“There’s Always Money in the Banana Stand” – Arrested Development

This summer I wanted to talk about a few books that I have found helpful in my leadership Journey. This week I wanted to highlight From Start-Up to Grown-Up by Alisa Cohn. I first heard about Alisa Cohn when she was on the Tim Ferris podcast (episode #539). She is an executive coach focusing on Start-ups and has compiled a lot of very useful tips-tricks and advice that I think IS NOT JUST FOR START UPS but for all business leaders including start ups; and I think small businesses leaders will get a lot of valuable information here as well.

In here you will find how to hire-fire, creating culture, managing yourself, managing others, managing your board, working with co-founders etc.….if you lead people you will find this book a terrific reference. Also, as any business leader knows, one of the hardest things you have to do is have difficult conversations with employees….especially when you become close to those you work with. Alisa has put some sample scripts at the back of the book that outline some of those hard conversations and how to do them well…pure gold! I highly recommend this book….check out her Tim Ferris podcast is you are on the fence and she also has a podcast called From Start-Up to Grown-Up that is well worth a listen…this week she had a terrific interview with Seth Godin. Look out in future weeks I’ll highlight other books I’ve have found particularly valuable.