OWC welcomed the summer solstice with an evening to watch the Wednesday night races put on by the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey. A gentle breeze guided us through the evening, and we discussed our summer reads. Let us know if you have a good book we can add to our piles.
Phyllis Wade
Alone Together: Sailing Solo to Hawaii and Beyond by Christian Williams (Publisher: East Wind Press, Publication Date: February 29, 2016, Price: $18.95)
I was all set to recommend an eclectic little murder mystery I read recently as my summer read (“The Coroner’s Lunch” by Colin Cotterill,) but then I went sailing with Christian Williams, and my plan flew right out the window. Sailing with Christian and the OWC team on the first day of summer, I was reminded of how much I loved Christian’s book, “Alone Together,” which he wrote about his first solo sail to Hawaii. I had just started working for his wife, Tracy, when the book came out, so I felt I HAD to read it. I worried about my poker face and if I could lie convincingly if I didn’t like it and had to say I did. Well, that was time wasted worrying needlessly because this truly became one of the best (and best-written) books I’ve ever read. I knew there’d be a feeling of adventure, of course, but I was surprised by how much joy I got out of it – it’s like you are a good friend of Christian’s who was invited along on this amazing journey, and you genuinely feel like you are right there. The book makes you think about life and its meaning, and those moments you get from time to time when you realize how amazing it is just to be alive. How many books are both life-affirming and laugh-out-loud funny to boot? I highly recommend this book. It’s the perfect summer read.
Paulo Acuna
Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present by Nick Trenton (Publisher: Pkcs Media, Inc., Publication Date: March 19, 2021, Price $20.69)
I’m OWC’s resident overthinker. There’s just a lot to think about – professionally and personally. It’s only fair after the chaos that has ensued for over three years since the onset of Covid. My thoughts may ruminate, but I’ve also always been optimistic, hopeful and forward-thinking. I was glad to stumble upon Nick Trenton’s “Stop Overthinking.” His reasoning and explanation behind the science of overthinking, coupled with relevant steps to settle unwanted emotions is a practical guide when navigating life’s surprises. I recommend this read to whoever wants a new perspective and guidance amid these tumultuous times.
Samantha Short
The Power of Regret: How Looking Backwards Moves Us Forward by Daniel Pink (Publisher: Riverhead Books, Publication Date: February 1, 2022, Price: $14.48)
Last month, I attended the Leadership Development Conference in Kansas City, MO, with our wonderful IPREX partners. We participated in a workshop led by Peter Schwartz of Vistage Worldwide, who gave us tools to elevate our leadership skills. During our workshop, Schwartz referenced “The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward” by Daniel Pink and shared that learning how to process regret can help people avoid cognitive dissonance while becoming clearer thinkers and better strategists, negotiators and problem solvers. I wanted to learn more about this theory, so it was an obvious choice for my summer reading list. Pink breaks down regret into four core types – foundation regrets, boldness regrets, moral regrets and connection regrets. Throughout the book, he shares compelling instances and personal stories from people who have embraced their regrets and gained insights into their values based on the four categories. What I found particularly engaging was Pink’s use of real-life narratives to guide readers in processing their own feelings of regret. This is a great read that provides valuable insights into understanding and harnessing the power of regret, both personally and professionally.
Tiffany Rodriguez
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah (Publisher: Griffin, Publication Date: March 14, 2023, Price: $15.19)
“The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah is an emotionally gripping and hauntingly beautiful tale that transported me to the heart of the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the story follows Elsa, a resilient and courageous woman who must make heartbreaking choices to protect her family during one of America’s darkest times. Hannah’s writing skillfully weaves historical events with powerful tales of devastating hardships faced by families during this time, while also capturing the strength and determination that can emerge in the face of adversity. Elsa’s character development is remarkable, as she evolves from a timid and uncertain woman into a fierce and indomitable force. The author’s ability to evoke such raw emotions is truly remarkable, and I was left both heartbroken and inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and a mother’s love for her children. “The Four Winds” is a powerful and unforgettable novel that has stayed with me long after the final page.
Wes Robinson
The Book We Wish We Had: Barstool Revelations for Building a Career in Creative Marketing by Jeremy Baka and Matthew Molino (Published by River Grove Books; Publication Date: March 8, 2023, Price $12.56)
At my last global big box PR agency, I had the privilege of working with Jeremy Baka and Matt Molino, who recently wrote a book about building a career in creative marketing, but really the book is about how to work smarter, especially from an agency perspective. The book is unlike any I have ever read with quick one-page tips, tricks and lessons learned from a career working in marketing. Their simple insights are good reminders of how to be better humans and more relevant executives. Here are a few concepts that hit home with me: don’t be irrelevant; if you aren’t reading, then you aren’t learning; don’t be in a rush to get it wrong; make proactive thinking your distinguishing trait; practice Shoshin (beginner’s mindset); go hippo(campus) hunting; fail bravely; ego kills; and finally, if the client loves everything you do, then you are not pushing hard enough. The book mirrors a lot of OWC’s core beliefs, such as not being the “nice guy PR agency” with radical candor and transparency.
Tracy Williams
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (Publisher: Chapman & Hall, Publication Date: October 1861, Price $10.99)
Guilt reading: Some look back on life’s accomplishments, I looked back at the required reading from Mr. Warren’s high school honors English class. So many books and essays! Mr. Warren was one of the best teachers at Palmetto Senior High in Miami, and I’ve always regretted falling back on Cliff Notes because all those assignments were getting in the way of being 15 and 16. So, decades later, Mr. Warren is with me as I return to Charles Dickens’s “Great Expectations.” This latent obsession with assuaging my guilt is quite timely since even though written in 1861, Pip, the main character, sets out to become a gentleman, and the circuitous journey of meeting one’s expectations play out over decades, much like those of Mr. Warren to me.
IN THE NEWS
Wall Street Journal mentions aShareX
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Tiblio AI featured in the LA Business Journal
Tiblio AI launched “Roger,” the first and only AI-powered options income assistant that can automate investors’ options strategy, so users can make the most of their time, while generating income. OWC secured coverage for Tiblio AI with the Los Angeles Business Journal and an interview with its founder Kevin Hamilton. Click for the full article here.
Variety spotlights Shawn Papazian
OWC secured coverage in Variety for Shawn Papazian, who is set to lead the development and operation of The Fields Studios, Chicago’s newest studio and soundstage complex. Knickpoint Ventures appointed Papazian as its newest partner to oversee all of its studio-related activities. Read the full article here.
Abiomed featured on Good Morning Arizona
Good Morning Arizona spotlighted two local Phoenix residents, Jerry Ervin and Chris Pfitzer, who were interviewed in-studio to speak about their experiences undergoing heart attacks. Both men were treated with the Impella device, a heart pump that allowed their hearts to rest and recover. Learn about Jerry’s one-year anniversary since his incident here and watch Chris’s story here.
Tracy Williams moderates for LAWAC-TH
OWC CEO Tracy Williams moderated a Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall discussion on June 14 with Los Angeles Times Executive Editor Kevin Merida on the evolving news landscape in this new digital age.
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