Asked & Answered

ASKED&ANSWERED Inspiration for Your Aspirations!

Most of us can point to something or someone (often a mix of both and often many) that or who inspired us to take that leap, to make that move or to realize that we are capable of doing great things. We credit a sage piece of advice, a meaningful book or an enlightening experience as THE thing that serves as a lodestone we turn to when things aren’t going great and we need a reminder of our amazing accomplishments, no matter where we are on our journeys. W2W Magazine asked members of the W2W Council and Committees whether a book, or piece of advice, who or what inspires them?

My favorite book is Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud. I have worked with many inspirational women throughout my career and have learned so much from each one of them. Over the past couple of years, one of my supervisors has modeled and inspired me to be all that I can be. She personally has demonstrated how to be a woman in leadership. She took the time to care, showed servant-leadership, and encouraged me through my journey. One of the most influential things she taught me was that to be an effective leader you must be a model of that for which you would like to see or have others do. This has made me a stronger and effective leader. Women uplifting other women has and continues to inspire me.

Auria Bradley, Associate Vice President of Workforce & Continuing Education, Reading Area Community College

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero (and her subsequent books on the same topic). It’s relatable, like two girlfriends reminding each other to get out of your own way and be great, fearlessly and unapologetically. I’ve recommended and gifted this book more times than I can count.

Tammy Dahms, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Santander Arena/Reading Royals

The best book recommendation I ever received from a woman leader was Leaders Eat Last, by Simon Sinek. Quote from the book: “The will to succeed and desire to do things that advance the interest of the organization aren’t motivated by recognition, they are integral to a culture of sacrifice and service in which protection comes from all levels of the organization.”

Wendy Kerschner

Ifollow SPANX founder Sara Blakely on Instagram and am inspired by her success story, unflinching support of women, messages of encouragement and ability to laugh at herself.

Karen Klein, Owner, Fulcrum Information Resources

Brene Brown was introduced to me by an equine facilitated therapy clinical social worker who helped me for almost three years. During that time, I spent countless sessions learning about shame and vulnerability, but never made the connection to the business world until reading Daring Greatly and Dare to Lead. Brigette Potgieter, and the horses at Manderley Farm, changed my life.

Sarah McDaniel, COO, EthoSource

My favorite book is We Should All be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers. I picked up the book due to its bold title, but I didn’t read it until six months later. I’m glad that I did finally read it as I found it to be full of knowledge and inspiration on so many different levels. You learn about your own money mindset, building wealth, how to have million-dollar ideas and most importantly how to stop yourself from making broke decisions. People don’t like to talk about money, it’s such a taboo, but she is straight forward with it, and I love it. We need to talk about these topics, besides, who doesn’t want to be a millionaire? I think Rachel Rodgers is a leader and boss material and I want some of her good vibes. She teaches you that it’s not a bad thing to desire money, however, it’s a bad thing to feel guilty about it and not embrace what it can do for you and your loved ones.

Rosa J. Parra, Founder & Editor, Palo Magazine

There are so many amazing books out there but the one that has always stuck with me is The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins. The book helps a new leader (normally in a new position) work through setting them up for success and working with new groups of people, in the first 90 days. I gift this book to women all the time and it has helped me time and time again.

Rachael Romig, Senior Director-Event & Special Programs, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

Abook I found inspiring is The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates. I loved the book mostly for the storytelling and relatability to connect, but for the call that We are one. Melinda says, “Everyone wants to be included, so if we help everyone develop their talents and use their gifts for the good of the community. That is what inclusion means – everyone is a contributor.” I love that.

Brenda Rosado Diversity and Inclusion Manager, East Penn Manufacturing

2