Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact by Liz Wiseman

“I think this should be required reading for everyone, regardless of what field they’re in. Wiseman is really calling us to think about how our work can be most effective. In an era of reduced budgets and sometimes reduced people—with AI on the rise—it’s important that school communicators identify how their work can effectively and proactively reach the goals of the organization. She also gives great advice for finding some work-life harmony, which is always something I’m trying to better achieve.”

Sandwich by Catherine Newman 

“While this is actually fiction, it hits on something that feels very relevant to our line of work—being in a constant state of transition. The main character is caught in the middle of caring for her kids and her aging parents, and it reminded me a lot of what we do in school communications: hold space for multiple voices, bridge generations and manage change. It also made me think about how important the little things are. In our line of work, that’s where the story really lives.”

Chop Wood Carry Water: How to Fall in Love with the Process of Being Great by Joshua Medcalf 

"This follows a man who sets out to become a samurai warrior, immersing himself in a traditional Japanese community to train. Expecting to dive into dramatic lessons like swordsmanship and archery, he’s instead told to spend his days chopping wood and carrying water. At first, he’s frustrated and disappointed that it isn’t the glamorous training he imagined. However, over time he learns the power of consistency, precision and embracing the ‘behind the scenes’ tasks. He realizes that mastery can be found in the mundane. 

That lesson has really stuck with me. It reminded me to slow down, be intentional and find purpose in the everyday. I try to see everything I do—whether it's a task at work or something at home—not as something I have to do, but as something I get to do. Every day is an opportunity to practice presence, discipline and gratitude.”

Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick

“I would say I was an early adopter of AI and finding ways to integrate it into my workflow. This book gives really practical ways to get started with AI, but it also has some really thought-provoking segments on the future of the craft. And even though it’s written by a professor from the Wharton School of Business, it's not hyper-technical. It’s really accessible.

One thing Mollick says—that I really loved—is that the version of AI that you’re using right now is the worst version you’re going to use moving forward. He’s right—even though the book just came out in the spring of 2024, some information is already a little outdated! When I look at what AI was capable of a few years ago and what it’s capable of now, it's mind-blowing to me.” 

Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin

“This book encourages bold communication that captures attention in a saturated information space. In it, Godin urges readers to ‘be remarkable, not just reliable.’ He argues that in a world full of noise, ‘very good’ is invisible. Districts must highlight what’s truly unique in order to stand out. Here’s a practical example: Instead of creating another boring back-to-school post, you create a campaign that features first-day student ‘mic drop’ videos where kids say what they’re most excited to learn. That’s bold, shareable and student-centered. 

Godin also writes that remarkable experiences get shared. The book emphasizes word of mouth as your most powerful marketing tool. For instance, after a new student welcome night, what if you asked current students to mail each family a handwritten postcard? Those families will not only be surprised and delighted; many of them will post them on social media, organically amplifying your district’s care and community vibe. Purple Cow teaches you to engineer moments like these that are worth talking about.”