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

Elham Arabi

The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain

By Annie Murphy Paul

This revolutionary book challenges the idea that thinking only happens in our brains. Based on solid research, Paul shows that our minds extend into our bodies, living and work environments, and relationships—and we can use that to think better. The book offers ample practical tips and stories to help us think smarter, express ourselves, and achieve better results without exerting ourselves. It’s a game-changer for anyone wanting to improve their learning, creativity, or problem-solving abilities. The book also gives TD professionals and managers a research-backed blueprint for boosting team performance by optimizing physical spaces, incorporating movement into learning, and leveraging collective intelligence instead of just individual thinking.

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

By Adam Grant

This book makes the case that our ability to unlearn and change our minds is more valuable than being right. Drawing on behavioral science, Grant shows how successful people treat their opinions like hypotheses, approach disagreements with curiosity, and create environments where intellectual humility thrives. The book offers practical strategies for better decision making and learning agility by embracing the discomfort of being wrong. It’s a great read for anyone wanting to navigate complexity and improve their thinking in a rapidly changing world.

The CEO's Guide to Training, eLearning & Work

By Will Thalheimer

This practical book guides senior leaders and learning professionals to gain a competitive advantage through strategic L&D efforts. While CEOs and decision makers will find valuable insights for maximizing return on investment, learning professionals will discover research-backed approaches for creating high-impact learning experiences that truly drive performance.

Michelle Vitus

Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter

By Liz Wiseman

You’ve probably noticed that some leaders amplify the intelligence and capability of their team members, while others seem to drain it. In Multipliers, Wiseman explores how the best leaders don’t need to have all the answers. Instead, they create conditions for others to thrive. Grounded in research and filled with real-world examples, this is a must-read for anyone who wants to lead with impact and unlock the full potential of their team.

Build the Life You Want

By Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey

Many people feel like happiness requires different circumstances—a better job, a different life. But what if it doesn't? The authors reframe happiness not as a finish line but as a direction individuals can intentionally move toward. Using the roots of purpose, satisfaction, and enjoyment, this book offers practical strategies to navigate life's messiness, find clarity amid pain, and transform setbacks into growth.

Melisa Parks

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits Break Bad Ones

By James Clear

I keep coming back to Atomic Habits because it reminds me that real change comes from small steps, not giant leaps. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve and try new things, and this book helps me do that in a way that feels manageable and lasting.

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters

By Priya Parker

I first picked up The Art of Gathering after hearing Parker speak at a conference, and it shifted how I think about bringing people together. Her idea that every gathering should start with a meaningful intention stays with me because the way we gather shapes how we connect and experience moments that matter. Whether it’s a birthday party or a corporate dinner, this book reminds me that the magic happens when people are at the center.

Amanda Hangman

Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change (Second Edition)

By Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

This is a book I return to again and again. Grenny et al. masterfully blend behavioral science with practical application, offering a clear framework for driving change. It cuts through the scientific jargon to help leaders understand what moves people and sustains new behaviors.

Humanizing Data Strategy: Leading Data with the Head and the Heart

By Tiankai Feng

Data strategy can’t succeed without people. This book unpacks the organizational and interpersonal dynamics we often overlook—yet they are the very dynamics that can become stumbling blocks to implementing and sustaining data-informed initiatives. It also has crossover to AI initiatives, making it a great read for anyone working on both data and AI strategy.

The Outward Mindset: How to Change Lives and Transform Organizations

By The Arbinger Institute

This book flips traditional, command-driven leadership on its head. Rather than telling others to change or demanding compliance, it challenges us to focus on mindset. With the right mindset, leaders can create systems and relationships that make it easy and natural for others to choose the right behaviors.

Geoffrey M. Roche

The Rising Leader Handbook

By Mark J. Silverman

I love the author's reminder for people to focus on mastering skills in leading up, leading across, leading your team, and leading yourself. The book is important for training and development leaders and professionals as we consider our vital role in career and economic mobility.