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Read to Lead
It's the common habit shared by many successful people throughout history. It's responsible for unlocking limitless creativity and influence. It's known to reduce stress, improve decision-making skills, and make you a better leader. What is it? Reading. And it's the single best thing you can do to improve yourself professionally.
Reading more and better books creates opportunities for you to learn new skills, rise above your competition, and build a successful career. In Read to Lead you'll learn
- why you need to read like your career depends on it
- the five science-backed reasons reading will help you build your career
- how to absorb a book into your bloodstream
- a technique that can double (or triple!) your reading speed
- tips on creating a lifetime reading habit
- and more
If you want to lead a more satisfied life, have more intelligent conversations, and broaden your mind, you need to read to lead!
Reading more and better books creates opportunities for you to learn new skills, rise above your competition, and build a successful career. In Read to Lead you'll learn
- why you need to read like your career depends on it
- the five science-backed reasons reading will help you build your career
- how to absorb a book into your bloodstream
- a technique that can double (or triple!) your reading speed
- tips on creating a lifetime reading habit
- and more
If you want to lead a more satisfied life, have more intelligent conversations, and broaden your mind, you need to read to lead!
240 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2021
50 people are currently reading
1548 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 18, 2021
It is hard to hate a book by two dudes who enthusiastically love reading and want others to love it too. That said, as someone already sold on the benefits of reading, I am definitely not the core audience for this book. When I chose it as an ARC from NetGalley I had been hoping for a book making strong connections between reading and leading and more thoughts on how to connect reading to other parts of work life. I am grateful to have learned the Harry Truman quote “not all readers become leaders, but all leaders must be readers” and to have added a quick book to my year count. If you have someone in your life who needs encouragement to read who wouldn't be insulted by a gift like this, they do make the case for reading. I suspect non-readers are not going to see this review on Goodreads.
February 28, 2023
I loved this book. I listened via Audiobook, but immediately bought the book and will be devouring it again in the coming weeks. This really had a lot of great information and tips on “Reading with a purpose”, having a plan. How to read faster, how to consume and remember. How to use books to improve, widen horizons, and learn.
I think this will be an annual read for me. I loved it.
I think this will be an annual read for me. I loved it.
August 17, 2021
Great book on both why you should read to grow in areas of your life, along with solid planning tools. As an avid reader, curiosity led me to pick up the book. Solid insights and new approaches were a fantastic payback to the time spent in the book. No matter where you are in the reading spectrum, there is excellent advice for you about your reading journey.
August 20, 2021
Read to Lead
I just finished reading my copy of Read to Lead by my friend Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski. Honestly, I wanted to be a part of the “launch team” to be the first to read the book primarily because Jeff Brown is a personal friend and I wanted to be supportive. I also just enjoy reading. Let me begin by stating that my last comment is still a bit hard for me to type and believe. “I enjoy reading.” I never imagined those words coming from my lips (or fingers in this case). Growing up, I never read. Oh sure, I remember reading Encyclopedia Brown in grade school but that was about it. I wasn’t really a “gamer” either. Video games were just becoming a big deal when I was a kid in the 70’s, and I did have most of the various systems, but I just wasn’t overly hooked. Most of my time was spent outside playing whatever game or sport I could play. By the time Jr High and High School rolled around, I was way into sports (and girls too but mostly sports because they seemed to like me better). The first book I ever remember reading from cover to cover was in 7th grade. This was the year the movie The Outsiders came out. My entire 7th grade class had to read the book and then got to go see the movie.
From that time until my mid 20’s, I could probably count on one hand how many books I had read. (And this was while I secured both a Bachelor and a Masters degree!). However, sometime in my late 20’s, I developed an interest in reading. Most of my reading included Christian books or books on leadership. Soon I began to develop more than just an interest. A love for reading had been birthed.
I knew that reading and leading were tied together. There is a definite correlation. I found that in Read to Lead, that connection is deeper then I had realized. One of the first quotes from the book that I underlined was a quote from Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States. The quote from President Truman states, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Jeff and Jesse do an excellent job of not just stating why we should read (they have loads of evidence to back this up in the book), but they also share with us how to become a better reader. They have listed several tips how to read faster, how to retain better what you have read, how to read something (and why) that you may not be particularly interested in, and even some advice on how and why to start a book club.
If you want to be a better reader, and therefore a better leader, this simple yet practical book is a must read!
I just finished reading my copy of Read to Lead by my friend Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski. Honestly, I wanted to be a part of the “launch team” to be the first to read the book primarily because Jeff Brown is a personal friend and I wanted to be supportive. I also just enjoy reading. Let me begin by stating that my last comment is still a bit hard for me to type and believe. “I enjoy reading.” I never imagined those words coming from my lips (or fingers in this case). Growing up, I never read. Oh sure, I remember reading Encyclopedia Brown in grade school but that was about it. I wasn’t really a “gamer” either. Video games were just becoming a big deal when I was a kid in the 70’s, and I did have most of the various systems, but I just wasn’t overly hooked. Most of my time was spent outside playing whatever game or sport I could play. By the time Jr High and High School rolled around, I was way into sports (and girls too but mostly sports because they seemed to like me better). The first book I ever remember reading from cover to cover was in 7th grade. This was the year the movie The Outsiders came out. My entire 7th grade class had to read the book and then got to go see the movie.
From that time until my mid 20’s, I could probably count on one hand how many books I had read. (And this was while I secured both a Bachelor and a Masters degree!). However, sometime in my late 20’s, I developed an interest in reading. Most of my reading included Christian books or books on leadership. Soon I began to develop more than just an interest. A love for reading had been birthed.
I knew that reading and leading were tied together. There is a definite correlation. I found that in Read to Lead, that connection is deeper then I had realized. One of the first quotes from the book that I underlined was a quote from Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States. The quote from President Truman states, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Jeff and Jesse do an excellent job of not just stating why we should read (they have loads of evidence to back this up in the book), but they also share with us how to become a better reader. They have listed several tips how to read faster, how to retain better what you have read, how to read something (and why) that you may not be particularly interested in, and even some advice on how and why to start a book club.
If you want to be a better reader, and therefore a better leader, this simple yet practical book is a must read!
August 22, 2021
If you already know that reading is critical for success, this book will help you get more out of the books you read. If you aren’t a reader (yet) this book will help explain why you should be and give you tips on how to jump into it painlessly. As someone who is already an avid reader, I still found value in the first part of the book, which provides powerful evidence of why you should be reading. For me, the greatest value came in the second two parts of the book, where they not only cover tips on how to get more out of your reading but make suggestions on how to plan what to read. I’m already trying some of those ideas as I read my next book.
This book is a must read for anyone who wants to learn, differentiate themselves in the workplace, and build a successful career.
This book is a must read for anyone who wants to learn, differentiate themselves in the workplace, and build a successful career.
August 8, 2021
Jeff and Jesse paint a solid picture on a case for reading and how it connects to career growth. On top of that, they share a blend of personal practice and best practice to give the reader options for bringing on a reading habit into their lives. Your initial thought might be that this kind of book is speaking to the choir, but as a leadership trainer and coach, I can see this book provided emerging leadership development programs and as a supplement in leadership coaching to kick off reading as part of a leader's prescribed development.
August 15, 2021
Having followed Jeff Brown's podcast since day one, I thought I knew what I was going to find in this book and even then it exceeded my expectations. For anyone looking to take their reading to the next level, this is the resource for you. From book suggestions to tips on improving reading speed and comprehension, how to take notes on your reading, and even how to start your own book club, Jeff and Jesse lay out their compelling argument for the power of reading and transformative effect it can have on your life and career in easy to digest chunks. Get a copy for yourself and for any book lover in your life.
June 15, 2023
Phenomenal. Those that know they need to read more, not simply just for the sake of reading, but also specifically, for the sake of growth as an individual, in your career, and just in life this is the book for you.
Part of the value of this book is mainly three things. The first half of the book is mainly spent convincing you with anecdotes and evidence, as to the benefit of reading both as an individual, and in the advancement of whatever discipline you are in, in life. Leaders are readers. Make no mistake about that.
I can personally attest how making a consistent and daily habit of reading over the last couple years of college and outside of college has changed my life. Both in terms of reading scripture more rigorously as a Christian, but also reading other books about the life I will be heading into: Christian ministry.
Reading widely about books on theology, the Bible, the Christian life, leadership, etc. has massively grown me as an individual and I can confidently say that I don’t think I would be where I’m at today without books.
So as a result, this book only cemented my conviction on the value of reading.
But enough reviewing…Read this if you wanna learn how to read deeper, read faster, comprehend more, and ultimately why reading matters
Part of the value of this book is mainly three things. The first half of the book is mainly spent convincing you with anecdotes and evidence, as to the benefit of reading both as an individual, and in the advancement of whatever discipline you are in, in life. Leaders are readers. Make no mistake about that.
I can personally attest how making a consistent and daily habit of reading over the last couple years of college and outside of college has changed my life. Both in terms of reading scripture more rigorously as a Christian, but also reading other books about the life I will be heading into: Christian ministry.
Reading widely about books on theology, the Bible, the Christian life, leadership, etc. has massively grown me as an individual and I can confidently say that I don’t think I would be where I’m at today without books.
So as a result, this book only cemented my conviction on the value of reading.
But enough reviewing…Read this if you wanna learn how to read deeper, read faster, comprehend more, and ultimately why reading matters
December 10, 2021
This was a delightful book on the power of reading to enhance your work and/or personal life. While it was mainly geared to business, there were a good many nuggets I gained for my personal reading life. The chapters are well laid out with a "Further Reading" section at the end of each chapter with suggested books on the topic just covered.
I especially liked chapter 8 "How to Absorb a Book into your Bloodstream" as there were some good ideas on marking in your book and ways to keep notes in a notebook or on cards on what you want to remember and refer back to.
The authors are encouraging and upbeat. I came away inspired to read more out of my preferred genres and to increase my reading of non-fiction in 2022.
I especially liked chapter 8 "How to Absorb a Book into your Bloodstream" as there were some good ideas on marking in your book and ways to keep notes in a notebook or on cards on what you want to remember and refer back to.
The authors are encouraging and upbeat. I came away inspired to read more out of my preferred genres and to increase my reading of non-fiction in 2022.
January 22, 2022
Not what I expected. overview on why lifelong learning through reading is important to self development. Steps on how to read, cultivate a reading life and how to read faster with comprehension and retention.
December 3, 2021
I'm glad a book like this was written for people who don't read or don't know "how" to read to learn and enjoy. I hope that people like that pick up this book as it could be helpful for them. After reading the first half, I used the authors' advice to skim-read the rest just to say I finished it. If you are a reader looking for motivation for how reading can help develop your leadership abilities, this isn't the book.
December 4, 2023
This book validated my love of reading
September 10, 2021
I have grown so much from Jeff Brown's Read to Lead podcast. This new book is a valuable resource to reignite already readers to keep at at, but hopefully to raise up a new generation big leaves who will be readers. Check out Jeff's Read to Lead Podcast.
September 13, 2021
Great book for all readers and to-be readers
This was a great book about reading. There wasn’t much new to me but it was a good reminder about the aspects of reading; intentionality, writing notes, speed, and another push toward running reading groups. Great read.
This was a great book about reading. There wasn’t much new to me but it was a good reminder about the aspects of reading; intentionality, writing notes, speed, and another push toward running reading groups. Great read.
January 17, 2022
Great read if you are a new reader looking for self-development on reading more I recommend this book great nuggets.
September 2, 2021
Inspiring! Includes real-world tips, steps and tricks to maximize and get the most out of reading!
Well written, organized, expertly narrated and extremely practical guidance that you can put into use right now. Whether you are already an avid reader or have not make reading a priority there’s something for everyone to leverage to get the absolute most out of reading again. No matter how busy you are or what excuses and challenges you may face. I came away truly excited about reading and with steps I can immediately apply to enjoy what I used to love - reading, learning and applying what I have learned. Thank you for writing this excellent book! Looking forward to the next one!
Well written, organized, expertly narrated and extremely practical guidance that you can put into use right now. Whether you are already an avid reader or have not make reading a priority there’s something for everyone to leverage to get the absolute most out of reading again. No matter how busy you are or what excuses and challenges you may face. I came away truly excited about reading and with steps I can immediately apply to enjoy what I used to love - reading, learning and applying what I have learned. Thank you for writing this excellent book! Looking forward to the next one!
July 31, 2021
Read to Lead by Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski is a fantastic book that clearly highlights the many benefits of reading and why it is essential that non-readers start reading soon for personal and professional development and entertainment. The authors make it clear both why someone should start reading and how they can start reading and this was reinforced with their own stories which clearly shows that reading is a great way to learn new skills and although I consider myself a professional reader, I think this book has also improved my reading.
For my full book review please visit the following link- https://cembookportal.blogspot.com/20...
For my full book review please visit the following link- https://cembookportal.blogspot.com/20...
March 13, 2023
Jeff Brown & Jesse Wisnewski wrote an excellent book on the importance of reading and provide key instructions to make your reading life more valuable and intentional.
Dedicated adult readers are a rarity these days. According to the Pew Center, 23% of American adults read a book in 2021, a year of Covid when there was plenty of free time. Interestingly a few are reading a lot so if you look at the average books read is 12.6 in 2021. This is down 6 books in approximately 20 year when in 1999 the average books read stood at 18.5 ( Gallup)
You can't read anything, you need to be purposeful argue the authors. This is true but not many of us actually build a plan that "enlarges your vocabulary, helps you navigate your current circumstances, and equips you with the knowledge you need to make good decisions". Further on in the book, they do recommend that not everything has to be planned but admittedly having a vague plan is no longer my plan going forward.
Another interesting take is evaluating the volume and estimating the number of books you have to read in your lifetime. At 52, I guess that I have 28 years left. So at a reasonable rate of 36 books a year, I have 1,008 books left to read. This seems like quite a large number but if you compare that to the number of quality books available now as well as the new sellers over the years, this really is not a large number.
The takeaway from the books for me was the confirmation that book reading has very powerful benefits in your personal and professional life and the key moving forward is to understand your focus and be more intentional on your reading and your approach.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOK FOR AVID BOOK READERS.
If you want to connect with me on this platform to discuss great books below, please reach out.
My Focus categories
> Christian Faith
> Biographies- Historical Leaders
> Business- Analytics, Marketing, Leadership
> Relationships- Fatherhood, Masculinity
> Self Improvement: Communication, etc.
> Personal Finance
Thanks, Brian
Dedicated adult readers are a rarity these days. According to the Pew Center, 23% of American adults read a book in 2021, a year of Covid when there was plenty of free time. Interestingly a few are reading a lot so if you look at the average books read is 12.6 in 2021. This is down 6 books in approximately 20 year when in 1999 the average books read stood at 18.5 ( Gallup)
You can't read anything, you need to be purposeful argue the authors. This is true but not many of us actually build a plan that "enlarges your vocabulary, helps you navigate your current circumstances, and equips you with the knowledge you need to make good decisions". Further on in the book, they do recommend that not everything has to be planned but admittedly having a vague plan is no longer my plan going forward.
Another interesting take is evaluating the volume and estimating the number of books you have to read in your lifetime. At 52, I guess that I have 28 years left. So at a reasonable rate of 36 books a year, I have 1,008 books left to read. This seems like quite a large number but if you compare that to the number of quality books available now as well as the new sellers over the years, this really is not a large number.
The takeaway from the books for me was the confirmation that book reading has very powerful benefits in your personal and professional life and the key moving forward is to understand your focus and be more intentional on your reading and your approach.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOK FOR AVID BOOK READERS.
If you want to connect with me on this platform to discuss great books below, please reach out.
My Focus categories
> Christian Faith
> Biographies- Historical Leaders
> Business- Analytics, Marketing, Leadership
> Relationships- Fatherhood, Masculinity
> Self Improvement: Communication, etc.
> Personal Finance
Thanks, Brian
August 31, 2021
Jeff Brown has been an inspiration to me ever since I heard him speak at a conference for writers. Following his podcast has brought some books into my life that I really needed... so when I heard he had a book coming out, I snapped it up.
A few points were surprising to me:
*If you read a book, you’ll know more on that topic than 27% of US adults. If you read 10 books, you’ll know more on that topic than 99% of US adults.
*Reading is an excellent way to relax. As a matter of fact, reading only 6 minutes a day can reduce your stress by two thirds. We all need more relaxation in our lives!
*Read to learn in the morning, read for fun at night.
*Career development can be found in a book. Being qualified for that dream job is possible - find the books that will take you there, and dive in!
Another surprising suggestion that my friends who love fiction already know: always have a book with you. I carried this book with me as we traveled last week, and just like they said, I was finding time to read here and there at odd times. Reading that way gave me the opportunity to think about some points before moving on to another idea. That was eye opening! Keeping a book handy really works!
Somehow Jeff and Jesse managed to create a thoughtful book about doing more of something we may struggle to find time for... but it doesn’t come across as preachy or burdensome. They simply release the reader from the obligation of reading and release the empowerment to read! I have already cleaned out my bookshelves, made topical lists, and I set up an index card file for quotes and notes. I no longer feel bashful about writing in my books. And I am LOVING researching my new book purchases! It kinda looks like this little unassuming book is well on its way to genuinely changing my life. Thanks Jeff and Jesse, you gents ROCK!
A few points were surprising to me:
*If you read a book, you’ll know more on that topic than 27% of US adults. If you read 10 books, you’ll know more on that topic than 99% of US adults.
*Reading is an excellent way to relax. As a matter of fact, reading only 6 minutes a day can reduce your stress by two thirds. We all need more relaxation in our lives!
*Read to learn in the morning, read for fun at night.
*Career development can be found in a book. Being qualified for that dream job is possible - find the books that will take you there, and dive in!
Another surprising suggestion that my friends who love fiction already know: always have a book with you. I carried this book with me as we traveled last week, and just like they said, I was finding time to read here and there at odd times. Reading that way gave me the opportunity to think about some points before moving on to another idea. That was eye opening! Keeping a book handy really works!
Somehow Jeff and Jesse managed to create a thoughtful book about doing more of something we may struggle to find time for... but it doesn’t come across as preachy or burdensome. They simply release the reader from the obligation of reading and release the empowerment to read! I have already cleaned out my bookshelves, made topical lists, and I set up an index card file for quotes and notes. I no longer feel bashful about writing in my books. And I am LOVING researching my new book purchases! It kinda looks like this little unassuming book is well on its way to genuinely changing my life. Thanks Jeff and Jesse, you gents ROCK!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2021
This is one of those books I wish I read when I was 18. In “Read to Lead,” Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski present great reasons why you need to read books, what books to read, and a smarter way to read books.
As someone who reads regularly for personal growth and development, I invest quite a bit of time and money into my reading routine. Thankfully, Jeff & Jesse provided me with some useful tips and tricks for how to use my time and money more efficiently.
First, Read to Lead taught me how to sort through my never-ending reading list. Now, I’m able to filter through that list and create an intentional reading plan.
Also, I’ve never really been a quick reader. I tend to read as fast as I speak (As it turns out, there’s a term for this: subvocalization). After implementing the skills I learned from chapter nine, I immediately increased my reading speed by 33%. That was just on day one! I’m only going to get faster from here.
Lastly, Jeff & Jesse taught me how to “read” a 220-page book in an hour. Well, technically they taught me that it’s not always necessary to read every single word in a non-fiction book. Now, I’m able to get what I need out of a book without having to spend a couple of weeks reading it.
All in all, Read to Lead is a fantastic and useful book that will save you both time and money. Buy a copy today and improve your reading routine forever!
Daniel Jenkins
Leadership & Life Coach | Daniel Jenkins Coaching
Host | The Heart of a Leader Podcast
As someone who reads regularly for personal growth and development, I invest quite a bit of time and money into my reading routine. Thankfully, Jeff & Jesse provided me with some useful tips and tricks for how to use my time and money more efficiently.
First, Read to Lead taught me how to sort through my never-ending reading list. Now, I’m able to filter through that list and create an intentional reading plan.
Also, I’ve never really been a quick reader. I tend to read as fast as I speak (As it turns out, there’s a term for this: subvocalization). After implementing the skills I learned from chapter nine, I immediately increased my reading speed by 33%. That was just on day one! I’m only going to get faster from here.
Lastly, Jeff & Jesse taught me how to “read” a 220-page book in an hour. Well, technically they taught me that it’s not always necessary to read every single word in a non-fiction book. Now, I’m able to get what I need out of a book without having to spend a couple of weeks reading it.
All in all, Read to Lead is a fantastic and useful book that will save you both time and money. Buy a copy today and improve your reading routine forever!
Daniel Jenkins
Leadership & Life Coach | Daniel Jenkins Coaching
Host | The Heart of a Leader Podcast
August 31, 2021
After reading Read to Lead: The simple habit that expands your influence and boosts your career, I was reenergized to pick up and read books once again.
Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski provided excellent reasons why we should read. They also provided the inspiration to read. As a retiree with a career pivot from business and academics to personal training for older adults, the book was particularly relevant because it gave me the encouragement and guidance to dive deep into the areas that are of interest and help me develop a strategy to grow.
Always in my business and academic life, I read books on marketing, finance, and leadership. Now, with a keen interest in personal training and wellness for older adults, that type of reading was not in my former wheelhouse. Additionally, I am inspired to read more books on organic gardening, raising koi and developing a vineyard. These are all areas that never got much attention during my “other” career.
Reading can help you improve your skills or reinvent yourself. This book is a quick read, provides techniques you can use to read faster. Read to Lead should hold a prominent place on your bookshelf or desk. I plan to reread it in about a month to dig in a bit deeper and pick up the nuances I may have missed.
Thank you, Jeff and Jesse, for reenergizing my reading habit. I encourage anyone who hasn’t picked up a book in years to choose this one first and let it help you reimagine yourself. And if you are reading, give this one the opportunity to inspire you.
Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski provided excellent reasons why we should read. They also provided the inspiration to read. As a retiree with a career pivot from business and academics to personal training for older adults, the book was particularly relevant because it gave me the encouragement and guidance to dive deep into the areas that are of interest and help me develop a strategy to grow.
Always in my business and academic life, I read books on marketing, finance, and leadership. Now, with a keen interest in personal training and wellness for older adults, that type of reading was not in my former wheelhouse. Additionally, I am inspired to read more books on organic gardening, raising koi and developing a vineyard. These are all areas that never got much attention during my “other” career.
Reading can help you improve your skills or reinvent yourself. This book is a quick read, provides techniques you can use to read faster. Read to Lead should hold a prominent place on your bookshelf or desk. I plan to reread it in about a month to dig in a bit deeper and pick up the nuances I may have missed.
Thank you, Jeff and Jesse, for reenergizing my reading habit. I encourage anyone who hasn’t picked up a book in years to choose this one first and let it help you reimagine yourself. And if you are reading, give this one the opportunity to inspire you.
August 31, 2021
Reading is fundamental.
Read To Lead is essential.
Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski have penned a work that will most certainly light a fire under you if reading is not part of your normal daily life. Each draws upon their experiences and research to back up their points.
The first six chapters read almost like watching the ball at a tennis match from the middle of court-side seats as each one firmly sets up their stroke and firmly hits the ball across the net to underscore both the point that you need to read if you want to lead (& succeed) in life.
By the time chapter 7 comes along, I felt all pumped up to dive in and up my “game” on my reading regimen. But then the authors pivot from delivering convincing “hits” across the net to conveying timeless wisdom and practical steps to plan and implement an effective and efficient reading habit that I wish I had had during my early years in education. THIS is where I believe the beauty of the book happens. (Full disclosure: I never had to be convinced that reading is essential. I just new that I wanted more of a systematic approach that worked better for me. In this regard,
Read To Lead does NOT disappoint.
Both Jeff and Jesse’s voices blended in one accord and ring the bell of freedom to liberate minds and hearts to the fact that reading is fundamental. In my opinion, reading Read To Lead IS essential….for everyone!
Read To Lead is essential.
Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski have penned a work that will most certainly light a fire under you if reading is not part of your normal daily life. Each draws upon their experiences and research to back up their points.
The first six chapters read almost like watching the ball at a tennis match from the middle of court-side seats as each one firmly sets up their stroke and firmly hits the ball across the net to underscore both the point that you need to read if you want to lead (& succeed) in life.
By the time chapter 7 comes along, I felt all pumped up to dive in and up my “game” on my reading regimen. But then the authors pivot from delivering convincing “hits” across the net to conveying timeless wisdom and practical steps to plan and implement an effective and efficient reading habit that I wish I had had during my early years in education. THIS is where I believe the beauty of the book happens. (Full disclosure: I never had to be convinced that reading is essential. I just new that I wanted more of a systematic approach that worked better for me. In this regard,
Read To Lead does NOT disappoint.
Both Jeff and Jesse’s voices blended in one accord and ring the bell of freedom to liberate minds and hearts to the fact that reading is fundamental. In my opinion, reading Read To Lead IS essential….for everyone!
November 23, 2024
JEFF BROWN is an award-winning radio producer and personality, as well as a former nationally syndicated morning show host. JESSE WISNEWSKI is a senior-level marketing professional and a self-proclaimed bibliophile.
This book, authored by the two, discusses how reading can support career advancement and help one demonstrate leadership in the workplace, based on scientific studies conducted by academic institutions.
I personally aim to read about 150 books a year, yet I still discovered new insights and gained fresh perspectives from this book:
- Reading fiction makes your thinking more flexible and enhances your ability to accept the ambiguity of life.
- Just six minutes of reading a day can reduce stress by up to two-thirds.
- You can encounter life-changing books by chance. Don't rush to look for them. A book with even one meaningful line is valuable.
One complaint I have is that the authors' recommended readings are skewed toward business-related books. If they had included more humanities texts or novels, I feel it would have further broadened the scope of reading.
This book, authored by the two, discusses how reading can support career advancement and help one demonstrate leadership in the workplace, based on scientific studies conducted by academic institutions.
I personally aim to read about 150 books a year, yet I still discovered new insights and gained fresh perspectives from this book:
- Reading fiction makes your thinking more flexible and enhances your ability to accept the ambiguity of life.
- Just six minutes of reading a day can reduce stress by up to two-thirds.
- You can encounter life-changing books by chance. Don't rush to look for them. A book with even one meaningful line is valuable.
One complaint I have is that the authors' recommended readings are skewed toward business-related books. If they had included more humanities texts or novels, I feel it would have further broadened the scope of reading.
September 8, 2021
I've been following Jeff Brown and his work with his podcast Read to Lead for seven years; I've gained so much from the practical leadership knowledge shared on the podcast. I was thrilled to support Jeff's work at bringing the Read to Lead podcast purpose into book form. Jeff co-authored his first book of the same name with Jesse Wisnewski and their unique voices come through in the writing. They share compelling stories to encourage the reader to develop a consistent habit of reading and have structured the book in a straightforward format that allows skipping around to learn about what interests you most at the time. I enjoyed the personal stories they used to help me see the whys behind successful leaders being avid readers. If you don't know where to start developing your reading list, Jeff and Jesse give suggestions but not in a prescriptive way. I highly recommend getting a copy of Read to Lead and buy one for each of your team mates!
September 1, 2021
A no-fluff content-rich and actionable primer to enhance your reading pleasure and techniques
After listening to Jeff Brown's voice for a bit over 4 years on the "Read to Lead" podcast, and filling my library with many of the books showcased, I could finally read Jeff's voice together with the voice of Jesse Wisnewski. The increase of globality brings along growing diversity, perspectives, and complexity putting an even greater emphasis on our personal ability and responsibility to develop. Reading is one of the ways through which we can explore, learn, and develop ourselves. "Read to Lead" provides actionable insights which can help you get the most out of the books you read in an efficient and enjoyable way. If there was such a thing as a reading vitamin pill then this book would be on the ingredient list.
After listening to Jeff Brown's voice for a bit over 4 years on the "Read to Lead" podcast, and filling my library with many of the books showcased, I could finally read Jeff's voice together with the voice of Jesse Wisnewski. The increase of globality brings along growing diversity, perspectives, and complexity putting an even greater emphasis on our personal ability and responsibility to develop. Reading is one of the ways through which we can explore, learn, and develop ourselves. "Read to Lead" provides actionable insights which can help you get the most out of the books you read in an efficient and enjoyable way. If there was such a thing as a reading vitamin pill then this book would be on the ingredient list.
August 28, 2021
I consider myself a reader and as I was looking forward to reading this book, I wondered how much could the authors talk about that would be new to a reader? Well, after finishing the book I was pleasantly surprised. I particularly enjoyed chapter 7 on How to Build your Reading Plan, chapter 10 where they discuss “skimming” a book and finally chapter 12, where they discuss why note taking is important and they give you solid advice and tools to improve your note taking. I felt that Jeff and Jesse did an excellent job in helping to improve a person’s “reading skills” and highly recommend this book to anyone looking to not only strengthen their reading skills, but to further their overall enjoyment of reading!
September 10, 2021
Jeff Brown makes a wonderful case for the intersection of literary engagement and leadership. To be transparent, I have been a guest on Jeff’s podcast and I know him to be a thoughtful, insightful, caring guy. He was extremely supportive when my books were published and read every word carefully, a true sign of respect. When he interviewed me, his questions reflected the delving curiosity of a quality thinker and communicator.
This book was a lifelong dream of his, and I am so proud to see him follow through on that dream. He will inspire you as he inspired me, both as a man who loves words and cherishes shared business success driven by inspiring leaders. You can’t go wrong with a few hours invested in this book or his many hours of innovation focused podcasts.
This book was a lifelong dream of his, and I am so proud to see him follow through on that dream. He will inspire you as he inspired me, both as a man who loves words and cherishes shared business success driven by inspiring leaders. You can’t go wrong with a few hours invested in this book or his many hours of innovation focused podcasts.
May 11, 2024
I like to read books about reading and wanted to like this one more than I did. Divided into three parts, the book talks about why you need to read books (ch. 1-4), the books you need to read (ch. 5-7), and the smarter way to read books (ch. 8-14). There is a lot of practical advice throughout the book, but given in a somewhat pedantic fashion that diminished at least this reader's pleasure — which resulted in me only skimming part 3. I sort of felt like this book was written for (and maybe by) people who don't naturally love reading and need to be convinced that reading is worth it. I much prefer books on reading like C. S. Lewis's Experiment in Criticism or Alan Jacob's Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction.
July 16, 2025
I am SO grateful for the timing of this book.
This book rekindled a love for reading. I was believing the lie that books made me socially distant. To the contrary, reading books should lead me to love a life of greater love.
I feel like this book reopened my eyes to the possibility of how much I can grow and learn through books. I don’t have to feel stuck or overwhelmingly limited to the knowledge I currently have been given. I can read books on continuous improvement, on lament, on finances, on managing my household, on loving my wife and family, and grow in all of these areas.
My prayer is that the Lord would fan into flame this love, and that He would get the credit and glory for transforming me through His truth and teachers who can equip me for the good works He has put before me.
This book rekindled a love for reading. I was believing the lie that books made me socially distant. To the contrary, reading books should lead me to love a life of greater love.
I feel like this book reopened my eyes to the possibility of how much I can grow and learn through books. I don’t have to feel stuck or overwhelmingly limited to the knowledge I currently have been given. I can read books on continuous improvement, on lament, on finances, on managing my household, on loving my wife and family, and grow in all of these areas.
My prayer is that the Lord would fan into flame this love, and that He would get the credit and glory for transforming me through His truth and teachers who can equip me for the good works He has put before me.
August 31, 2021
This book was written for me and anyone else who has complained about not having enough time to read a book. Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski make it as simple as picking up a book, no excuses. Yes, leaders read, but many of us feel we're not cut out to lead, which is not the case. Reading is absolutely helpful to a career, but so is reading and sharing with others. I can't thank Jeff and Jesse enough for showing me a renewed chapter in life through Read to Lead. Plus, their techniques for better reading are spot on. Read to Lead is simply a "got-to-try" for anyone. It might just be a new habit for you to turn the page
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