The First Annual Holiday Book Guide

You can't start a tradition without a first time.

I love holiday traditions – especially the ones that evoke memories that immediately transport me back to a specific time and place. In my family, it's things like placing cherished ornaments on the tree as each one represents something significant, certain foods that are always present, or even one of my boys (who's now an adult about to graduate from college) who had read, "A Visit from St. Nicholas ('Twas the Night Before Christmas" every year on Christmas Eve. There's just something warm and comforting knowing that something will happen, without fail, every year.

With that in mind, I decided to share a holiday book guide beginning this year. The books I've found below have been instrumental in my career journey to the point where I've read many of them multiple times. Some are over a decade old, while others are more recent, but each of them has taught me something about how to be a better marketer, a more thoughtful leader, and a more polished creative.

• Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull - This is a fascinating look into Pixar's innovation and how each individual could focus on the overall result instead of getting defensive. Essentially, it's a guidebook for managing the process of innovation and helps build a foundation for constructing a creative organization. I have read this at least three times and always glean something new. In fact, when I led an organization and I was charged with transforming it into an advertising agency, this was my bible.

• Hug Your Haters by Jay Baer - Most organizations truly believe they deliver great customer service, but the fact is, they don't – and their audience feels it. Because companies (and individuals in the professional setting) brush aside criticism as useless complaints from people who just don't "get it," loyalty fades, and revenues decline. This book completely changed my perspective on understanding criticism, and it's made me much more focused on the overall customer experience I hope people feel they receive with my company, brandivate.

• Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey Coleman - It's a straightforward yet challenging approach to customer retention where the real key is the first 100 days after the relationship commences. Both practical and actionable, it's a very entertaining read and full of nuggets that apply to just about any business, regardless of industry.

• The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin -This book is essential for creative people and marketers because it delves deep into the philosophy of creativity as a fundamental aspect of life. Rubin shares insights on how to tap into one's innate creative potential and overcome obstacles that hinder innovation. The book offers practical guidance on cultivating authenticity and connecting more profoundly with audiences. For marketers and creatives alike, it serves as a roadmap to fostering originality and staying inspired in their work. This book has become one of my cherished reads as it has helped me hone in on my creative path.

• Setting the Table by Danny Meyer - Danny Meyer started some really great high-end restaurants in New York, but you'd likely recognize him as the founder of Shake Shack. Through the lens of the restaurant industry, this book is powerful for business owners and leaders because it highlights the transformative power of hospitality in building successful enterprises. Meyer shares his "enlightened hospitality" philosophy, emphasizing how prioritizing employees, customers, and community creates a strong foundation for long-term success. He demonstrates the value of creating exceptional experiences that foster loyalty and trust through personal anecdotes and actionable insights. The book is a masterclass in leadership, culture-building, and customer-centric thinking that resonates across industries.

• It's Not What You Sell, It's What You Stand For by Roy Spence - I saw him speak at The PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) North American Leadership Conference in 2017 and was mesmerized. When I bought his book, it spoke to my business soul. The overarching message is right there in the title. pivotal for business professionals because it emphasizes the importance of purpose in driving success. Spence argues that companies thrive when they focus on a clear, meaningful mission that resonates with their audience and guides decision-making. By aligning business strategies with core values, the book provides a blueprint for building lasting brands that inspire loyalty and make a meaningful impact.

• Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble by Dan Lyons - This book is noteworthy for entrepreneurs because it offers a candid, often humorous critique of startup culture and its pitfalls. Lyons exposes the challenges of hype-driven business models, toxic work environments, and misguided priorities, providing valuable lessons on what to avoid when building a sustainable company. For entrepreneurs, it's a sobering reminder to balance innovation with authenticity and long-term vision.

A tradition can only start with a first time, and this blog represents that beginning as well as something I plan to continue in the coming years. However, I really like the idea of this to be collaborative. So, in that spirit, let me know if you've read any of the books I mentioned and what lessons you learned. If I've missed a book, drop a link in the comments, as I always seek to learn from others.

Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season. 

Cheers.