Pick up a Dang Book
And Become the LEader You’ve Always Wanted to Be
if you want to take it to the next level, there’s one thing you’re probably avoiding.
Reading.
That’s right. We’re talking about picking up a dang book.
(Listen to the Podcast Episode Here)
There’s a lot of talk about what it takes to be a great leader: charisma, confidence, vision. But here’s the kicker—how many leaders actually take the time to sharpen their minds? In today’s world, everyone is in a rush. Meetings, deadlines, networking—always grinding, right? But if you want to take it to the next level, there’s something you’re probably neglecting.
Reading.
That’s right. We’re talking about picking up a dang book.
Now, maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t have time for that.” But the truth is, if you don’t make time for reading, you’re not just falling behind—you’re getting lapped. Leaders are readers. Full stop.
Reading isn't just about picking up new facts or strategies, though that’s a big part of it. It’s about growth—mentally, emotionally, and yes, even spiritually. Reading feeds your leadership in ways you can't imagine until you start doing it consistently.
So, why is it so crucial? Let’s get into it.
1. Expand Your Knowledge and Skills
Think about the last big decision you had to make in your business. Did you feel confident you were making the right call? Or did you second-guess yourself? The truth is, someone else has already been through whatever challenge you’re facing. And they’ve probably written a book about it.
You could be out here wasting time trying to reinvent the wheel when you could be learning from someone who's been there, done that.
Ewan likes to say, “Why would I stumble through life when I can learn from other people's mistakes?”
He’s not wrong. One of the books that had a massive impact on our approach to leadership was Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Jocko’s no-nonsense approach to leadership—owning everything in your world—was a game-changer. For Sean, it was a turning point.
“Once I started practicing that, it wasn’t about blaming anyone else anymore. It was about taking full responsibility for everything that happened in my business.”
There’s no shortcut to success, but reading can help you bypass a lot of unnecessary detours. Whether it’s leadership, marketing, or even personal development, there’s a book out there with the exact solution you need.
2. Fuel Your Creativity and Innovation
You know how they say there’s nothing new under the sun? Well, that might be true, but there are new ways of looking at old problems. That’s where reading comes in.
Sean loves to tell the story of how reading Shoe Dog by Phil Knight reshaped the way he thought about running a business. "Phil Knight didn’t have everything figured out. He was chaotic. He made mistakes. But he also had this relentless drive to innovate and grow, and that was inspiring."
Reading books about other people’s journeys opens your mind to possibilities you hadn’t considered.
Creativity doesn’t just appear out of thin air. It’s nurtured, sparked, and fed by experiences—and books give you a front-row seat to some of the most innovative minds out there.
By immersing yourself in someone else’s story, you might find that one idea, that one sentence, that ignites a fire in you and completely transforms the way you do things.
3. Improve Your Decision-Making
Here’s a reality check: most bad decisions aren’t the result of a lack of options. They’re the result of bad judgment. That’s something you can fix, though.
Take the book Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. This book gets deep into how our brains work, especially when it comes to making decisions. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to make better calls in their business or life. Ewan often reflects on how it shifted his entire approach. “The book taught me that I don’t always have to make decisions quickly. Some decisions deserve to be slowed down and analyzed. That shift in perspective has saved me from so many potential pitfalls.”
When you read, you’re not just gathering facts. You’re gathering perspectives. You’re seeing how other people handle pressure, how they approach tough choices, and how they learn from their mistakes. That insight can give you the edge you need to make smarter, more informed decisions.
4. Lead By Example
Let’s get real for a second—how can you expect your team to be better if you’re not getting better? Leadership starts with you. If you’re not investing in your own growth, don’t be surprised if your team isn’t, either.
When your team sees you reading, it sends a powerful message: learning is important. Growth is important. It creates a ripple effect.
Sean remembers the first time he encouraged his team to read Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. “I saw immediate changes. My team wasn’t just waiting for me to tell them what to do anymore. They started stepping up, taking ownership, and leading in their own ways. It was like a switch flipped, and that’s because we were all learning together.”
As a leader, you set the tone. If you make learning and reading a priority, so will your team. That’s how you build a culture of growth—one that’s committed to continuous improvement.
5. Invest in Yourself
At the end of the day, reading is an investment. Not in the business. Not in your team. In you.
Let’s get something straight—being busy isn’t the same as being productive. And being productive isn’t the same as growing. If you want to be the best version of yourself, you need to put in the work.”
“Reading is like going to the gym for your mind. You can’t just sit back and hope your brain gets stronger. You have to train it.”
You wouldn’t skip your workout for a week and expect to stay in peak physical shape. So why would you skip mental workouts? You need to fuel your mind with fresh ideas, perspectives, and knowledge if you want to stay sharp and ahead of the curve.
The time you spend reading isn’t wasted time. It’s time spent leveling up. And the return on investment? Limitless.
Sean and Ewan’s Recommended Reading List
If you’re ready to make reading a priority, here are a few of Sean and Ewan’s must-reads:
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin – Take control of your life and business by owning everything in your world.
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight – Learn how Nike became a global powerhouse through grit, chaos, and relentless innovation.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman – Understand the psychology behind decision-making and how to use it to your advantage.
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek – Discover the true meaning of leadership and how to inspire others to lead.
Pick up one of these books, dive in, and see for yourself just how much reading can transform your leadership journey.
Final Thoughts: Pick Up a Dang Book!
If you’re still on the fence, here’s the bottom line: if you want to be a great leader, you have to make reading a priority. It’s not optional. It’s not something you do if you have extra time. It’s something you make time for.
Leaders are readers. And if you’re not reading, you’re falling behind.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up a dang book!
You don’t have to do it alone; share your journey and your reading revelations with others just like you. Join our LU+L mastermind group for the support and accountability you need to create a business that works for you.
Take the Next Step
Download our free Core Values guide to align your business with your true goals. Check out our other posts on guidance and overcoming blind spots for more essential tips on your journey to success.
👇TUNE INTO OUR LEVEL UP AND LIVE PODCAST EPISODE ALL about Reading & Leading.
Are you a leader who's struggling to grow? It might be time to pick up a book. In this episode of the Level Up and Live Podcast, Sean and Ewan discuss the transformative power of reading for leaders. Discover how reading can:
📖Expand your knowledge and skills: Stay ahead of the curve by learning from experts in your field.
📖Boost your creativity and innovation: Fuel your imagination and spark new ideas.
📖Improve your decision-making: Gain valuable insights and perspectives that inform your choices.
📖Inspire your team: Lead by example and encourage your team to become lifelong learners.
Ready to unlock your full potential as a leader? Tune in to this episode for actionable tips and discover why reading is the ultimate investment in yourself and your success.
