Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve spent my career helping leaders elevate the human experience for customers, employees, and shareholders. Along the way, I’ve written 13 bestselling books about clients like Starbucks and Mercedes-Benz and advised leaders across industries, from hospitality to healthcare. But beyond the C-suite, I’ve always been a student of leadership. I read widely and constantly to challenge my thinking and deepen my understanding. These five books have shaped how I lead, teach, and live. Each one offers something unexpected, timeless, or transformational—and I’m excited to share them with those who share a passion for what it means to lead well.


I wrote...

All Business Is Personal

By Joseph A. Michelli ,

Book cover of All Business Is Personal

What is my book about?

This book explores how Amazon’s One Medical revolutionized healthcare and what every business can learn from its human-centered, tech-powered approach.…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future

Joseph A. Michelli Why I love this book

I was captivated by Indra Nooyi’s blend of fierce intellect and deep humanity. I couldn’t stop reflecting on how she navigated leadership without compromising authenticity or family.

Her story reminded me that grace and grit must coexist and that decisive leadership doesn’t require shedding your values at the boardroom door.

By Indra Nooyi ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked My Life in Full as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A New York Times Bestseller
 
An intimate and powerful memoir by the trailblazing former CEO of PepsiCo

For a dozen years as one of the world’s most admired CEOs, Indra Nooyi redefined what it means to be an exceptional leader. The first woman of color and immigrant to run a Fortune 50 company — and one of the foremost strategic thinkers of our time — she transformed PepsiCo with a unique vision, a vigorous pursuit of excellence, and a deep sense of purpose. Now, in a rich memoir brimming with grace, grit, and good humor, My Life in Full offers…


Book cover of Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.

Joseph A. Michelli Why I love this book

I dog-eared nearly every page of this book. Brené helps us see that vulnerability is a leadership superpower. Every time I re-read this classic, I walk away with a renewed commitment to lead with courage, even if I'm uncomfortable.

This book equips us to show up fully and fiercely.

By Brené Brown ,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked Dare to Lead as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Brené Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, she’s showing us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead.

Don’t miss the five-part HBO Max docuseries Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart!

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BLOOMBERG

Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and…


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Book cover of Social Security for Future Generations

Social Security for Future Generations by John A. Turner,

This book provides new options for reform of the Social Security (OASI) program. Some options are inspired by the U.S. pension system, while others are inspired by the literature on financial literacy or the social security systems in other countries.

An example of our proposals inspired by the U.S. pension…

Book cover of The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge

Joseph A. Michelli Why I love this book

I expected Calvin Coolidge and his leadership journey to be dry and forgettable. Wow, was I wrong! President Coolidge’s restraint, clarity, and humility inspired me.

This book is a quiet masterclass in unifying and principled leadership. It was a refreshing and much-needed read in a time of divisive political rhetoric. 

By Calvin Coolidge ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Amity Shlaes reclaimed a misunderstood president with her bestselling biography Coolidge. Now she presents an expanded and annotated edition of that president's masterful memoir.

The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge is as unjustly neglected as Calvin Coolidge himself. The man caricatured as 'Silent Cal' was a gifted writer. The New York Times called him 'the most literary man who has occupied the White House since 1865.' One biographer wrote that Coolidge's autobiography 'displays a literary grace that is lacking in most such books by former presidents.'

The Coolidge who emerges in these pages is a model of character, principle, and humility…


Book cover of Seven Lessons for Leading in Crisis

Joseph A. Michelli Why I love this book

I read this during the COVID-19 lockdowns while writing one of my books, and it was a lifeline. Bill George, professor of management practice at Harvard Business School, packed this book with actionable wisdom for maintaining authentic, steady leadership during uncertain times.

He doesn’t spoon-feed solutions. He forces you to reflect, think, and consider your actions.

By Bill George ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Seven Lessons for Leading in Crisis as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

One of the country's most trusted leaders offers time-tested and real world advice for leading in economic hard times

From business giant Bill George, the acclaimed author of Wall Street Journal's bestseller True North, comes the just-in-time guide for anyone in a leadership position facing today's unprecedented economic challenges. The former CEO of Medtronic draws from his own in-the-trenches experience and lessons from leaders (representing an array of companies) who have weathered tough economic storms. With straight talk and clear directions, George shows leaders specifically what they must do to become strong leaders and survive any crisis. His seven lessons…


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Book cover of Gifts from a Challenging Childhood: Healing the Legacy of Childhood Trauma

Gifts from a Challenging Childhood by Jan Bergstrom,

Learn to understand and work with your childhood wounds. Do you feel like old wounds or trauma from your childhood keep showing up today? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed with what to do about it and where to start? If so, this book will help you travel down a path…

Book cover of Rise to Greatness

Joseph A. Michelli Why I love this book

I knew Dave back when we were the only two students in a University of Denver writing class—and even then, I knew his voice was rare.

This book spotlights his mastery. Dave’s portrait of Lincoln’s leadership is searing, poetic, and wise. With every page turn, I felt history’s weight and relevance.

By David Von Drehle ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rise to Greatness as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

As 1862 dawned, the American republic was at death's door. The federal government appeared overwhelmed, the U.S. Treasury was broke, and the Union's top general was gravely ill. The Confederacy - with its booming economy, expert military leadership, and commanding position on the battlefield - had a clear view to victory. To a remarkable extent, the survival of the country depended on the judgment, cunning, and resilience of the unschooled frontier lawyer who had recently been elected president. Twelve months later, the Civil War had become a cataclysm but the tide had turned. The Union generals who would win the…


Explore my book 😀

All Business Is Personal

By Joseph A. Michelli ,

Book cover of All Business Is Personal

What is my book about?

This book explores how Amazon’s One Medical revolutionized healthcare and what every business can learn from its human-centered, tech-powered approach. This book blends cutting-edge tools with personal connections to create experiences that drive loyalty and referrals.

Packed with real-world examples and actionable strategies, this is your guide to making customer and employee experiences more effortless, personal, and impactful. Whether you lead a startup or a global brand, you’ll learn how to grow your people, streamline service, and design with empathy—so your business thrives through meaningful relationships and thoughtful innovation.

Book cover of My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future
Book cover of Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
Book cover of The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge

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