Top 3 MasterClass + Book Recommendations from Staff Shop’s CEO & COO
“Development is a series of rebirths.” – Maria Montessori
Humans are always learning and developing. And some of the best ways to educate ourselves and fast track our personal and professional growth is to read great books and consume knowledge from others who are experts in their field. That is why this month, Staff Shop is sharing some of our favourite books and the MasterClasses that guide us to date.
While Staff Shop’s Library is vast, we pared it down to our top choices to get you started on your journey to continued learning and self-discovery.
Top 3 Must-Read Books!
Tools of Titans, by Tim Ferriss (The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers) – Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
From the publisher: “Here, in the ultimate self-help book, he distills and tests the key insights from these elite athletes and adventurers, entrepreneurs and executives, creative thinkers, researchers, and more, to help readers learn to become healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
“Tim is one of my favorite life hackers. He always delivers the most efficient, effective gifts and advice from the wildly successful. I highly recommend all of his books, blogs and videos if you’re looking to maximize the time you have left on this earth.” – Jennifer Ménard-Shand, Founder & CEO, Staff Shop Inc.
Drive, by Daniel H. Pink (The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us: Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose) – Riverhead Books
From the publisher: “Drawing on four decades of scientific research on human motivation, Pink exposes the mismatch between what science knows and what business does—and how that affects every aspect of life. He examines the three elements of true motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose-and offers smart and surprising techniques for putting these into action in a unique book that will change how we think and transform how we live.”
“My mentor came back from vacation one summer after reading this book, and changed our company’s compensation model overnight. As a business owner, I now understand WHY. Daniel really highlights what motivates humans to perform and achieve deep satisfaction.” – Jennifer Ménard-Shand, Founder & CEO, Staff Shop Inc.
How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie – Simon & Schuster
From the publisher: “Dale Carnegie’s rock-solid, time-tested advice has carried countless people up the ladder of success in their business and personal lives. One of the most groundbreaking and timeless bestsellers of all time, How to Win Friends & Influence People will teach you:
- Six ways to make people like you
- Twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking
- Nine ways to change people without arousing resentment”
“This book is on every must-read top 10 list, and for good reason! Dale Carnegie’s principles are applicable in any and every situation, and his advice on keeping a winning mindset has been so influential that there is an entire training school based on his ideas. This is an easy read, and one that I re-read every few years to put my perspective back in check.” – Alison Hernandez, COO, Staff Shop Inc.
Top 3 Must-Watch MasterClasses!
Sara Blakely Teaches Entrepreneurship (Self-Made Female Billionaire – from selling fax machines to creating Spanx)
From MasterClass: “With little more than an idea and a drive to find her way, Sara Blakely went from selling fax machines door-to-door to becoming the world’s youngest female self-made billionaire in 2012. Now the inventor, entrepreneur, and founder of Spanx, she teaches you to open doors and close deals. Learn Sara’s customer-first approach and her tactics for prototyping, branding, building awareness, and bootstrapping your way to success.”
“Where there’s a will there’s a way. No excuses. Sara is special in that she used her natural gifts and determination to simply go for it, no matter how many doors were closed in her face, and she kept iterating until she created a revolutionary product. She reminds me to stay focused on solving problems and asking questions like; What breaks your heart? What does this world need that you can create or make better? And that’s how we can all give back and make a real difference.” – Jennifer Ménard-Shand, Founder & CEO, Staff Shop Inc.
Paul Krugman Teaches Economics (Nobel Prize-winning Economist makes sense of the nonsense in Economics and Society)
From MasterClass: “For Nobel Prize-winner Paul Krugman, economics is not a set of answers—it’s a way of understanding the world. In his economics MasterClass, Paul teaches you the principles that shape political and social issues, including access to health care, the tax debate, globalization, and political polarization. Heighten your ability to read between the lines and decipher the underlying economics at play.”
“I wish I would have had access to this MasterClass in school! I have never understood Economics so simply and clearly until Paul explained it. He changed my perspective and helped me prioritize what’s most important when viewing the ups and downs in our society – especially when it comes to voting for politicians and government bodies on what matters most.” – Jennifer Ménard-Shand, Founder & CEO, Staff Shop Inc.
Chris Voss Teaches Negotiation (Negotiate Like Your Life Depends On It – former FBI Hostage Negotiator, Author & Businessman)
From MasterClass: “As an FBI hostage negotiator, Chris Voss persuaded terrorists, bank robbers, and kidnappers to see things his way. Now he’s teaching you his field-tested strategies to help you in everyday negotiations, whether you’re aiming to improve your salary, the service you receive, or your relationships. Get stronger communication skills, game-changing insights into human nature, and more of what you want out of life.”
“Chris Voss is incredibly engaging and his tips and tricks are so practical and easy to implement. He approaches negotiation from such a compassionate, human perspective and I especially loved the section on “mirroring” which has helped me through more than one awkward social situation!” – Alison Hernandez, COO, Staff Shop Inc.
JOIN US OR HIRE US
Staff Shop has taken these resources and used them to better our people and our business. See how these lessons are working for us by joining us or hiring us. We provide staffing solutions and more across North America. Contact us today!
What are your favourite books, MasterClasses or podcasts? Please share and comment!
“If you’re not growing, you’re dying.” – Tony Robbins