Inspiring books and ideas worth exploring
At Collaborative Arts of Plano, we believe creativity and community grow stronger when we share the wisdom of others. Below you’ll find a selection of recommended books, blogs, and videos from leading thinkers in communication, leadership, and the arts. Each resource offers new ways to connect, belong, and see the world differently.
Books Worth Reading
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The Coming Wave
As co-founder of the pioneering AI company DeepMind, part of Google, Mustafa Suleyman has been at the centre of this revolution. The coming decade, he argues, will be defined by this wave of powerful, fast-proliferating new technologies.
In The Coming Wave, Suleyman shows how these forces will create immense prosperity but also threaten the nation-state, the foundation of global order. As our fragile governments sleepwalk into disaster, we face an existential dilemma: unprecedented harms on one side, the threat of overbearing surveillance on the other. -
Let Them
If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn't you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words—Let Them—will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama, and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. The Let Them Theory puts the power to create a life you love back in your hands—and this book will show you exactly how to do it.
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The Elephant in the Brain
Human beings are primates, and primates are political animals. Our brains, therefore, are designed not just to hunt and gather, but also to help us get ahead socially, often via deception and self-deception. But while we may be self-interested schemers, we benefit by pretending otherwise. The less we know about our own ugly motives, the better - and thus we don't like to talk or even think about the extent of our selfishness. This is "the elephant in the brain." Such an introspective taboo makes it hard for us to think clearly about our nature and the explanations for our behavior.
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Seeing What Others Don’t (The Remarkable Ways We Gain Insights)
Dr. Gary Klein is a cognitive psychologist and the author of five books, including Sources of Power: How People Make Decisions and his most recent work, Seeing What Others Don't: The Remarkable Ways We Gain Insights. He regularly works with leaders in domains such as healthcare, military, law enforcement, petrochemical industry, social work, and business management to assist them with issues in organizational expertise and workplace insights.
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Seven Habits of High Successful People
One of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has captivated readers for nearly three decades. It has transformed the lives of presidents and CEOs, educators and parents—millions of people of all ages and occupations. Now, this 30th anniversary edition of the timeless classic commemorates the wisdom of the 7 Habits with modern additions from Sean Covey.
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Linchpin
Few authors have had the kind of lasting impact and global reach that Seth Godin has had. In a series of now-classic books that have been translated into 36 languages and reached millions of readers around the world, he has taught generations of readers how to make remarkable products and spread powerful ideas. In Linchpin, he turns his attention to the individual, and explains how anyone can make a significant impact within their organization.
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Joan Garry’s Guide to Non Profit Leadership
Now in its second edition, Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership is a must-have resource for organizations of all shapes and sizes wanting to make a bigger difference in the world. Filled with real-life stories and concrete strategies, this practical guide helps develop the specialized skills and mindset needed to successfully lead and manage a stable and impactful world-class organization.
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Reset (How to Change What’s Not Working)
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A revolutionary guide to fixing what’s not working—in systems and processes, organizations and companies, and even in our daily lives—by identifying leverage points and concentrating resources to achieve our goals.
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The Next Conversation (Argue Less, Talk More)
The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher offers simple, proven strategies to help you argue less, connect more, and communicate with confidence in any situation. Drawing on his three-part system—control, confidence, and connection—Fisher shows how every conversation can strengthen relationships and create lasting impact.
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Your Brain on Art (How the Arts Transform Us)
Your Brain on Art reveals how creative activities—from painting to music—aren’t luxuries but vital tools for reducing stress, boosting learning, and improving well-being. Drawing on breakthrough research and stories from artists and scientists, the book shows how the arts can transform medicine, strengthen communities, and enrich everyday life.
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The Art of Community (Seven Principles for Belonging)
Charles Vogl’s book reveals seven timeless principles—like rituals, stories, and symbols—that help leaders create and strengthen lasting communities. With practical tools and inspiring examples, it shows how connection and belonging can defeat loneliness and bring people together in meaningful ways.
Recommend Blogs and Videos
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Seth's Blog
Seth Godin’s podcast is an extension of his lifelong work as a teacher, writer, and creator of projects that inspire people to level up and make a difference. Drawing from decades of bestselling books, courses, and initiatives like the altMBA and The Carbon Almanac, he shares insights on marketing, leadership, and meaningful work to help listeners see the world differently and act with purpose.
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Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek is a bestselling author and visionary thinker who shows how great leaders inspire trust, cooperation, and lasting change. Through his books and talks, he shares powerful patterns of communication and leadership that help people find purpose, feel safe, and end each day fulfilled.