Benefits book club: What the benefits world is reading

So many books, so little time

When I’m not reading LinkedIn posts and articles, I’m reading books like Marty Makary’s “The Price We Pay” and “Unaccountable” (both eye-opening books). Most recently, I read a book by Michael Adams called “Misdirection” that was spot on. And on the plane ride home from the Health Rosetta Summit, I read a great little book called “The Dream Maker” by Matthew Kelly, recommended on stage by Bryce Heinbaugh and given to me by James Farley. It was awesome and inspiring. We all need people along the way to help us realize our dreams! Today, I’m reading “The Compelling Communicator” by Tim Pollard of Oratium, given to me after his awesome talk. It will change the way I present going forward!

When I’m not reading books about fixing the American health care system, I do love a good novel. Right now, I’m finishing up “The Beach,” which probably everyone else in the world has already read; not sure how I missed that one!

Liz Antaya, employee benefits advisor, Stahl & Associates Insurance

True crime?

What a great question! In 2018 I was researching the opioid crisis for some speaking engagements. I read “American Pain” by John Temple. It was awesome! A real page-turner, it reads like a crime drama and the bad guys get what’s coming to them. And for those who don’t have time to read another book right now, the show American Greed did a great exposé on this same story. Enjoy!

Cristy Gupton, founder & president, Custom Benefits Solutions

New discoveries and old favorites

I’m revisiting “Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0” by Jim Collins and listening to his essay “How the Mighty Fall” while I am making dinner.

I have also read Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” and “The Infinite Game” this year.

Other favorites:

• “Tree of Knowledge” by Humberto R. Maturana & Francisco J. Varela — I revisit this biology book often.
• “Impact Players” by Liz Wiseman
• “The Power of Regret” by Daniel Pink

And for fun:

• I just finished a great mystery book recommended by Olivia Hall from Q4i: “Moonflower Murders” by Anthony Horowitz

Lindsay Clarke Youngwerth, managing partner, benefits consultant, The Shandro Group

Reading off into the sunset

I am always looking for new perspectives that can help to grow our agency and benefit our clients. When it comes to health care, the classics are Marshall Allen’s “Never Pay the First Bill” and Marty Makary’s “The Price We Pay.” For general business, Malcolm Gladwell’s “Outliers: The Story of Success” and Jeb Blount’s “Fanatical Prospecting” have both helped to shape how I go about my work day, both mentally and in practice.

When I’m not reading business, I am currently on a Cormac McCarthy binge. I also enjoy a classic Western novel and the Red Rising series is another great series I am slowly but surely working through.

Luke T. Davis, marketing sales manager, Texas Benefit Alliance

Well-rounded reading

Lately, I have been reading more fiction as an escape from the real world; however, it’s the non-fiction books that have been the most memorable and impactful. My favorite self-improvement/leadership book is “Reboot” by Jerry Colonna. I liked it so much I purchased the book on Audible, as well. “This is Marketing” by Seth Godin is another favorite of mine. It’s an easy read and is my blueprint for sales and marketing. A favorite health care related book is “An American Sickness’ by Elizabeth Rosenthal. This book inspired me to not only become an advisor, but also helped me decide what type of advisor I wanted to be.

Jessica Du Bois, Benefits Consultant, Risk Strategies

New ways of thinking

For those in the business of providing advice that people use to improve their careers, their businesses and their workforce, here are a couple of recent books that have been inspirational to me.

“Resistance and Persuasion” by Eric Knowles and Jay Linn is tremendously insightful on the importance of word choices and framing your value proposition. There are numerous examples of how to reduce and eliminate the negative stress felt by prospects and the use of heightened reactions to elicit persuasion.

Another good read is “Good Strategy/Bad Strategy” by Richard Rumelt. It provides a lesson in critical thinking and how good strategy is formulated and organized to solve real world problems in business, complete with many examples of before and after. The stories provide new ways to think about and connect non-obvious value creation positioning of products and services.

Craig Lack, president, Catilize Health

Steps on the journey

The books I am reading now are “The Obstacle Is The Way” by Ryan Holiday and “The Buddha And The Badass” by Vishen Lakhiani. These two books have been instrumental in my growth over this last year as I traverse the waters of going from a full-time advisor to “techifying” my practice for scale. The first book has given me the mental fortitude to see every obstacle as an opportunity and allowed me to view challenges in a different light so that I don’t take them personally but see them as illuminated steps on this journey. I have shifted to a mindset of seeing challenges as an opportunity to rejoice where many would turn and run back into their comfort zones.

These books, as well as “The Power of No”, “Outliers”, and “Blue Ocean Strategy” have helped through times that seemed impossible when I was hearing no or facing disappointments from a deal falling through. I am an avid reader and listener so that I stay mentally strong and focused during those times when I need an extra boost.

Felipe Barganier, CEO and president, GAB International LLC

We’re capable of more

I haven’t read nearly as much recently as the few years before, but there are several I would consider “must reads.” As an organization, we had many takeaways from “Traction” by Gino Wickman. It helped us take a closer look at our organization and how we strive to reach the next level, as well as what it would take to get there.

Another book that I recommend to everyone is “Eat Their Lunch” by Anthony Iannarino. It centers on competitive displacement (ahem, our industry) and helps readers work through the process of determining the value they bring, but also how they can be more effective in conveying the message itself. I recommend this for all of our new producers, even ahead of health care-related books; without clients, there’s no point in learning about creative strategies/solutions.

Most of my reading is for work, but I’m about halfway through “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins. It’s been a great read thus far — especially for anyone who needs a reminder that we’re always capable of more than we think we are.

Derek Winn, benefits consultant, BBG

Deep thoughts and escapism

Here are a few of my favorites:

• “The Road Less Stupid” by Keith J. Cunningham

This book is on my top 5 list. The author provides a wealth of tools and techniques that are simple, yet effective in keeping you from paying “dumb taxes” in business. The notion of creating designated “thinking time” gave me a new perspective. The book is serious, but not ponderous. It poses lots of questions and asks you to consider how each chapter affects your business. I read it on my Kindle on an airplane and was so impressed that I ordered a hard copy as soon as we landed.

• “Stolen Focus – Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again” by Johann Hari

We have lost the ability to pay attention. The author, tired of switching from tab to tab and device to device, tried a number of solutions before setting out on a worldwide study of the problem. It turns out that this is not a personal deficiency — the ability to think deeply and reason has been stolen from us. In order to be productive, we have to get it back. It is a fascinating study into the frog-in-ever-warmer water progression that has robbed us of this important quality, and how we can get it back.

• For fun: Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon Series

I read the first in the series (now 22 in number) back in 2002 and eagerly await a new story each July. This is pure escapism. Gabriel Allon is an art restorer who came from tragic circumstances to become one of the best in the world. His career takes a different path when he is recruited by “The Office” (think the Mossad). His art world and his spy world intertwine with a richness and detail that comes from Silva’s work as a UPI reporter across the globe. His first three books, published before the Allon series, are also good reads.

David Saltzman, director of marketing and business development, Borislow Insurance

A page a day…

“The Daily Stoic” by Ryan Holiday sits on my desk and I’ve gifted a copy to our entire team. It’s just a one-page-daily read with a reminder, quote or historical example/story of stoic philosophy and its four virtues: courage, justice, temperance and wisdom.

Donovan J. Ryckis, employee benefits consultant, CEO, Ethos Benefits

Investing in me

I love reading personal development books that invest in me. My time is scheduled in 15 minute intervals, so what I read has to be a value-add. The books I’m reading currently are “FOR” by Jeff Henderson and “The Effective CEO” by Byron Morrison. “FOR” speaks to the individual purpose unique to you. The inspiring writing provides insight into discovering what you are FOR. It is a growth strategy for work, and an even better strategy for life. When what you are known FOR and what you do better than most are aligned, this is the ­intersection of purpose identified, thus a ­platform for your sustainable wealth generation.

“The Effective CEO” is a slightly different approach to leadership, which speaks on how to hone your focus, prioritize your time and take control of your executive role. These two books are truly worth your time. I recommend you add them both to your library.

Marlin D. Woods, executive chairman, BenefitsPLUS

Chasing greatness

One of my all-time favorite business books is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. My husband introduced me to it and it explains how great leaders operate, how they have developed “good” companies into “great” companies, and areas that can help you in taking your business to the next level. I’m currently reading John C. Maxwell’s “The 5 Levels of Leadership” which provides fantastic advice on how to transition from “manager” to “leader” and ideas for self-evaluation. ­Off-the-clock, I love anything history related — war, mafia, life story of great people — count me in!

Heather Garbers, VP voluntary benefits, HUB International

Life-changing titles

These are my top 5 “go-to” books for business, growth and leadership that have changed my business and life in ways that I never would have been able to imagine.

• “Giftology” by John Ruhlin
• “The Go-Giver” series by Bob Burg and John David Mann
• “Building A Story Brand” by Donald Miller
• “Pancakes For Roger” by Susan L. Combs
• “A CEO Only Does Three Things” by Trey Taylor

Of course the only thing I read in my downtime is BenefitsPRO!

Eric Silverman, founder, Voluntary Disruption

Big plans

I’ve heard it said, “Where you’ll be in five years depends on the books you read and the people you hang out with.” One goal this year was to spend more time reading, so I curated a “2022 Reading List.” Right now, there are over 30 books. Here are my top 5 favorites:

• “Limitless” by Jim Kwik – An owner’s manual for mental expansion and brain fitness. Since I only get one brain, I’m trying to use it more wisely.
• “Playing Big” by Tara Mohr – Filled with practical wisdom for women who want to step out and lead with boldness. I love the research about why women operate in certain ways and how to make lasting change.
• “Decision Making: Discerning The Will Of God” by June Hunt – A heavy topic that most of us struggle with: (Why am I on this earth? What’s my purpose? What should I do?). I love that she incorporates the spiritual with the practical.
• “Kill The Company” by Lisa Bodell – “If you were your company’s biggest competitor, how would you destroy your company?” Our entire team read this and we’ve had great discussions that are driving change.
• “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier – Successful coaching is how we become better leaders and improve our teams. He shares seven practical coaching questions that produce results.

Added bonus: the Bible — I’m doing a one-year plan that took me three years the first time (LOL!) in a different version. Life changing!

Heidi Rasmussen, Co-Founder & COO, freshbenies

Two favorites

I just finished “The Dream Manager” by Matthew Kelly. Do yourself a favor and read it! Also Simon Sinek’s “Infinite Game” — good stuff.

Jonathan Coddington, client advisor, LD&B Insurance and Financial Services

The art of giving

My favorite go-to book is “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg and John David Mann. It’s an easy and fulfilling read that has become the basis for who I am, both personally and professionally. I have found that giving, while expecting nothing in return, has left me fulfilled in my heart. But the gifts I have received without asking for them have been exponential. I have built a career and done quite well by doing good. I believe that is something we all need to rally behind. It is quite easy to differentiate yourself by being selfless, sincere and maintaining the utmost integrity. This book is something I suggest everyone read.

Justin D. Leader, president & founding partner, BenefitsDNA

Pursuing creativity

I’d recommend a book by Steven Pressfield called “The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles.” It is intended for artists who are pursuing creative projects in music, painting, sculpture, dance, film, writing, etc. But it applies to anyone looking to achieve a worthy goal. After all, what is entrepreneurship, if not a creative pursuit? He does a masterful job at identifying the true enemy as we battle our self doubt while working through the creative process. The enemy is resistance; you must acknowledge its presence and learn to work through it by becoming a professional through the process. Your desire to make a contribution to the world is not a selfish act, but an absolute necessity.

Chris Wolpert, founder and consultant, Group Benefit Solutions Group

Time-tested

I am currently in the middle of two great reads:

1. Tim Pollard’s “The Compelling Communicator”. In preparation for Tim’s presentation at our recent Health Rosetta summit, I read his book “Mastering the Moment”. The introduction strongly suggests starting with “The Compelling Communicator,” but I had the newer of the two already in hand! Now that I am about 3/4 through, I can attest to his recommended order. Both are excellent and highly recommended.
2. Plato’s Five Great Dialogues. This is a re-read. From time to time I grab an old book from my shelf for a refresh and thought check. There is something inherently grounding for me when I have an old book in hand and crack open the pages. Knowing that this particular book went through many hands in my family over the years also gives me a feeling of connectedness. So many people have moved to ebooks and while I am a fan of those too, nothing can replace the time spent with printed versions of timeless classics.

Kalli Ortega, founder, MelEos Group

Influences

Two books I have found value in recently were “A CEO Only Does Three Things” by Trey Taylor and “Free To Focus” by Michael Hyatt.

The reason I liked Trey’s book is it gave me a longer vision of what I should be focusing on as our agency grows and sustains into the future as it beat the drum of Culture, People and Numbers. So often as business leaders you can lose yourself in the day to day operations and lose focus in these three areas.  It reiterated the importance of staying focused on them and gave the supporting reasons and rationale on why it is so important to be supportive of these areas.

Next was the Michael Hyatt book because it gave actionable steps and downloadable tools to actually filter out tasks that shouldn’t be on your desk to begin with including strategies to eliminate, delegate and automate to give yourself the time to be Free to Focus on what is important.  And that is where Trey’s book helped put that in perspective.

So, the two dovetailed into each other in my opinion and I found great value in each for their influence on our business.

Michael Lutz, CEO, Compass Benefits Group

Summer reads (or listens)

I read a lot of books via Audible. Here are a few I got through this summer.

• “Influence Is Your Superpower” by Zoe Chance. She is a behavioral economics professor and researcher at Yale. I like a little science with my superpower. Whether you know it or not, we’re always influencing someone for something. One of my favorite take homes from this book is to be interested instead of interesting. People remember people who are interested in them. Many other useful insights in this book.
• “Four Thousand Weeks” by Oliver Burkman. He spends some time discussing finitude, something most of us don’t think about. We’ll never get to everything and that OK. But what do you want to get to? Can you easily say NO to people and projects? What’s most important to you and are you paying the right amount of attention to it. This is well beyond a time management course.
• “Think Again” by Adam Grant. Adam is a behavioral psychologist and uses a good amount of science to make his points. As I age, I want to make sure I don’t get into a rut or dogmatic thinking. There is still a lot I don’t know and I want to be sure to remain curious.
• “Unwinding Anxiety” by Judson Brewer, MD PhD. He has done a lot of research into anxiety and addiction and uses neuro and behavioral science to help people be more calm. With mindfulness he helps by identifying the trigger, behavior, and reward and provides ways to break the cycle. We don’t need drugs to do this, its in our reach other ways.
• “From Strength to Strength” by Arthur C. Brooks. Drawing from science, philosophy, eastern wisdom, and religion he helps people find strength in their wisdom as they age as we move from the young hustler phase of life. This happens to all of us around 50 and I began to notice it several years ago. We still have a lot to offer and we can be happy and comfortable in that insight. Many of the great wisdom teachers and religions show us what’s important and the notion of a bucket list may be more hedonistic than realistic.
• “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts. I never read fiction but my wife who is also an avid reader called this the best book she ever read. So I picked it up and been recommending it to everyone. This novel is largely based on the real life of the author who is a fugitive who escaped from prison in Australia hiding out in Bombay. The Audible version is great with all the accents of the characters from India to the UK. The story is compelling and keeps you on edge from page one. What a crazy story.

I haven’t been reading many health books lately but I have given “Never Pay The First Bill” by Marshall Allen to a few people. More people need this kind of help than ever and its great to have Marshall Allen’s book as a way to help them.

Mark Testa, executive vice president, Regenexx

Happy little changes

Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt

It’s an incredible book about happiness, science, habit forming, and how ancient wisdom applies to our modern life. It helped me sharpen a lot of the thinking about Hello Heart’s product, and how we create effective heart health habit forming. It was recommended to me by Tomer Cohen, the Chief product officer of Linkedin a few years ago. The key thing it taught me is that in order to create lasting healthy habits, you need to ensure the changes you decide to make are EASY. Our willpower to be happy and healthy fluctuates over time and weakens when life gets overwhelming. So only the habits that are easy to implement are the ones that stick over time, which is how we designed the digital coaching in Hello Heart and one of the reasons it’s so effective in managing heart health.

Maayan Cohen, Co-Founder and CEO, Hello Heart