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The Business Book Challenge

I’m thrilled to introduce The Business Book Challenge, a new initiative designed to help you gain valuable insights from some of the best business and professional development books, all without having to read them yourself!


Each week, I will be reading a business or professional development book and engaging in conversations with other business professionals to share key takeaways and actionable insights. This initiative not only saves you time but also provides you with practical knowledge that you can apply directly to your life, career, or business.

The 50th Law by 50 Cent and Robert Greene

The 50th Law: Fearlessness as a Path to Success

If you’ve ever wondered what separates the bold from the brilliant, The 50th Law by 50 Cent and Robert Greene might just hold the answer. This book isn’t just another self-help manual, it’s a deep dive into the power of embracing fearlessness to transform your life and business.

Screenshot of a zoom call between Maria Medina and Bob Burg

Unlocking Success Through Giving: Highlights from My Chat with Bob Burg

In a recent video discussion, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bob Burg, the co-author of the bestselling book The Go-Giver. This insightful conversation not only explored the principles of the book but also provided practical takeaways for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in their personal and professional lives.

Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley book

Become the Go-To Expert: Lessons from Key Person of Influence

Have you ever felt like you’re just another face in a crowded market, struggling to stand out? It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of running a business, but without a clear strategy for differentiation, even the best products and services can go unnoticed. That’s where Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley comes in.

Someone holding the book Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

Mastering Crucial Conversations: Transform Conflict into Collaboration

In the latest installment of our book challenge, we’re diving into Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. This book equips us with tools to navigate high-stakes, emotionally charged conversations that can make or break relationships, businesses, and personal connections.

Blue Ocean Strategy book sitting on a desk

Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Your Own Space in the Market

The book Blue Ocean Strategy by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim teaches businesses how to break out of crowded, competitive markets (red oceans) and create new, uncontested spaces (blue oceans) where they can thrive. As a business coach, I find its principles especially powerful for small business owners who are looking to stand out in today’s saturated market.

Hype by Gabrielle Bluestone

How Hype Takes Over: Lessons for Businesses in Navigating the Digital Landscape

In the digital age, where information is constantly flowing and trends shift overnight, the allure of hype can be tempting, and dangerous. Gabrielle Bluestone’s book, Hype: How Scammers, Grifters, and Con Artists Are Taking Over the Internet—and Why We’re Following, digs deep into how scammers exploit our psychology and social media dynamics to draw people into carefully crafted deceptions.

A person holding The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks book

The Big Leap: Mastering Your Upper Limit and Zone of Genius

If you’ve ever felt stuck, like you’re just on the edge of something big but can’t seem to break through, The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks might offer the clarity you’re looking for. The book’s central concept is about breaking through your “Upper Limit Problem” (ULP) and stepping fully into your “Zone of Genius.”

A pile of black and white books sitting behind a color version of Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

Mastering Negotiations: Key Lessons from Never Split the Difference

Negotiation is at the heart of every professional and personal interaction. Whether it’s closing a business deal, negotiating a salary, or even discussing plans with family, the way we communicate, listen, and engage with others is crucial. Chris Voss’s Never Split the Difference offers powerful insights into the art of negotiation.

Stop and Shift by Karen Allen

Shifting Your Mindset for Growth: Lessons from Stop & Shift

This week, I explored Stop & Shift—a straightforward yet powerful guide to taking control of your thoughts and shifting from negativity to growth. It’s all about breaking out of unproductive mental patterns and embracing a mindset that supports progress and success.

The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann

Creating Value Beyond Service: Lessons from The Go-Giver

This week, I explored The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann, a book that flips the traditional idea of success on its head. Instead of focusing solely on getting, the authors highlight the immense value of giving—offering your time, effort, and service to others as a way to achieve success.

A person holding The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni book

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: How to Overcome Them and Thrive

Ever feel like teamwork is a constant balancing act between achieving goals and maintaining harmony within the group? This week, I dove into The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, and if you’ve ever struggled to get your team on the same page, this book is a game-changer.

Two copies of Dare to Lead by Brene Brown sitting on a desk

The Business Book Challenge: Dare to Lead

Ever feel like leadership is a constant balancing act between guiding your team and staying true to who you are? This week, I dove into Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, and let me tell you, this book is a must-read for anyone striving to lead with authenticity and courage.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success laying on a table

Mindset – The Power of Shifting Your Thinking with Special Guest Kim Sarni

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a rut, doubting your abilities, or feeling like you’re just not cut out for something? This week, we delved into Carol S. Dweck’s “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” a transformative read that reveals how the right mindset can unlock your full potential and lead you to success in all areas of life.

Atomic Habits

The Business Book Challenge: Atomic Habits

Ever feel like you’re putting in the effort but not seeing the results you want? Or maybe you’ve set big goals but struggle to make progress? This week, we dove into James Clear’s Atomic Habits, and it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to build sustainable habits that lead to success.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People laying on a table

Unlocking Success: Key Insights from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Have you ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels, trying to get ahead but not making much progress? Or maybe you’ve got big dreams but aren’t sure how to turn them into reality. This week we read Stephen R. Covey’s classic, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” and found it to be packed with timeless wisdom to help us break through those barriers and achieve lasting success.

Stack of business books

Introducing The Business Book Challenge: A New Way to Learn and Grow 📚

As a business coach, I’m always seeking innovative ways to provide value and foster growth among professionals. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce The Business Book Challenge, a new initiative designed to help you gain valuable insights from some of the best business and professional development books, all without having to read them yourself!