As the pace of the year begins to slow (for some of us) and the days stretch a little longer, summer offers us a welcome opportunity: the chance to pause, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves, our families, and – one of my personal favorites – a good book. Reading in the summer feels different in some way. It’s less about checking a box and more about exploring new ideas, letting your mind be curious, and even revisiting old favorites. That’s why I’m excited to share, once again, my own and our Executive Leadership Team’s summer reading (and listening) lists.
Personally, I’m diving into a mix of productivity, purpose, and page-turning suspense. Here’s what’s on my list:
“The Focus Project: The Not So Simple Art of Doing Less” by Erik Qualman. After hearing Erik speak at this year’s ENGAGE conference, I was inspired to explore how intentional focus can drive both personal and professional success. This book promises practical strategies to cut through the noise and prioritize what truly matters.
“Dare to Matter: Choosing an Unstuck and Unapologetic Life of Significance” by Pete Smith. Pete’s talk at the Ohio Credit Union League’s inVest48 event was a powerful reminder that significance is a choice. His book dives deeper into how we can live with purpose and courage, even when life feels stuck.
“Never Flinch” by Stephen King. Because no summer reading list is complete without a gripping crime story, I’ve started listening to this book; it is already delivering King’s signature suspense and psychological depth. If you love crime fiction with a chilling twist, this one is for you.
Christine Mayes, EVP, Chief Member Engagement Officer: Kristin Hannah's "The Women" and the new “Hunger Games” book—"Sunrise on the Reaping”—are both on my list for personal enjoyment. For business reading, I have a couple of digital marketing books on my list, as well as a leadership book authored by Stacey Hanke, one of the speakers at this year’s Governmental Affairs Conference: “Influence Redefined: Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be, Monday to Monday.”
Prashanta Pradhan, EVP, Chief Information Officer: I have two books on my list. The first is “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek. Simon argues that the most inspiring leaders and organizations operate from a clear sense of purpose. Instead of focusing first on what they do or how they do it, successful people and companies begin with why, which naturally drives their actions and decisions. I know I'm late to this read, but if you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it. The second is “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius. I've always been drawn to the Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes self-discipline, rationality, and acceptance of one's fate. Stoicism is such a close match for me, but without the mysticism. This book aims to be a practical manual for inner peace and direction on how to live wisely and justly.
Tammy Cantrell, EVP, Chief Product Strategist: Lately, I listen to podcasts more than I read books. Some of my favorite podcasts are:
“Macro Musings” Hosted by Senior Research Fellow David Beckworth of the Mercatus Center, this podcast explores macroeconomic theory, central banking, and monetary policy through conversations with top economists and policymakers.
“Alpha Exchange” Dean Curnutt hosts engaging discussions with finance professionals about risk, capital markets, and macroeconomic forces.
“MACRO Voices” This podcast, hosted by Erik Townsen, features expert discussions on macro trends, monetary policy, and market dynamics.
Regina Lewie, Chief Risk Officer: Regarding books, I’ve been reading a few on enterprise risk management. How exciting is that? I’m more into podcasts, and I have a wide range of interests. “Lady Swindlers” by Lucy Worsley, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” and “Freakonomics Radio” are some of my favorites.
Denise Brown, EVP, Chief Financial Officer: I am a multi-tasker and listen to audiobooks voraciously—any type of thriller or suspense. As for reading a new book, Stephen King has just released “Never Flinch,” and it’s on the list for this summer.
Whatever topic or genre you gravitate toward, I hope that any reading you do this summer sparks creativity, sharpens your thinking, and leads to the kind of insights that stick with you long after the final words have been absorbed.