Laura's latest book review was the 30th book that she read last year! What books are you reading or planning to read this year? Let us know in the comments!
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💡 Book Review: Veteran Led by John Berry 💡 I received this book at last month’s CEO Circle event, and it offered a great perspective on leadership. John Berry, an Army veteran and attorney, shares practical leadership lessons he learned in the military and how he’s translated them to the business world. John Berry doesn’t claim his methods will work for everyone, but he’s clear about what worked for him—and the mistakes that shaped his growth. Here are some insights I took away from the book: The buddy system: Employees do better when they have someone to help guide them and learn your culture. Hurry Up and Wait: Come up with a plan and be ready, but have patience and you’ll be ready to take action when the time is right. Ride the Lightning: Keep momentum going when possible—take a look at the risks and act decisively. Feedback is a gift: Foster a culture of learning and growth, this will help you grow and improve. I particularly appreciated his acknowledgment that small businesses, like his and mine, often operate with limited resources. His advice on setting priorities, staying prepared, and employee training resonated with me. As someone who’s seen both military and civilian leadership styles, this book highlighted the deliberate, consistent training the military emphasizes—something the civilian world often lacks. It’s a reminder for small business owners to invest in the right training for their teams, even on a tight budget. Veteran Led is the first leadership book I’ve read where military lessons felt so tangible and applicable to running a business. A great read for anyone looking for practical leadership advice!