When we launched The Difference in June 2017, I wrote about a huge lesson I learned in a year outside the industry, and that was that complacency is the thief of time! It’s way too easy to get absorbed by our all too busy lives, I know I certainly was as a furiously list-centric, goal-driven, diary-crammed Virgo!
But then life comes along and slaps you in the face and makes you question the excuses you are making to yourself about there never being enough ‘time’. Suddenly you realise it’s all a choice about making the time for the things and the people that are most important and hence my desire to #WorkDifferently.
This realisation reignited my desire to read and continuously improve and challenge my own development and in parallel, I set out to qualify as an executive coach. It sounds corny but I put away the lists (ok it took a while to let go!), left unread emails in my inbox (can you imagine!) and made time to genuinely listen and to learn and as a result, I am genuinely Different and ready to make a real Difference to others.
I realised it is all about the journey we are on, the ways in which we can enrich that journey and pausing to learn the lessons we can as we go, not about the ultimate destination.
And so, one of the core values of The Difference Collective came to light… ‘Live Curiously’ which we actively encourage all our members to do.
In my earlier blog, I promised a selection of some of the books that have fulfilled my curiosity over the last year (I left out the trashy novels you’ll be pleased to know!), so here are just a few in no particular order:
Step Up
Phanella Mayall Fine and Alice Olins
An indispensable work-life handbook for every woman, whatever level or stage of any profession, full of inspiring success stories, interviews, handy hints and tips and confidence boosters
In Your Creative Element
Claire Bridges
One of the best books on creativity I have ever read! Claire explores the chemistry of creativity peppered with inspiring case studies, practical tools & great coaching tips. A real go-to!
How to Find Fulfilling Work (School of Life)
Roman Krznaric
An inspiring journey on how to pursue fulfilling and meaningful work that is in tune with our talent whilst addressing the competing claims we face for money and status
The Missing Link
Sydney Banks
Reveals a simplicity beneath the complex workings of the mind and the three principles behind the creation of our life experience, a transformational and thought-provoking read in times of such world turbulence
Option B
Sheryl Sandberg
A heart-wrenching story of on finding strength in adversity and how it’s possible to build our resilience in the face of Option A no longer being available and Option B it is!
The Space Within: Finding Your Way Back Home
Michael Neill
This book beautifully proposes that every problem we have in life is the result of us losing our bearings and getting caught up in the content of our own thinking; the solution to every one of those problems is to find our way back home to the space within where we are already complete
Key Person of Influence
Daniel Priestley
The Five Step Method to becoming one of the most highly valuable and respected persons of influence in your industry
Jo Malone
My Story
A warts and all story of an underdog building an amazing brand, her subsequent health challenges, the huge impact of the sale of the brand and the latent desire to rebuild. A born entrepreneur.
You Can Choose Your Friends
Nick Saunders
A really easy read from a trainer I know that reiterate the six key skills that turn business relationships into result: Pause; Listen & Learn; Adapt; Be Authentic; Be Humorous; Be Grateful. A salutary business lesson to us all!
Batteries Included!
Nigel Barlow
All about creativity, change and the customer and how we must strive to deliver legendary service, far more than excellence!
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen Covey
One of the good old classic staples presenting a principle-centred approach to solving personal and professional problems via a step-by-step framework, my favourite of which is ‘Seek first to understand then to be understood’
Dear Female Founder
Lu Li
An inspiring, personal, candid, real and touching series of lessons from female entrepreneurs that every budding business owner should read.
Happy
Derren Brown
A book that explores the changing concepts of happiness over the ages that suggest many of the traditionally recommended routes to happiness can in fact cause more anxiety.
Live curiously everyone and see if you can make a Difference to your journey!
About the Author
Angie, Founder and Head of Collectivity, has worked in healthcare communications for nearly 30 years, ultimately building one of the most successful UK healthcare consultancies. Throughout her career, she has constantly looked to do things differently and make a difference to the healthcare communications industry.