The Five Books That Shape Mpowered Journey’s Culture
Every time I give my talk on values, I get the same question: What are the five books? It always makes me smile because I know exactly what they’re referring to. At Mpowered Journey, before you even begin, there are five books you’ll read—five books that set the foundation for how we think, lead, and grow together. But this isn’t just about reading books. It’s about something deeper: personal growth as a core value.
We all have triggers—things that, when they happen, make us feel an immediate reaction. For me, one of the biggest triggers is when people stop learning. I feel it in my gut because it violates one of my deepest values: Personal Growth. If we’re not learning, we’re stagnating. And if we’re stagnating, we’re not living up to who we could be. That’s why, at Mpowered Journey, growth isn’t just encouraged—it’s a fundamental part of our culture. We create spaces where learning is expected, where curiosity is rewarded, and where books like these shape our conversations.
So, what are the five books? And why do they matter?
Because trust is everything. Without it, teams break down. This book shows us why vulnerability-based trust is the foundation of high-functioning teams and how fear of conflict, lack of commitment, and avoidance of accountability destroy progress. It’s required reading because, in our work, strong teams aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Because clear is kind. Feedback isn’t about being nice or being brutal—it’s about caring personally while challenging directly. If we want to grow, we have to create a culture where honest, respectful conversations happen daily. This book teaches us how.
Because vision without execution is just a dream. If we don’t have clear systems and accountability, even the best ideas go nowhere. Traction gives us the framework to build organizations that don’t just survive but thrive.
Because how we see the world shapes how we experience it. Do we live in a victim mindset, constantly reacting? Or do we step into the role of creator, choosing how we respond? This book is a game-changer for anyone looking to lead with intention.
Because success isn’t about doing everything yourself. The fastest way to move forward isn’t by asking, How can I do this? but Who can help me do this? We grow faster together than we ever could alone.
These five books aren’t just texts to study; they are the framework for how we operate. They shape the way we build trust, communicate, execute, lead, and grow. They reinforce the idea that learning never stops—not when you reach a certain title, not when you’ve been doing this work for years, and not when you think you’ve heard it all before.
And let’s be honest—five books are just the beginning. Anyone who’s been through onboarding knows that I could have picked ten, twenty, or more (and often do, later in the process). But these five? They’re the ones that set the foundation. So, if you ever catch yourself wondering, Why does Mpowered Journey put so much emphasis on books?—the answer is simple. Because learning is living. And because Personal Growth isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live, every single day.
