roberge. Great for full Go-To-Market strategy implementations, how HubSpot was successful while he was the CRO, and some great sales growth tactics for high-growth companies.
David VanderJagt, Director of RevOps
I recommend The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama. I am currently reading this book now… Inspiring and real dialogue. I got a chance to see her on the 1st book tour for Becoming, and she is an engaging and inspirational leader.
Another recommendation I have is any book written by Dr. Jane Goodall. One shy woman from Britain changed the world for the better, and continues to do so. If we each do our part, we may have a chance to fix this world.
– Irene Legiec, Director of Operations
If you love sharp humor, check out The Wedding People by Alison Espach. This novel dives into the chaos of weddings, family drama, and unexpected love. The New England coastal vibes and clever writing make it a fun read any time of year!
– Erin Dalton, Director of Marketing
I’d recommend Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty. This book offers practical steps to help reduce anxiety and lead a more meaningful life. Shetty shares timeless wisdom and easy-to-apply tools for cultivating peace, clarity, and purpose in everyday life. It’s a great read for anyone looking to find balance in a chaotic world.
– Nilay Patel, Marketing Associate
Happy holidays and happy reading and gift-giving from the Empirical team!
