As 2025 begins, many of us are reflecting on our personal and professional goals—and for readers, that often means deciding which books to prioritize in the months ahead. If you joined us last month in setting reading goals, now’s the time to explore the “what” and “why” behind your selections.

At transform.forward, we believe the books you read can shape the way you think, lead, and innovate. Whether you’re a higher education professional, a corporate leader, or navigating the complexities of change management, the right books can provide both practical advice and fresh inspiration.

So, what should be on your bookshelf this year? Let’s dive into some reading tips and recommendations to guide your journey.

Why Read Strategically?

In the fast-paced world that many business professionals live in, reading isn’t just about relaxation (though that’s important, too!). It’s a chance to:

• Expand Your Expertise: reading books within your field keeps you informed on the latest trends, tools, and best practices while offering fresh perspectives to stay ahead.

• Develop Leadership Skills: Learning from great leaders - whether real or fictional - helps you refine your approach to leading teams and managing challenges. 

• Foster Creativity: A mix of professional and leisure reading can spark new ideas and encourage innovative thinking. 

• Enhance Emotional Intelligence: Books that explore human behavior, empathy, and relationships—whether through research or storytelling—help you better understand yourself and others. 

• Cultivate Cultural Competency: Reading about diverse perspectives and experiences broadens your understanding of other cultures, challenges biases, and strengthens your ability to navigate and support inclusive environments.

Reading widely across genres and formats allows you to grow personally and professionally.

Book Recommendations for Q1 of 2025

If you’re looking for inspiration for your bookshelf, we recommend these five books to foster growth and change in the first quarter of 2025. 

1. “The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business” by Patrick Lencioni
   A must-read for anyone involved in strategic planning or organizational leadership, Lencioni emphasizes the importance of building healthy organizations. This book provides actionable advice for leaders seeking to improve workplace teamwork and clarity.
   

2. “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi
   For higher education leaders and changemakers, Kendi’s work challenges readers to think critically about systemic inequities and their role in fostering inclusivity. It’s a transformative read for anyone committed to meaningful change.
   

3. “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” by Priya Parker
   Whether you’re hosting a strategic planning retreat, facilitating workshops, or engaging stakeholders, this book explores how to create purposeful and impactful gatherings. Parker’s insights will resonate with professionals across sectors.
   

4. “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert
   Gilbert offers an encouraging and accessible take on creativity, tackling the fears and myths that often hold people back. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or simply speaking inspiration, this book feels like a gentle nudge toward embracing your creative potential.
   

5. “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig
   This heartwarming novel explores the infinite possibilities of a life not lived through the lens of a library filled with alternate realities. A perfect reading for reflecting on life’s changes, this is a thought-provoking, relaxing read for downtime. 

Your Turn

What’s on your bookshelf for 2025? Share your must-reads with us on LinkedIn. Whether you’re diving into leadership strategies, exploring societal challenges, or relaxing with a novel, every book adds to your personal and professional toolkit. 

Keep an eye out on our blog throughout 2025 for our recommended reads every quarter!