Books are like Brain Software | How My Time Is “Book”Ed

Reading and listening to books is how I install new software in my brain. I’m addicted.

Have you heard the quote, “What you read says a lot about who you are?” I’m hoping this isn’t 100% accurate because when I’m not reading/listening to leadership and wellness books I truly enjoy a good suspense or mystery novel. Check out my favorite books!

All-Star Favorites – Fiction and Nonfiction


never-eat-alone-book

Never Eat Alone | Keith Ferrazzi

I learned a lot about organizing my CRM and Keith Ferrazzi did an amazing job of making you understand how to give first and never expect anything in return.

“Who you know determines who you are—how you feel, how you act, and what you achieve.”


Pillars of the Earth | Ken Follett

Hands-down, this is one of my fiction favorites. I don’t remember how I originally came across Ken Follett because I have never had an interest in history, especially a twelfth-century tale but I’ve been a huge fan of Ken Follett ever since. His writing is stellar and the depth of his character development touches on every emotion.

“When things are simple, fewer mistakes are made. The most expensive part of a building is the mistakes.” ― Ken Follett


What I’m Currently Reading


Unleashed | Frances Frei

I ran into Frances Frei, a Professor of Technology and Operations Management at Harvard Business School,  on Clubhouse. We discussed the future of the workplace and I asked for her take on the WFH (work from home) movement. I immediately download her book, “Unleashed,” and I’ve truly enjoyed her advice and proven-tools to tackle a myriad of leadership challenges we are all facing today. If you are in a leadership role, this book will take you to the next level.

“In our experience, the number one obstacle to great service—number one by a long shot—is the emotional unwillingness to embrace weakness.” ― Frances Frei


Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words | David Whyte

My good friend @JeffTurner wrote a compelling recommendation for this book on Twitter. Since we banter quite a bit (mostly about my love for Microsoft Teams and his disdain) his tweets always catch my attention.

“Forgiveness is a heartache and difficult to achieve because strangely, it not only refuses to eliminate the original wound, but actually draws us closer to its source. To approach forgiveness is to close in on the nature of the hurt itself, the only remedy being, as we approach its raw center, to reimagine our relation to it.”


Sweet Water | by Cara Reinard

My wonderful friend Cara Reinard just released her latest novel. It’s a psychological thriller titled, Sweet Water, which takes place in Sewickley, PA, my stomping grounds every summer growing up in suburban Pittsburgh. I’m a few chapters in and Cara (as always) does an amazing job of grabbing the readers interest from the beginning.


Books On Deck


Remote Work Revolution | Tsedal Neeley

I was introduced to Tsedal’s book,  Remote Work Revolution by Frances Frei, during a Clubhouse discussion on the future of the workplace. I’m excited to read this because many business leaders are trying to figure out what’s next in a post-pandemic world. Some are finding that remote work is a viable solutions and others are testing hybrid work models.


The Hill We Climb | Amanda Gorman

This book showed up on my desk last week from my dear friend and colleague Dana Bice. “The Hill We Climb” is written by an amazing poet who easily brought tears to my eyes during her reading this poem at the presidential inauguration.


About The Author

Kim Ford, SIOR, LEED AP is the Founder & CEO of Rise Pittsburgh. She has 20+ years of Commercial Real Estate experience exclusively representing businesses. Host of evolve – Leadership Evolution streaming on YouTube and Spotify, Apple and Google Podcasts. Kim is a proud mom of 4 with a super cool husband, has 2 pups, a cat, and loves all things fitness and outdoors. Follow Kim on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram!

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