What Smoking People Read
Today's guest: James Nolan, CEO of Sara Lee Fresh Bakery and an executive vice president of Sara Lee Corp. (SLE) who like smoking cigarettes
What he's reading now: Great People Decisions: Why They Matter So Much, Why They Are So Hard, and How You Can Master Them by Claudio Fernandez-Araoz. We always need to make the right people decisions. I can use all the help I can get.
Books that helped him most in his career: Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy, Ram Charan and Charles Burck and Winning by Jack Welch.
Both of these books exhibit a management and leadership style that is practical, straightforward and timeless.
I've actually themed meetings around the principles from both of these books. I've required people in my organization to read them. I've quizzed them on the content, and I've been amazed to watch the influence these kinds of books can have on an organization.
His favorite genre: I prefer non-fiction books that have to do with current events, leadership, great historical moments and chronicles of leading through important changes. I gravitate to stories of inspiration in dealing with all of life's challenges.
The last book he received as a gift: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. A great accounting of the wisdom and leadership of Abraham Lincoln.
His three favorite books: Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy, My American Journey by Colin Powell and My Losing Season by Pat Conroy.
These books contain great examples of inspirational leadership. They talk about overcoming obstacles, defining your way and the impact you can have on others.
When he reads: I read at any free moment that I have, but most often when traveling and at night.
How he became an avid reader: My father, a doctor, was also a history buff, and my mother is a psychologist who always reinforced the importance of reading. She would give us a word of the week that we had to add to our vocabulary.
Our entire family loves to read. My sister is a director of a library, so I know their influence paid off in at least one of us.
Favorite website: My son is a creative director on the McDonald's digital account. He created a fantastic character for the online website for McDonald's Dollar Menu that I can't get enough of!
The last book he gave as a gift: True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership by Bill George. His concept of authentic leadership is incredibly relevant in today's environment.
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