Nicole Ramirez’s Post

These books didn’t just inspire me. They reshaped how I think, work, and lead. Here’s what I learned... As the year winds down, I wanted to share a snapshot of my favorite books I’ve read this year. Some of these I read yearly as a refresher, while others are new additions to the roster that have challenged my thinking and expanded my perspective. What I took from each: Strength Finder by Tom Rath: Stop focusing so much on fixing weaknesses and lean into your strengths. Doubling down on what you do best is far more effective. The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz: More options can lead to regret and fatigue, while fewer, higher-quality choices bring clarity and satisfaction. I keep this in mind in my marketing strategies for clients. Pre-Suasion by Robert Cialdini: People focus on what’s front of mind, so set the stage strategically. Whether it’s a headline, an image, or a LinkedIn post hook, the way you frame the moment before your message can dictate its success. Influence by Robert Cialdini: Social proof is powerful, and using it thoughtfully can create trust and momentum in any campaign or negotiation. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown: Clear is kind. Clarity, whether in feedback, expectations, or goals, is one of the kindest things you can give someone. How Are You, Really? by Jenna Kutcher: Life alignment isn’t found in big moments but in small, everyday decisions. Align your habits with your purpose. Twelve Absolutes of Leadership by Gary Burnison: Great leaders make the complex simple. This lesson has helped me break large projects into small task wins for my team, especially during high-stakes projects. The Fractional CMO Method by Casey Stanton: Focus on what drives results, not doing it all. High-impact actions matter most. The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson: It’s not about asking what keeps clients up at night. It’s about showing them what should. Challenging people to rethink their assumptions creates opportunities for transformative change. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg: Sitting at the table isn’t enough—speak up, contribute, and make your presence known. This reminder has empowered me in pivotal moments throughout my career. Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo: This book helped me prepare for my 2018 TEDx talk, and I’ve reread it every year since. Stories move people to action better than data alone. The key is tying personal anecdotes to universal truths. This changed how I approach public speaking and marketing. Each book offered something that stuck with me long after I turned the last page. Whether you want to improve how you lead, market, sell, or simply live, these reads are worth your time. What’s a book that taught you something unforgettable this year? Let me know in the comments...I’m already building my 2025 list! 👇