By Kelly Callahan-Poe, President, Williams Whittle

Warren Buffet says “Read 500 pages…every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest. All of you can do it, but I guarantee not many of you will do it.”

500 pages a day is a major commitment. A book a week (#ABookAWeek) is a big commitment. I took that challenge last spring when my one-hour daily commute (each way) ended on March 13th, 2020, freeing up more time for reading. About six months in, I realized how much of a challenge it was and expanded it to include other forms of media: four MasterClasses, two podcasts, nine videos, including a commencement speech, a documentary, and several Ted Talks.

56 books. 

70 forms of media. 

I intended to stop at 52, but I formed a habit. 

My interests go in phases. 

From productivity hacks and high performance to negotiating and storytelling, skipping over to leadership and culture, then over to stoicism, essentialism, and oh my… I must support the slaying and inclusifying power moms, only taking a break to figure out who moved my cheese while focusing on the 20% of important things that will lead to my success, happiness and fulfillment while mastering a 4-hour workweek. Deep breath. 

Overwhelming as it seemed at times, I must admit, there were benefits: mental stimulation, stress reduction, and improved focus and concentration. Regular reading sharpened my thought process, sparked ideas and insights, and improved my writing.  

Reading is also a vehicle to connect with others. I have received many comments from authors thanking me for the book reviews and reaching out with suggestions for new books to be included. 

If you ask me what my favorite business book is, I will reply that it depends. Check out our list https://www.williamswhittle.com/wwmediaclub/ and let me know what I’m missing. 

For more on “Ideas that Generate Change for Nonprofits”, visit our website: williamswhittle.com.

Williams Whittle is a Capitol Communicator sponsor.