Book Capsules, November 2025

Be Yourself at Work
Claude Silver
Harper Business, 256 pp., $32

With the technological advancements available, companies expect much of what professionals do at work to be polished, clean, and perfect, almost to a fault. In Be Yourself at Work, Silver argues that instead of performing to fit that aesthetic, everyone should show up to work as their true selves to unlock their capacity to connect, thrive, and do their best. Aside from the uptick in productivity, the author says being authentic is also a cure for burnout, and it helps people build human-first workplace connections. Silver draws on her years of experience coaching, team building, and speaking to introduce readers to a new framework to help them lead with bravery, optimism, and efficiency at work.

Give First
Brad Feld
Ideapress, 154 pp., $18.95

Feld believes the key to building a lasting startup community is to break free from a transactional mindset and embrace mentorship without strings attached. He shares his decades of experience as an entrepreneur and an investor to explain how to refine mentorship through his "give first" philosophy. He explains that the philosophy goes beyond paying it forward because it's a continuous, optimistic, and empathetic mindset in one's professional life. Give First offers reflections, practical tips, and real-life examples to guide readers to becoming an empathetic mentor who can change workplace culture and help transform and develop employees and leaders around them.