Always Learning, Always Teaching: The Books That Shape Us at MAC6
At MAC6, our core values of “Always Learning / Always Teaching” and “Servant Leadership) remind us daily that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Many of these shoulders are represented in the foundational books that guide our Growth Academy offerings. Each book provides unique insights that help us build communities where people and businesses thrive, emphasizing the human side of success.
Here’s a curated list of some of our favorites, each of which has transformed our approach to leadership, teamwork, and business growth. We believe every entrepreneurial leader, business executive, and nonprofit director will find powerful insights within these pages.
- Arete: Activate Your Heroic Potential by Brian Johnson
Link to Arete
Summary: Arete explores the concept of living with excellence, courage, and virtue. Author Brian Johnson offers a modern take on stoic principles, encouraging readers to harness their potential and make a meaningful impact.
Why Read It: Arete is a powerful guide for leaders looking to cultivate resilience, mental strength, and moral integrity. Johnson’s approach helps you build character and lead with purpose, making it an essential read for anyone aspiring to create positive change within their organization.
- Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business by John Mackey and Raj Sisodia
Summary: This book challenges traditional views on business, proposing that companies can be profitable while also advancing social good. By focusing on purpose-driven leadership and stakeholder relationships, Conscious Capitalism advocates for a business model that elevates humanity.
Why Read It: Ideal for mission-driven leaders, this book inspires executives to balance profit with purpose, creating a thriving workplace and community. Conscious Capitalism provides a roadmap for how ethical business practices can foster long-term success.
- Conscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity Through Business by John Mackey, Steve McIntosh, and Carter Phipps
Summary: This follow-up to Conscious Capitalism dives into the personal side of leadership, exploring self-awareness, mindfulness, and empathy. The authors argue that conscious leaders are essential for building organizations that contribute to society’s well-being.
Why Read It: In a rapidly changing world, leaders need tools to handle complex challenges with grace and integrity. Conscious Leadership is perfect for leaders seeking to cultivate a mindful, purpose-driven approach to business.
- It’s Just Good Business: The Emergence of Conscious Capitalism and the Practice of Working for Good by Jeff Klein
Link to It’s Just Good Business
Summary: Jeff Klein offers a practical approach to incorporating conscious capitalism into everyday operations, showing how leaders can work for both profit and societal good.
Why Read It: For those ready to implement conscious capitalism, this book provides actionable steps to balance ethical goals with business results. Klein’s focus on practical solutions makes it ideal for leaders who want to make conscious business principles part of their day-to-day decisions.
- Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap, and Others Don’t by Jim Collins
Summary: Jim Collins examines what differentiates truly exceptional companies from the rest. Through extensive research, he identifies factors like disciplined people, thought, and action that propel companies to greatness.
Why Read It: This classic is invaluable for leaders aiming to take their business to the next level. Collins’ insights into disciplined leadership and strategic planning resonate with executives looking for sustainable growth.
- The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Link to The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Summary: Lencioni’s book is a deep dive into team dynamics, detailing the common pitfalls that prevent teams from reaching their full potential. Each dysfunction—lack of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results—is broken down with actionable solutions.
Why Read It: Building cohesive teams is fundamental to business success, and Lencioni provides a practical framework for overcoming common team issues. This book is essential for leaders aiming to foster collaboration, trust, and accountability.
- Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
Link to Traction
Summary: Gino Wickman’s Traction presents the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a set of principles and tools for managing and scaling a business. Wickman emphasizes focus, clarity, and accountability as essential elements of success.
Why Read It: For leaders juggling the demands of a growing business, Traction offers a structured approach to achieving organizational alignment. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs looking for a proven system to achieve clarity and drive results.
- Antifragile: Things that Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Link to Antifragile
Summary: Taleb explores how certain things benefit from stress and volatility, coining the term “antifragile.” This book challenges conventional wisdom by suggesting that businesses and people can thrive under uncertainty and chaos.
Why Read It: In an unpredictable business environment, learning to leverage volatility can be a game-changer. Taleb’s ideas inspire leaders to become adaptable, resilient, and even benefit from challenging circumstances.
Each of these books has reshaped how we approach leadership, business strategy, and personal growth at MAC6. We invite you to explore these works and discover the wisdom they offer to elevate your leadership journey.