“Becoming a coach – The essential ICF guide” by Jonathan Passmore and Tracy Sinclair is a book that outlines what it takes to be international coaching federation coach.  With the advent of social media, the barrier to entry for any expert is zero.  Which means anybody can set themselves up and call themselves a coach.  With this book, Passmore and Sinclair describe the fundamentals of coaching.

From the definition of coaching, to the self-awareness of the coach, to development core competencies and various coaching models like GROW.  They also discuss coaching best practice like ethics and working with clients.  The book wouldn’t be complete without a coaches coach and the book has a whole section on self-development and your own assessment as a coach.  If you are looking to be a coach or want an update, this is a great place to start. 

"The Fisherman’s Path to Leadership: 224 Lessons from the Wisdom of Nature" by Oleg Konovalov is a refreshing take on leadership, drawing insightful parallels between the art of fishing and the art of leading. Through vivid anecdotes and profound reflections, Konovalov illuminates the profound wisdom that can be gleaned from the simplicity of nature. Just as a seasoned fisherman navigates the rough waters with determination and resilience, leaders must weather storms with unwavering resolve and a clear vision for success. Konovalov's narrative not only imparts practical leadership lessons but also instills a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world.

With each lesson shared, Konovalov reinforces the importance of embracing challenges, fostering a culture of collaboration, and maintaining a mindset of continuous growth. Whether it's navigating treacherous seas or facing corporate silos, the book underscores the significance of adapting to change and leading with empathy and authenticity. Through his engaging storytelling and insightful observations, Konovalov invites readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and leadership development, inspired by the timeless wisdom of nature. "The Fisherman’s Path to Leadership" is a compelling read that will resonate with leaders at every level, offering invaluable insights into the art of leadership distilled from the timeless rhythms of the natural world.

In "Unfair Mindshare – A CMO’s Guide to Community-Led Marketing in a Product-Led World," Derek E. Weeks provides an invaluable resource for modern marketers navigating the complexities of community engagement. Unlike traditional marketing approaches that focus solely on direct selling tactics, Weeks introduces a refreshing perspective that prioritizes building genuine connections within communities. What sets this book apart is its emphasis on aligning community building with revenue generation, demonstrating that fostering authentic relationships can translate into tangible business success.

Through a well-crafted step-by-step guide, Weeks shares his firsthand experiences in establishing a thriving global community without resorting to intrusive sales tactics. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of nurturing trust, providing value, and fostering meaningful interactions within the community ecosystem. By following Weeks' strategies, marketers can unlock the full potential of community-led marketing, driving sustainable growth and revenue for their businesses while simultaneously enriching the lives of their community members. "Unfair Mindshare" is an essential read for any CMO looking to leverage the power of community in today's product-centric landscape.

Jenny Li Fowler's book, "Organic Social Media – Building Flourishing Online Communities," provides readers with invaluable insights into the intricacies of creating and nurturing online communities. Through her extensive experience and expertise, Fowler introduces the concept of the 6Ms: mission, message, management, medium, metrics, and monitoring. Delving into each aspect, she meticulously lays out a roadmap for building thriving digital communities, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, audience-centric content creation, and continual engagement beyond just posting. With her engaging voice and practical approach, Fowler demystifies the enigmatic algorithms and offers readers actionable strategies to cultivate meaningful online connections.

Fowler's book not only serves as a comprehensive guide for social media enthusiasts and professionals but also as a testament to her profound understanding of the digital landscape. Through her conversational tone and wealth of knowledge, she underscores the significance of aligning one's online presence with a clear mission and message while employing effective management techniques. By emphasizing the importance of metrics and monitoring, Fowler equips readers with the tools to adapt and evolve their strategies in response to the ever-changing digital landscape. 

"World Class: How to Lead, Learn and Grow like a Champion" by Ben Fennell and Will Greenwood offers a compelling blend of leadership insights drawn from the worlds of business and sports. With Fennell's extensive experience as a CEO and Greenwood's background as a professional rugby player, the authors provide a unique perspective on what it takes to excel in competitive environments. Through a combination of personal anecdotes and practical advice, they outline strategies for cultivating a winning mindset, fostering effective teamwork, and continuously striving for improvement. Whether you're a business leader looking to elevate your organization or an athlete seeking to maximize your potential, this book offers valuable lessons on how to achieve world-class performance.

One of the book's strengths lies in its emphasis on the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Fennell and Greenwood stress the value of embracing challenges, learning from failure, and staying resilient in the face of adversity. Drawing on their own experiences of overcoming obstacles and achieving success, they provide readers with actionable strategies for staying ahead in a rapidly changing world. "World Class" is a must-read for anyone committed to pursuing excellence in their chosen field, offering a wealth of wisdom and inspiration for aspiring champions everywhere.

"Too Many Hats, Too Little Time – Productivity Reimagined with AI Persona" by Michael J. Goldrich offers a groundbreaking perspective on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize productivity and streamline business operations. As an AI-driven business innovator, Goldrich provides invaluable insights into leveraging AI to enhance marketing, sales, and operational efficiency. What sets this book apart is Goldrich's hands-on approach, guiding readers through practical steps to integrate AI seamlessly into their business strategies. Through a comprehensive case study, Goldrich illustrates how to harness AI prompts and responses effectively, empowering readers to optimize their workflows and maximize profits. Moreover, while Goldrich authored the book, his innovative use of AI for editing and copyrighting underscores the book's commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology in every aspect of the publishing process.

Goldrich's expertise shines through in "Too Many Hats, Too Little Time," offering readers a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the complexities of AI integration in business. By demystifying AI and providing actionable strategies, Goldrich empowers entrepreneurs and business leaders to unlock the full potential of AI-driven productivity. Whether you're starting a new venture or scaling up an existing business, this book serves as an indispensable guide for harnessing AI to drive growth and innovation. With its clear and insightful guidance, "Too Many Hats, Too Little Time" is a must-read for anyone seeking to stay ahead in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

"Leading the Listening Organisation – Creating Organisations that Flourish" by Mike Pounsford, Kevin Ruck, and Howard Krais delves into a critical aspect often overlooked in organizational dynamics – the power of listening. In a world where effective communication is at the heart of success, this book serves as a timely reminder that listening to employees is not just a gesture but a strategic imperative. By weaving together insights from four surveys with academic rigor, the authors provide a compelling narrative for leaders, HR departments, and internal communications teams to understand the profound impact of active listening on organizational health and performance. Through discussions on employee experience, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and diversity and inclusion, the book presents a roadmap for creating environments where every voice is heard and valued.

At its core, 'Leading the Listening Organisation' challenges traditional notions of leadership by emphasizing that genuine listening is not merely a checkbox in managerial duties but a cornerstone of effective leadership. The authors eloquently argue that without a deep understanding of employee perspectives, leaders risk steering their organizations blindly. Through practical insights and actionable strategies, this book empowers leaders to cultivate cultures of openness, trust, and inclusivity, ultimately fostering organizations that not only survive but truly flourish in today's complex business landscape. If you are committed to enhancing organizational effectiveness and employee engagement, this book is an indispensable guide that will revolutionize the way you lead and listen.

"Sales Careers Unveiled – Your Guide to Choosing, Launching, and Accelerating Your B2B Sales Career" by Johnathan Pascall offers invaluable insights into the world of sales, drawing from the author's personal experiences and observations. Pascall's upbringing in a family immersed in sales laid the foundation for his own career choice, giving him a unique perspective on the profession. In this book, he reflects on the importance of mentorship and guidance in the sales industry, highlighting the disparity between those who enter sales with a solid foundation and those who do not. Through anecdotes and practical advice, Pascall addresses the fundamental question of whether sales is the right career path for readers, while also providing invaluable tips for navigating the challenges and opportunities within the field.

Unlike traditional sales manuals, "Sales Careers Unveiled" transcends mere selling techniques, delving into the deeper considerations of whether individuals are suited for a career in sales and how to thrive once they've embarked on this journey. Pascall's candid exploration of the realities of sales, coupled with his emphasis on the need for mentorship and continuous learning, makes this book essential reading for anyone contemplating or already entrenched in a sales career. Whether you're a novice seeking guidance or a seasoned professional looking for fresh perspectives, Pascall's insights will inspire and empower you to navigate the complexities of the B2B sales landscape with confidence and clarity.

Helen Edwards' "From Marginal to Mainstream" offers a refreshing take on the trajectory of brands, delving into the fascinating journey of once-marginal ideas and products that have successfully transitioned into the mainstream market. With insightful analysis and engaging narratives, Edwards explores unconventional success stories, from worm farms to plant-based meat, highlighting the transformative power of innovation and rebranding. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Edwards not only celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of marginal brands but also provides invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the path from the fringes to the forefront of consumer consciousness.

In this insightful guide, Edwards adeptly deciphers the strategies and principles behind the ascent of marginal brands, offering practical advice on how to seize opportunities and cultivate a distinctive identity in a crowded marketplace. Drawing on real-world examples and astute observations, she elucidates the crucial elements of successful brand transformation, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, differentiation, and consumer-centricity. "From Marginal to Mainstream" is a must-read for marketers, innovators, and anyone intrigued by the dynamics of brand evolution, offering a roadmap for harnessing the disruptive potential of fringe ideas and propelling them into the mainstream zeitgeist.

"Wandering Spirits: Modern Fables" by Salman Ansari is a delightful departure from the conventional narratives we're accustomed to. Ansari, known for his prowess in the IT industry, showcases his versatility with this collection of fables that seamlessly blend wisdom and whimsy. What sets this book apart is Ansari's dual role as both author and illustrator, infusing each tale with his distinctive artistic vision. Through enchanting storytelling and captivating illustrations, Ansari invites readers of all ages to embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.

These modern fables resonate deeply with universal truths while addressing contemporary themes, making them equally engaging for adults and children alike. Ansari's imaginative narratives are imbued with moral lessons that subtly encourage readers to reflect on life's complexities and find meaning in the mundane. "Wandering Spirits" is a testament to Ansari's creativity and his ability to transcend boundaries, leaving readers enchanted and inspired long after they've turned the final page.

I wrote the first edition of "social selling - techniques to influence buyers and changemakers - 1st edition" (the one with the white cover) back in 2015 and it was published in 2016. It was the first book on social selling to be published. With so many changes that have taken place in social media over time, when Kogan Page, my publisher, approached me and asked for a second edition (the one with the yellow cover), I agreed.

This second edition, has been totally updated from 187 pages to 306. I explain how the world of business has changed with digital and how that impacts the modern buyer and it's a business imperative that we change our sales and marketing.

Many people often think that social selling is some sort of future state. It's not, it's the here and now. DLA Ignite, my company, for example, has clients doing $multi-million deals using social media. If your not doing $multi-million deals on social, your competition are and you are losing market share and revenue.

With this book, I contacted people I knew that were using social media to drive revenue and got them to tell their story. Chris Fleming the CEO of Cyberhawk, shares how he transformed his business to social and digital 3 years ago. Putting that another way, if you haven't transformed to a social selling methodology by now, you are 3 years behind the market.

In my second book, "Smarketing - How to achieve competitive advantage through blended sales and marketing" published through Kogan Page, we looked at the age old problem of marketing and sales working together.  At the time there was a lot of conversations on social media about how on earth do we get sales and marketing to be one team?

The book, takes a case study, which we cannot mention, it works through the strategy, how to implement a program to implement sales and marketing, the political risks and measures and governance. The book finishes with a look into the future of sales and marketing.

I would admit that if we wrote the book today, we would probably call it Rev-ops (revenue operations).

Please note that some reviews (but not all) I had Chat GPT to help me.