What 61 Books Taught Me About Leadership, Sales, and Life

What happens when you stop drifting in your learning—and start paying attention on purpose? In this year-end review episode of _The New Generation Leader Podcast_, Aaron reflects on one simple but transformative habit: tracking what he read in 2025. What started as a sobering realization — he only read 6 books in all of 2024! — turned into an unexpected journey through *61 books*, spanning leadership, sales, culture, memoirs, history, fiction, and everything in between. Read the full list https://aaronlee.co/what-61-books-tau... In this episode, Aaron shares: Why he set a bold reading goal (and how it quietly reshaped his mindset) The themes that surprised him most The books that left a lasting imprint How reading outside your comfort zone expands leadership perspective Why slowing down, changing pace, and even reading fiction matters Whether you’re a lifelong reader or someone trying to rediscover the habit, this episode is an invitation to keep learning, stay curious, and enter the new year with a wider lens. Show Outline 00:00 – Year-End Reflection & the Reading Wake-Up Call 03:30 – Setting an Audacious Goal: A Book a Week 08:30 – The System That Made 61 Books Possible 14:30 – Foundational Leadership & Mindset Reads 21:00 – Expanding Perspective Through History & Memoir 28:30 – Brand Stories, Culture & Long-Term Vision 36:30 – The Unexpected Sales Theme of the Year 44:30 – Fiction, Downshifting & Reading for Enjoyment 51:30 – Final Reflections & Looking Ahead Top 5 Books 1. https://amzn.to/4s7guHT — Cal Newport 2. https://amzn.to/49kQ5yQ — Phil Knight 3. https://amzn.to/4avvKrT — Mohammad Anwar 4. https://amzn.to/3MIrPy0 — Trevor Moawad 5. https://amzn.to/3LaitKQ — Wright Thompson