“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers,” said former President Harry S. Truman. Whether you listen to your content on your commute to work or read as part of your evening ritual, you likely want to ensure you’re consuming worthwhile material.

As part of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality’s 2023 Top Women in Travel & Hospitality report, which features in-depth interviews with leading female executives from across the industry, we asked honorees several questions, including “What’s a favorite book that has made an impression on your career?” Here are a few of their responses to that particular question.

“’Dare to Lead‘ by Brene Brown is one of my favorite books and has made an impression on my career. The main takeaway from the book is that leadership isn’t defined by titles or power. A leader is anyone who recognizes the potential in people and ideas and has the courage to develop that potential. When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to know all the answers — we remain curious and ask the right questions. We don’t try to take over because power becomes infinite when we share it with others. As a collaborative leader, I believe in these principles.” –Tina Burnett, Chief Development Officer, G6 Hospitality

“‘Love Works‘ by Joel Manby was a game-changer for me. The simple idea suggests that leading with love and integrity not only produces a more harmonious workplace culture, but it can be exceedingly effective in a business sense, too. Practicing the principles outlined in the book (being kind, truthful, forgiving, etc.) evolves “love” from a feeling to an action — caring for those you work with and for without sacrificing performance and accountability.” –Leah Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer, Discover Puerto Rico

“‘The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters,’ by Bernadette Dunne, Priya Parker, et al. Someone introduced me to this book recently and it really has changed my perspective on gatherings, with being super intentional on objectives for meeting, entertaining, who is invited and why. This is NOT an etiquette book. The authors speak about gatherings at the highest level with [President] Obama all the way down to their own home parties. It’s so intriguing. There are some things written that I didn’t 100 percent agree with and that’s part of the reason I LOVED it. They made me THINK differently. I loved it so much I gave it to my global sales team for a holiday gift. I wanted it to provoke ideas, be intentional in their choices for client events, and respect that they will not always agree with each other on best practices, and that’s OK. I want everyone to think differently.” –Shelly Cruz, Vice President, Global Sales, MGM Resorts International

“Perhaps a bit unconventional, but ‘The Widow Cliquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It‘ by Tilar J. Mazzeo is a favorite read. This biography chronicles the visionary who built the Veuve Cliquot brand into what we know it as today. There are so many applicable lessons to any business, but the thread of tenacity and creating something in the thick of chaos resonates for me, particularly with the tumultuous season that the travel industry has faced over the past couple of years.” –Erina Pindar, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner, SmartFlyer

“I love Shonda Rhimes’ ‘Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person.’ I just like the message, the humor she uses at times, and how making yourself a priority becomes the best way for everyone to be successful.” –Nicole Rogers, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer, San Francisco Travel Association

To hear more from these women leaders (as well as other honorees) on additional important topics related to both leadership and the travel and hospitality industry, download the full report, 2023 Top Women in Travel and Hospitality.