In a world filled with resources vying for our attention, discovering those that best fuel inspiration can be transformative. Insights from an owner and a founder & Tech Career Coach capture valuable lessons, each providing unique takeaways. The journey begins with focusing on small consistent changes and culminates by finding purpose in life through challenges. Dive into this article featuring 12 insightful contributions from industry trailblazers who are redefining success, one inspirational resource at a time.
► Focus on Small Consistent Changes
► Discover Inspiration Through Walking Meditation
► Learn from Entrepreneurial Journeys
► Embrace Discipline, Ownership, and Leadership
► Understand Orderly Leadership and Strategy
► Adopt Continuous Innovation and Growth
► Shine with Authenticity and Vulnerability
► Chase Dreams and Learn from Steps
► Gain Industry Insights from Key Podcasts
► Apply Flexible Principles to Recycling
► Reframe Difficulty as Lessons Learned
► Find Purpose in Life Through Challenges
Focus on Small Consistent Changes
One resource I consistently turn to for inspiration is the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It inspires me because it breaks down the power of small, consistent changes in both personal and professional life. The concept of focusing on 1% improvements resonates deeply, reminding me that success often comes from accumulating small wins over time.
This approach has helped me implement more effective habits within my business, like regular process-optimizations and small tweaks in marketing strategies, which have ultimately led to significant growth and productivity improvements.
Andrew Lee Jenkins, Owner, Andrew Lee Jenkins
Discover Inspiration Through Walking Meditation
I regularly turn to walking meditation when I need a dose of inspiration and find it challenging to be fully present in my body. While it might be tempting to push through a lack of creativity, what we often need is a fresh perspective—something that can be discovered during a mindful walk.
As a career coach specializing in tech executives, I frequently share this invaluable resource with clients who are struggling to calm their racing minds. I encourage them to unplug, step outside, and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. This practice not only calms the mind but also opens up new avenues for creativity and inspiration.
Dr. Kyle Elliott, Founder & Tech Career Coach, CaffeinatedKyle.com
Learn from Entrepreneurial Journeys
I find that the entrepreneurial journey is indeed tough and often lonely. Doubt can frequently creep in, and I sometimes wonder how much more I need to push to break through. A resource I consistently turn to for inspiration is the “How I Built This” podcast series by Guy Raz. He conducts in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs and leaders of well-known businesses, and it’s amazing to see that they have also faced the challenges I’m experiencing today. Their stories highlight that persistence and perseverance are usually the common factors in their ultimate success.
Ali Mirdamadi, CEO / Founder, Juujbox
Embrace Discipline, Ownership, and Leadership
A resource I turn to for inspiration is Jocko Willink’s podcast, especially his commanding monologues. I admire the way Jocko’s talks embody the three important virtues he espouses: discipline, ownership, and leadership. If you are audacious enough to lead people—without a doubt, a tough job on a good day and a nearly impossible one on bad days—then these are the three critical characteristics you must exhibit if you want to create a strong team.
In Jocko’s eyes (and mine), they are synonymous with being a good leader. They make you the kind of leader worth following. One talk of his has inspired me to no end: the one where he introduces you to the idea of responding to adversity with a simple mantra.
Blake Smith, Marketing Manager, ClockOn Australia
Understand Orderly Leadership and Strategy
There is a book that I will always look up to for inspiration: “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. This book essentially examines how certain companies demonstrate greatness compared to others, outlining how the companies build their success for a long time.
This book encourages me by drawing attention to aspects of management such as orderly leadership, coherent strategy, and thorough values and behaviors of the company. One of the principles that make perfect sense is about getting “the right people on the bus,” which explains why you come up with a vision when you could first focus on assembling a committed team. It amazes me every time I read it, and it touches on how to develop sharp business skills, bringing back the basic concepts of how growth and excellence can manage to last.
Khurram Mir, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Kualitatem Inc
Adopt Continuous Innovation and Growth
One resource I consistently turn to for inspiration is the book “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. Early in my entrepreneurial journey, when I was building my legal-process outsourcing company, I found myself facing uncertainty and constantly refining our services to meet client needs.
This book gave me a framework to approach challenges with a mindset of continuous experimentation and learning. I vividly remember applying the “build, measure, learn” feedback loop when we first introduced a cloud-based system for file sharing.
Instead of trying to launch a perfect solution, we started small, gathered feedback, and quickly iterated, which not only improved the product but also helped us meet our clients’ evolving needs more effectively.
The book continues to inspire me by reminding me to stay adaptable and focused on innovation, which is critical in maintaining long-term business success.
Aseem Jha, Founder, Legal Consulting Pro
Shine with Authenticity and Vulnerability
One resource that consistently inspires me is Scott Ferguson’s “Time to Shine Today” podcast. Having had the honor of being a guest on his show, I experienced firsthand the incredible presence, wit, and insight Scott brings to his interviews. His podcast focuses on helping individuals shine in their personal and professional lives, featuring guests from various backgrounds who share their unique stories and strategies for success in all areas of life.
What resonates deeply with me is Scott’s commitment to authenticity and vulnerability. He creates a space where guests can share not only their triumphs but also their challenges, highlighting that the path to success is often (always?) non-linear. This emphasis on real experiences encourages listeners to embrace their unique ups and downs as they move along in their visions. And he makes it so easy for his guests to have awesome conversations.
In addition to the inspiration I draw from his podcast, Scott recently appeared on my podcast, “Rise to Lead.” Our conversation revolved around Living a Life of Options, Not Obligations, and thus being an inspiring role model to your team, a philosophy Scott also promotes through his podcast. This exchange reinforced the importance of ongoing dialogue and learning in leadership, as we both shared insights that could help others navigate their paths more effectively.
Listening to “Time to Shine Today” not only fuels my motivation but also serves as a reminder that we all have the potential (and I would add, we owe it to ourselves) to shine, regardless of our circumstances. Scott’s ability to connect with diverse guests and extract valuable lessons makes this podcast a go-to resource for anyone looking to elevate their mindset and approach to life. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, leadership insights, or inspiration to overcome obstacles, this podcast has something for everyone.
Ultimately, “Time to Shine Today” inspires me to remain open to new ideas and to continue sharing my experiences through platforms like my podcast. By engaging with Scott’s work and other leaders, I strive to foster a community where we uplift one another, inspire others to step into their unique brilliance, and create impactful change.
Regina Huber, Transformational Leadership Coach, Speaker, Author, CEO, Transform Your Performance
Chase Dreams and Learn from Steps
I spend much time deeply involved in understanding company management. But, when I have time, when I need motivation, I always read a book that gives me inspiration: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. This book feels like an old friend on my journey through life, always telling me how important it is to chase after dreams and learn from every step we take along the way.
Erik Severinghaus, CEO, Bloomfilter
Gain Industry Insights from Key Podcasts
As a wedding-stationery designer running a small business in a competitive industry in my spare time, I find inspiration and valuable knowledge from several key podcasts.
“Cultive,” hosted by wedding stationers Miklya Manu and Shasta Bell, is a supreme resource for industry professionals like myself. What sets this podcast apart is the hosts’ willingness to share their expertise and provide valuable industry tips in an educational setting. When I’m facing a creative block or seeking new ideas, “Cultive” often provides the spark I need. Their discussions on current trends, client management, and design techniques have frequently helped me overcome challenges in my own business.
Another excellent podcast that I consistently turn to is “Hot off the Press,” hosted by Jillian and Moriah. This show stands out for its focus on both antique letterpress techniques and modern printing methods. As someone who strives to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, I find their insights invaluable. Their discussions on merging old-world charm with current aesthetics often inspire me to experiment with new approaches in my stationery designs.
While not directly related to stationery design, I can’t leave out my guilty pleasure: “Noble Blood.” This podcast serves as my “nerd moment,” satisfying my love for history and true crime. Although it may seem unrelated to my profession, I find that the storytelling techniques often inspire creative narrative elements in my designs. Historical contexts sometimes influence thematic choices in stationery, adding depth and uniqueness to my work.
These diverse podcasts collectively serve as a wellspring of inspiration, education, and enjoyment. They keep me connected to industry trends, push me to explore new techniques, and provide the occasional escapism that refreshes my creative spirit. In the fast-paced world of wedding stationery, where each project demands innovation and personalization, these audio resources have become indispensable tools in my creative process.
By tuning into these podcasts, I’m not just filling the silence in my studio; I’m constantly learning, growing, and finding new ways to infuse creativity into my designs. They remind me that in the world of wedding stationery, there’s always a new technique to master, a fresh perspective to consider, or an unexpected source of inspiration waiting to be discovered.
Ashley Barado, Director of Marketing, Utility Metering Solutions, LLC
Apply Flexible Principles to Recycling
I always search for ways to grow myself and improve our recycling and waste-management practices. One book that gives me a lot of inspiration is Ray Dalio’s “Principles.” This book is not only about business; it’s more like a guide for thinking and handling problems. I see its teachings can be used in nearly all our activities at WSC.
In recycling, there is not one solution good for everything. We take care of many things like scrap metal, old bedding, and expanded polystyrene (EPS). Our work happens in places all over North America and the Caribbean. That means we must be very organized and flexible. Dalio often discusses making systems that can change, and this idea has really stayed with me.
When I began with WSC, the recycling industry was not the same as now. We expanded because we stayed open to new methods, similar to Dalio’s idea of always changing and improving.
A part I like very much in the book is when Dalio speaks about making choices based on data. We have special workflow software that helps us track recycling information as it happens and lets us show this to our clients. This makes our process clear to see and helps clients decide better about how they affect the environment. I believe this way shows Dalio’s ideas on being honest and open about what works well and what does not.
If I have to give one main piece of advice, it is this: do not be scared to change the way you do things. Sometimes, solving a problem needs taking a step back, understanding each part of it clearly, and creating a method that helps get better slowly over time. For me, “Principles” is the tool that helps with this—not just for my company, but also in how I handle challenges overall.
Mark Whitley, CEO, Whits Corporation (WSC)
Reframe Difficulty as Lessons Learned
I’ve worked in marketing for 10+ years and recently made the transition to start my own company, move across the United States, and make a lot of changes in my life. On my drive across the country, I returned to the book I always turn to when I need help navigating the turbulence that change can bring: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.
“The Alchemist” is popular for many reasons and is translated into many languages, resonating with people around the world. For me, this book is a reminder to reframe difficulty as lessons to be learned and to choose courage over fear when it comes to making decisions. I’ve given this book to many friends experiencing change, we read an excerpt during our wedding, and I return to it whenever I am going through change. “The Alchemist” inspires me to pursue my unique path and understand that what seems right to me won’t always be easy.
Katy Peters, Founder, 8&a
Find Purpose in Life Through Challenges
“Man’s Search for Meaning” is my go-to book for inspiration, ideas, and self-soothing.
The book was written by Viktor Frankl. He was a doctor, the founder of logotherapy, and a survivor of the Nazis. In his book, he teaches us how to find purpose in life even when everything seems lost.
Reading this book transformed my perspective on life. Life is complex, and no matter how happy a person may be, there will be suffering at one point or another. It is important to learn how to navigate these challenges and lead a meaningful life in spite of them, and that’s what this book teaches us.
I consider this book to be perfect for people who are looking for nonobvious, authentic, and inspirational ideas.
Rae Brooks, Developmental Editor & Beta Reader, Rae Brooks
