The best stuff we’ve read in the last 12 months

The episode kicks off with the hosts discussing their favorite recent reads, which include various books that have made a significant impact on them. One host shares his fascination with presidential assassinations, diving deep into the histories of the four U.S. presidents who have been killed. This leads to a conversation about how access to the president has changed over time and how speeches, like Winston Churchill's during World War II, can rally a nation and shift morale. They reflect on the importance of great leaders who can inspire and motivate others through their words.

As the discussion progresses, leadership takes center stage, with one host revealing his determination to become a better leader as his company grows. He emphasizes that while good employees are inherently motivated, there's a need for inspiring them to excel even further. They highlight the transformative power of in-person connections, noting significant reductions in turnover rates after moving from digital meetings to face-to-face interactions.

Further along, they touch upon their reading strategies and share insights from the book 'Die with Zero,' which advocates for making the most of life and time rather than deferring joy for the future. The hosts discuss how people often work hard without enjoying the fruits of their labor, emphasizing a well-rounded life rather than just a relentless work ethic. They finish by discussing the need for balanced decision-making, suggesting improvements for the judgment process and acknowledging the significance of learning from past choices.

The highlight is the valuable lessons gleaned from literature and personal experiences that emphasize the importance of leadership, inspiring others, and valuing life experiences over pure productivity.