Looking Back: The Books That Changed My Thinking in 2024
Reading has always been my quiet space for growth, and this year brought some real gems. Here are the books that stuck with me, shaped my thinking, and made their way into my daily work and life.
"In a world of endless scrolling and digital distractions, a book remains our most powerful tool for deep focus. Unlike screens that scatter our attention, books train our eyes to track with intention and our minds to follow a single thread of thought. When we read, we aren't just consuming information—we're building mental muscle, strengthening our vision, and giving our imagination the space it needs to flourish. Books are our refuge from the fractured thinking of the digital age, offering a rare chance to sink into sustained contemplation and emerge with fresh perspective."
-Molly McKinley
Waste to Wealth by Peter Lacy opened my eyes to how circular economy principles can work in real business settings. It's not just theory - the book offers practical ways to build sustainability into business models that actually work. I found myself highlighting passages and coming back to them during strategy sessions.
Creating Superfans by Brittany Hodak cuts through the usual customer service noise. What I appreciate most is how she focuses on authentic connections rather than gimmicky loyalty programs. Her ideas about making customers feel truly seen have influenced how I approach every client interaction now.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel isn't your typical finance book. It's more about the stories we tell ourselves about money and success. His chapter on how luck and risk shape our outcomes really made me rethink how I measure business success.
The Dip by Seth Godin is short but it hit home. Sometimes we need permission to quit things that aren't working, and Godin provides a clear framework for knowing when to push through and when to move on. I've referenced this book multiple times during tough decisions this year.
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant challenged my assumptions about talent and growth. His research on learning and development has influenced how I structure my own learning time and how I approach teaching at Meredith College.
The Mountain Is You showed up at exactly the right time. Brianna Wiest's straightforward take on self-sabotage helped me identify patterns I hadn't noticed in my own work. It's honest without being preachy.
Profit First transformed how I handle business finances. Mike Michalowicz's system is surprisingly simple but effective. I implemented it gradually over the year, and it's brought clarity to financial decisions I used to struggle with.
It Didn't Start with You isn't strictly business-related, but Wolynn's insights about inherited patterns have helped me understand why I make certain decisions in business and leadership. It's made me more aware of how I interact with my team and clients.
Program or Be Programmed by Rushkoff made me think harder about how I use technology in my business. In a world pushing for more automation, his perspective on maintaining human connection feels especially relevant.
The Circular Economy (for regular people) complemented Waste to Wealth perfectly, offering practical steps for sustainable business practices that don't require a complete overhaul of operations.
These books weren't just about adding to my knowledge - they changed my thinking about business, sustainability, and growth. Each one sparked conversations with colleagues and clients that led to real changes in how I work.
What have you read this year that changed your perspective? I'd love to hear about it.