5 favorite books in 2022

Books are a source of fresh ideas that spark growth in my career as a financial advisor. And that growth happens at a deeper level when I discuss the business books I’m reading with my MDRT book club. Below are my five favorite book club picks from 2022. I hope you will find them as insightful as I did.

“Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact” by Phil M Jones
In your most important moments, do you know what to say? Sometimes we stumble with that, despite our hard work and talent. This book helps you find the right words and have positive outcomes in business. Not only did I enjoy the book, but a highlight of my year was talking with the author during a 2022 MDRT EDGE session. [You can see more from Phil Jones in his 2021 MDRT Annual Meeting session Three critical ingredients for complex conversations, which is for MDRT members only.]

“The Checklist Manifesto” by Atul Gawande
Smart, experienced professionals can regularly make avoidable mistakes. Surgeon Atul Gawande set out to investigate the possible causes and solutions to such avoidable failures, and he discovered a simple solution — checklists. This is also a great way to keep track of all the new regulations we face as advisors.

“Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi
This book resonated with me because it discusses how genuine relationship building is the key to productive networking, which can lead to more success in business. These are key concepts for anyone in the financial services profession.

“Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes Into Stepping Stones for Success” by John C. Maxwell
There are some great ideas in this book about how to master fear. John Maxwell also discusses the reasons why people fail and the major difference between those who achieve and those who are mediocre is their perception of and response to failure.

“Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones” by James Clear
This book will help you move beyond well-intended but short-lived resolutions to change to practical strategies for improving yourself by making small, easy and accessible adjustments that form good habits and break bad ones. 

Starting a book club

If you’re not already in a book club, it’s easy to start one by asking a small group of MDRT members if they’d be interested in meeting for about an hour every month or two to discuss a book. If you’re already in a business-related book club, invite an MDRT friend or two to join you. Once you have your core group, select a book to read. You can use our list above for a few ideas.

MDRT members in the U.S. and Canada may be able to find an existing club by filling out an MDRT Book Club form.

In the comments below, please let me know about some of your favorite business books. And happy reading!

Mark Olson is a 23-year MDRT member and Top of the Table member from Austin, Texas, USA.