Over the years, I’ve learned from many sources, including my team, customers, mentors, coaches, and speakers. Books have also played an important role in shaping how I think about leadership, business, and personal growth.
Some books gave me practical frameworks for running a business. Others challenged how I think about people, culture, and communication. And a few simply reminded me to stay curious and keep learning.
As Curtis Food Recruiters approaches 20 years in business, I reflected on some of the books that influenced my thinking along the way. They’re not in any particular order, but each one left an impression.
Books That Influenced My Thinking Over the Years
Let Them — Mel Robbins
A powerful reminder that we can’t control everything. Sometimes the healthiest leadership move is letting people be who they are and focusing on what you can control.
The E-Myth Revisited — Michael E. Gerber
So instrumental. One of the first books that helped me think differently about building a business. It reinforced the importance of systems and working on the business, not just in it.
Lean In — Sheryl Sandberg
I loved this book and recommend it to all women building their careers. A great reminder that while you can’t have it all, you can build a life that leaves room for professional growth while raising happy kids!
Option B — Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
A moving perspective on resilience and finding strength after difficult setbacks. It was also my introduction to Adam Grant; I’ve been a fan ever since.
Give and Take — Adam Grant
This book challenged the idea that success requires being overly competitive. Generosity and collaboration can be powerful drivers of long-term success.
Traction — Gino Wickman
This book had a huge impact on how we run Curtis Food Recruiters today. The EOS framework helped us clarify our values, strengthen communication, and gain traction as an organization.
Sales Simplified — Mike Weinberg
Soundtracks — Jon Acuff
A reminder that the conversations we have in our own heads shape our confidence and decision-making. It also helped me change my inner voice and climb to the top of the Duomo in Florence!
Hire With Your Head — Lou Adler
How to Be a Great Boss — Gino Wickman and René Boer
I have read this more than once. A great reminder that leading with transparency, deliverables, and open communication is key.
The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey — Ken Blanchard, William Oncken Jr., and Hal Burrows
A classic lesson in delegation and accountability.
Who Not How — Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
A simple but powerful shift in thinking: instead of asking how to solve a problem, ask who can help solve it.
The First 90 Days — Michael Watkins
Making Work Work — Julie Morgenstern
This book helped me think differently about time mapping and time management, a skill I have yet to master but continue to work on.
Topgrading — Bradford Smart
A well-known framework for improving hiring decisions and building stronger teams.
Radical Candor — Kim Scott
An important reminder that the best leaders combine honesty with genuine care for their people.
The Ideal Team Player — Patrick Lencioni
A simple but powerful framework for identifying people who are humble, hungry, and smart.
Who Comes Next? — Mary C. Kelly
Girl, Stop Apologizing — Rachel Hollis
A funny, easy read that reminds us we’re all human and offers a framework for the power of saying “no”, instead of always saying “yes”!
These are just some of the books that have influenced how I think about leadership, business, and working with people.
Continuous learning has always been important to me. The moment you stop learning is the moment you start falling behind. You will rarely catch me reading the latest crime novel, but I almost always have a business or self-help book at the ready.
If there’s a book that shaped your leadership journey, taught you something new, or helped you grow, I’d love to hear about it. I need to add a few new ones to my list!
Meet The Author
Julie Curtis
Julie is the President of Curtis Food Recruiters and has dedicated her entire career to the food industry. With a Marketing degree from Minnesota State University, she built a strong foundation in procurement, merchandising, and supply chain before moving into executive recruitment for leading food, grocery, and retail organizations. Her pivotal role as Head of Talent Acquisition at Nash Finch shaped her philosophy of aligning talent with the right culture, leadership style, and skills for long-term succuss. In 2006, Julie launched Curtis Food Recruiters, where she combines her industry expertise with a passion for helping companies and candidates thrive.