This episode is our last combined episode of the year, and we're closing it out by sharing the books that shaped our thinking, challenged our perspectives, and kept us turning pages late into the night. From nonfiction that gave us language for the work we do to fiction that transported us to other worlds, these are the reads that resonated most with us in 2025.La'Kita's Top ReadsOn Tyranny by Timothy Snyder20 lessons from the 20th century on resisting authoritarianism. The lesson that stuck most: "Do not obey in advance"—don't comply or shift norms before you're required to. A call to action that feels urgent and applicable beyond politics.Living in Wisdom by Devi BrownA guide to embodying your authentic self, embracing grief, and developing self-mastery. All the work is internal—journaling, meditation, being in nature—pulled together in a comprehensive way that challenges you to make these practices a way of being, not just productivity tools.Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler by Susana M. MorrisA biography that explores how Octavia Butler lived her life—her commitment to her calling despite doubt and rejection, her practice of manifestation ("so be it, see to it"), and how she created her own circumstances. Essential reading for anyone interested in creativity and creative leadership.Authentic by Jodi-Ann BureyA powerful exploration of how workplaces use "authenticity" disingenuously and what it actually means to be authentic. Filled with stories from women of color, Black women, and disabled women. Key line: "Authenticity invites us to declare I am not a worker, I am a person at work."The Source by Dr. Tara SwartCombines neuroscience with manifestation and intention-setting. A former psychiatrist turned coach who makes clear these are ancient ideas that neuroscience is just now catching up to. Step-by-step guidance on visualization, intention setting, and rewiring your brain.Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (Fiction)A woman stands up on a flight and predicts exactly when passengers will die—and the predictions start coming true. Weaves together fate, science, coincidence, and anxiety in a page-turner that explores how much we make our own luck.Chloe's Top ReadsCareless People by Sarah Wynn-WilliamsAn eye-opening indictment of Facebook and tech culture that shifted perspectives on Meta products. A reminder that what we see isn't the whole story and it's worth digging deeper.Be Ready When Luck Happens by Ina GartenA memoir that beautifully acknowledges the role of both hard work and luck in success. Ina's honest about being in the right place at the right time with the right opportunities—and the privilege that created those circumstances.The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel WilkersonThe story of the Great Migration of African Americans from the 1940s-70s. A transformational read that raised the question: why wasn't this taught in school? Essential reading, especially for white folks in the US, to understand systemic racism and how recent this history is.Uncompete by Ruchika MalhotraChallenges everything we've been told about the benefits of competition. From being placed in "gifted and talented" programs as kids to operating in capitalist systems as adults, we're set up to compete—but this book offers a different path through abundance and collaboration.The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson (Fiction)Science fiction exploring different timelines and realities. Character-driven with themes of identity, privilege, and colonialism. The kind of fiction that makes you pause and think—and talk about what you're reading.Thanks for being with us this year. As always, thank you for your leadership.Resources:Navigating a big transition? Check out our Pivot Plan: 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Your Next Big Move.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.Interested in going deeper in your own leadership and building your network? Join the waitlist for The CoCreate Work Leadership Book Club to explore the themes from this episode in community—through powerful reads, reflection prompts, and live conversations.Our last session of the Culture Crash Course just ended, but if you're interested in a Culture Crash Course for your organization or team, please contact us at [email protected] in leadership development for your team? Our Workshops are a great wait to develop your team's skills and connection.At CoCreate Work, we believe in asking great questions. Click here to receive our guide to 40 Powerful Questions to accelerate your growth.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]

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