Recently, I topped 1,000 books on my To Be Read list! After contemplating early retirement so I could buckle down and read 100 books a year for the next 10 years, I decided I needed to prioritize.
Here are the 10 leadership books I plan to read by the end of 2026:
1. Influence is Your Superpower: The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things Happen, by Zoe Chance.
I am already a few chapters into this one and it is fascinating. If you are looking for new ways to connect with members and leaders, this is a must-read.
2. Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit, by Brene Brown.
This book shares the lessons and insights from teaching 150,000 leaders in 45 countries the skills outlined in her book Dare to Lead (one of my favorites). I’ll probably re-read Dare to Lead then tackle this follow-up!
3. Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest, by William Vanderbloemen.
I love books about habits since 80% of what we do or don’t do is driven by them.
4. Herding Tigers: Be the Leader That Creative People Need, by Todd Henry.
I am excited to learn about his approach to leadership.
5. Why Work Sucks and How to Fix It: No Schedules, No Meetings, No Joke–the Simple Change That Can Make Your Job Terrific, by Cali Ressler and Jody Tompson.
This was recommended to me by a colleague.
6. Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others, by Stephen M. R. Covey.
Building on his essential leadership book The Speed of Trust, Covey explores how leadership has changed from control to inspire.
7. Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, by Alison Wood Brooks.
In this book, Brooks shares a framework to achieve better conversations.
8. Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos, by Tasha Eurich.
This book hooked me with a question. “What if instead of just bouncing back from setbacks, we harness them for forward growth?”
9. The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance, by Zach Mercurio.
I am looking forward to learning strategies to help my staff and volunteers feel seen, heard, and valued.
10. The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century’s Greatest Dilemma, by Mustafa Suleyman & Michael Bhaskar.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around the world of AI and this one sounded interesting.
I hope you find a book or two that piques your interest. Follow me on Goodreads. Happy reading!
Kim Paugh, CAE
Kim, a Certified Association Executive, has been with RGI since 2006. She serves as executive director for two international trade associations and leads hiring and staff education as director of people strategies for RGI.
Motivated by the impact her work has on member success, Kim has enhanced programs and communications to increase value, revenue, and engagement. With extensive experience in association management, she leads strategic planning and implementation to ensure her clients achieve their long-term goals.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and of course, reading.