July 2025 TD Authors: What's on Your Bookshelf?

Christiaan " Tiaan" Vermeulen and André Vermeulen Jr.

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know

By Adam Grant

In this book, Adam shows how rethinking, unlearning, and questioning assumptions are essential for growth in a rapidly changing world. It's an inspiring read for anyone who wants to lead with curiosity, think more flexibly, be more neuro agile, and create space for innovation.

Katie Sheketoff

An Everyone Culture

By Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey

As talent development professionals, we spend a lot of time crafting excellent learning and growth programs and opportunities, yet the reality of our success is often beyond our control. This book describes the fundamental tenets of "deliberately developmental organizations," or organizations that center employees' development and growth in their operational strategy. This radical rethinking of the purpose and role of an organization provides an interesting insight into how companies can grow in an uncertain future.

David Leaser

Measure What Matters

By John Doerr

Many L&D leaders are measuring the wrong things—metrics that don't matter to the business and do not tie to business impact. This book shows how to develop the objectives and key results methodology used by Intel, Google, and LinkedIn to align people with performance and outcomes. The book teaches L&D leaders how to connect learning objectives, measure impact, and demonstrate real value to the C-suite.

Switch

By Chip Heath and Dan Heath

This book helped me change my mindset at IBM while developing their Digital Credential Program. Switch is a masterclass in change management, perfect for anyone tasked with transforming behaviors, systems, or cultures. For L&D professionals, this book will teach how to implement change that sticks at a time when change is a constant.

• Design behavior-based learning programs

• Drive leadership development and culture shifts

• Overcome resistance to new learning tech or systems

To implement change, you must appeal to the rational brain that needs clear direction and the emotional side that needs motivation. And you must shape the environment to enable the change. This book provides a step-by-step plan to do that.

Emily Mason

The New Consultant’s Quick Start Guide: An Action Plan for Your First Year in Business

By Elaine Biech

I first connected with Elaine at an ATD conference in San Diego two years ago. At that time, I was standing at the edge of entrepreneurship, eager to start my own business but unsure of where to begin. Elaine’s session gave me something I did not have before: clear direction and practical steps that made the path forward feel possible.

After the session, I approached her to share my gratitude. In her generous and kind way, she sent me this book. I had no idea then just how important it would become in my journey.

In 2023, I officially launched my business, and this book has been by my side ever since. Whenever I face a challenge or need a bit of guidance, I ask myself, “What would Elaine do?” Every time, the answer is right there in these pages.

This book is more than a guide. It is a trusted companion for anyone stepping into the world of consulting.