Bookmarks 07

Weekly Bookmarks
07 – March 24, 2019

First things first, thank you for your interest in reading content at CFO Bookshelf.

1. What I’m Reading

• Do you ever sense a feeling of slight emptiness after reading a great book? I do. I think that’s because we become one of the characters in the book–a casual onlooker whether it’s a work of fiction or nonfiction. When the book is over, there’s this coup de grâce of a character–our own. Because I’m fascinated in how the learning process takes shape and grows, I enjoyed Tara Westover’s Educated. Great read, but also painful at times.
• When the book Made to Stick came out, I listened to it, then again. I started a ritual of listening to it annually thereafter. For the first time, I’m reading it to capture a full set of notes. Every person in financial leadership should read this book (or listen).
• Some 10 years ago, I came to the realization that every financial leader should read books on marketing and advertising because we’re in the persuasion business when we’re not tending to our administrative duties. Blair Warren’s The One Sentence Persuasion Course – 27 Words to Make the World Do Your Bidding is a breezy gem.
•  I’m listening to Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption. One word – powerful. Thought-provoking too. 

2. What I’m Writing

I could be over-estimating, but I think I’m exposed to at least 2-3 articles weekly on forecasting. Is that true for you? I just wrapped up a fun article entitled, Can God Forecast Accurately where I list my must-reads on this subject.

3. What I’m Reading Beyond Books

Do you ever read other blogger’s reviews of a book that you especially liked? One of my favorite books in 2018 was Katharine Graham’s Personal History. I appreciated reading the 15 key points of Blas Moros and his key takeaways. By the way, that’s a simple way to take notes of a book.

4. What I’m Watching

I’m writing a speech on cool onboarding practices for one of my clients. Since I just wrapped up the short, 3-season HBO series The Newsroom, there’s a great scene when the main character puts the fear of god in a young intern who is interviewing for a position. While knowing the backstory is helpful, the scene is almost comical on its own, but provides the viewer a warm-fuzzy endnote. Share the link below with your HR leaders as I’m sure it will be used in how not to onboard staff.

How Not to Onboard a New Hire – from The Newsroom

5. Homework Assignment

Are you a customer of Starbucks? If not, you will be this week.

When you buy a cup of the Vanilla Latte or the Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino, take note of everything you can about the menu board. Then compare it to the findings in this excellent article from pricing expert, Kent Hendricks. 

Recent Bookmarks 06 | 05 | 04 

Thank You!

Thank you for reading. If you like the above and the posts at CFO Bookshelf, may I ask a favor? Feel free to share this with other readers along with commenting on your favorite blog posts in LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

Take care and have a great week. Always be learning.