There are times in life when you come across a certain book that makes you rethink the world. Those rare finds that push you as both a person and a leader. I’m talking about the ones that hit you in the head, heart, and gut all at the same time. Coincidentally, two such books were released just last week. I was so moved by both, I feel compelled to share them, as I know they will help you enjoy meaningful growth, change, and progress:
THE THIRD WAVE, by Steve Case
As the co-founder of America Online and one of the most important entrepreneurs in decades, you’d expect a book by Steve Case to be a tale of the past. Yet Case does the opposite, taking the reader on a journey forward into the next wave of business and technology. He uses his experience at the bleeding edge of change to frame the opportunity and pitfalls that lay ahead. It is an inspiring and practical roadmap for the future of business, shared with great storytelling and powerful examples. Gushing endorsements by Warren Buffet, Colin Powel, and Sheryl Sandberg are not just window dressing… the book delivers both meaning and practicality.
IRRATIONAL PERSISTENCE, by Dave Zilko
An inspiring “Only in America” story of a salsa company founded in the back of a bankrupt restaurant that remarkably grew to become the #1 brand of fresh salsa. Readers ride along with Dave and his partner as they conquer countless setbacks and crushing adversity to ultimately sell to a Fortune 500 food company for $231 million. With great humility, Zilko shares seven powerful secrets, gleaned over the course of his multi-decade entrepreneurial career. Irrational Persistence is a different kind of business book. Shunning a textbook, didactic approach, Zilko takes the reader on a touching journey reading much more like a novel. This heartfelt and personal account is both energizing and practical, delivering a success formula applicable to both the upstart entrepreneur as well as the multinational firm. (Full disclosure, Dave is a business partner of mine, but I’d be equally enthusiastic about the book even if I’d never met him).
In an era where book quality has plummeted as authors regurgitate the same over-told stories and obvious lessons, The Third Wave and Irrational Persistence both shine brightly as standouts in a crowded arena. Each offers a healthy dose of inspiration fused with practical tools to help leaders of all types propel their success. At the risk of sounding trite, I highly recommend both books as they will undoubtedly make a meaningful impact for you as you turn their rich pages.