Traust’s Top Book Picks: Essential Reads to Inspire Your Work

As we close out the year, it’s a great time to recharge and draw inspiration from the lessons we’ve learned and the progress we’ve made. At Traust, we believe that continuous learning and professional growth are essential to finding both personal fulfillment and professional success. It’s not just about hitting targets or achieving milestones — it’s about finding meaning in the work we do every day.

In that spirit, we asked several team members to share one book they believe is highly applicable to their work. These aren’t necessarily new books or ones they’ve just read, but books that have left a lasting impact. Whether it’s through cultivating leadership skills, enhancing creativity, or fostering collaboration, these recommendations highlight ideas that can inspire all of us to bring more purpose to our work.

These recommendations reflect not only the diversity of roles at Traust but also our shared commitment to growth and excellence. We hope they resonate with you as much as they have with us.

Mark Peterson, President & CEO

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Mark recommends this timeless classic as a foundational resource for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional effectiveness. Covey’s framework of proactive habits, from “Begin with the End in Mind” to “Sharpen the Saw,” aligns with the principles Traust follows to help clients achieve sustainable success.

“It’s a great reminder that effective leadership begins with self-awareness and a commitment to growth,” Mark shares. He particularly appreciates how the book emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with core values and long-term goals. “When you’re leading a team, clarity and purpose are non-negotiables, and Covey provides a powerful roadmap for achieving both.”

Check out The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People on Bookshop.org

Chris Nelson, Chief Solutions Architect

Get Sh*t Done: The Ultimate Guide to Productivity, Procrastination, and Profitability by Jeffrey Gitomer

As someone who juggles multiple responsibilities in solving complex client challenges, Chris highlights Gitomer’s no-nonsense guide as a game-changer. “The book is direct, practical, and a bit irreverent — but it delivers actionable advice that resonates with anyone striving to make the most of their time,” Chris explains.

What stands out most to Chris is the book’s ability to cut through excuses and focus on results. “It’s not just about getting more done, but about getting the right things done and doing them well. Whether it’s prioritizing tasks or finding motivation in tough moments, Gitomer’s insights are spot-on.”

Check out Get Sh*t Done on Bookshop.org

Brock Ray, Director of Marketing & Creative

The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures, by Dan Roam

For Brock, creativity and clarity go hand in hand, and Dan Roam’s book on visual thinking has been a go-to resource. “It’s all about simplifying complex ideas through sketches and visuals,” Brock says. “Whether I’m designing a marketing campaign or brainstorming UX concepts, this book reminds me that the simplest solutions are often the most impactful.”

One of Brock’s favorite takeaways is how visual thinking can break down silos and improve collaboration. “Sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is to sketch it out and share that vision with others. Roam’s approach has helped me bridge gaps between clients and technical teams time and time again.”

Check out The Back of the Napkin on Bookshop.org

Danita Peterson, Director of People & Culture

Great Mondays: How to Design a Company Culture Employees Love by Josh Levine

Danita’s passion for fostering a thriving company culture is evident in her recommendation. “Levine’s book provides a practical roadmap for creating workplaces where people feel connected to their work and each other,” she shares. “It’s a must-read for anyone in HR or leadership who wants to cultivate a purpose-driven environment.”

For Danita, one of the book’s most powerful messages is the role of intention in shaping culture. “Great culture doesn’t happen by accident. Levine offers tools for identifying your organization’s values and translating them into daily practices that truly engage employees.”

Check out Great Mondays on Amazon

David Lopez Abugattas, Oracle APEX Practice Director

Agile Practice Guide by Project Management Institute

David highlights the Agile Practice Guide as a vital tool for understanding and implementing the agile principles effectively. “Whether you’re new to agile development methodology or a seasoned practitioner, this guide offers valuable insights into how to adapt and thrive in dynamic project environments,” David explains.

He also appreciates how the guide bridges the gap between theory and practice. “It’s not just about the mechanics of agile but also about fostering a mindset that embraces change and continuous improvement. That’s critical when working on Oracle APEX projects, where adaptability is key to success.”

Check out Agile Practice Guide on Bookshop.org

Cindy Barnes, Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant

Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, by Jenny Blake

Cindy’s recommendation focuses on practical advice for career transition following the Pivot Method “With the average job tenure now being only 4 years, it is increasingly important to be adaptable and nimble, and this method is based on evaluating your strengths and making career pivots from that,” Cindy notes.

She particularly likes the how the book breaks down big career decisions into smaller exercises “Whether looking at a career pivot in your current employer, or at a new employer, or launching your own business, Blake helps you learn to identify what your values and strengths are, to look at new options and minimizing your risk before making the move.”

Check out Pivot on Bookshop.org

Carrying Inspiration into the New Year

At Traust, we believe that inspiration is the fuel for meaningful work. These book recommendations showcase how learning and growth can bring deeper purpose and fulfillment to our personal and professional lives. As we step into the new year, we’re reminded that the most rewarding work is about more than just outcomes. It’s about what we learn, how we adapt, and the progress we make in collaboration with others.

We hope these books spark new ideas and fresh perspectives for you. If you have a favorite book that has inspired your work or shifted your perspective, we’d love to hear about it. Reach out and let us know what’s inspired you as you prepare for another year of growth and discovery.

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