Q4 2022 Book Club

Attention all book lovers: We’ve completed yet another successful book club and we couldn't be more excited to share the journey! For those who aren't familiar with our book club, employees have the opportunity to get together on a quarterly basis to discuss 2 pre-selected books. The fun book titled The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, was selected by Alyssa Mrzljak, Business Operations Manager. The professional development book this quarter was selected by Michele Richman, Chief People Officer, titled Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant. 

The book club is a great way to bond with coworkers, learn something new, and indulge in a good read followed by engaging conversations. Not only is participating in the book club a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, it's also a chance to step out of our comfort zone and try something new. Check out what Alyssa and Michele had to say about their experience leading the book club sessions below:

Alyssa Mrzljak, Business Operations Manager: 

• Why did you decide to choose this book as the Q4 fun book?

This book was actually really popular. Three of us (Lana, Cali, and I) suggested it, and then as a team, all employees voted and it was picked as the #1 choice! I personally suggested it because I had already read it and loved it. I really liked that it covered some hard-hitting DEI topics that would be impactful for us as a team to discuss. 

• How was your experience leading the book club?

I enjoyed it! I liked researching questions to ask and loved being able to hear everyone's opinions. I wanted to really dig into some of the struggles Evelyn Hugo had with her identity and see what others thought. We had some great conversations about the book that was thought-provoking and insightful. 

• What is 1 thing you have learned from the book?

It's cliche but "never judge a book by its cover". The title "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo'' doesn't really clue you into how deep this book is going to be. I honestly struggled with wanting to read it and as soon as I started, I was hooked and kicking myself for not reading it sooner. 

• What advice would you give to someone before they start reading?

Be prepared for anything! This book was so surprising to me. I love a good plot twist..or 5. 

Michele Richman, Chief People Officer: 

• Why did you choose the book Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know book for the book club? 

I chose this book as it was recommended to me by another professional coach as the book that has had the most impact on her this year and after reading it, I agree 100 percent.

• How was your experience leading the session?  

I loved leading the session as it forced me to think deeply about which stories most stuck with me and helped illustrate the main concepts for me, such as the death of the blackberry due to the CEO's refusal to test his hypothesis ; the unexpected Icelandic Presidential campaign of Halla Tómasdóttir once she embraced her confident humility as her greatest strength;  the black musician Darryl Davis who used shared interests like music to help Klu Klux Klan members find their own reasons to change their racist views; and the power of listening that enabled Bette Bigombe to facilitate successful peace negotiations.

• What is 1 thing you have learned from the book? 

The concept that "The Absence of conflict is apathy" was really interesting for me.  I have always known it's important to give critical feedback but it was really powerful for me to flip the script from how the feedback will be helpful to the lack of feedback is equivalent to your lack of interest in another person.

We can't wait for our next book club meeting!