| Community Book Club Fourth Wing captivates with its riveting narrative but also serves as an allegory for perseverance, resilience and the triumph of intellect over adversity. Violet’s journey, set against the backdrop of a war-torn empire and the stringent hierarchy of the Basgiath War College, provides readers with a compelling exploration of leadership, determination and the indomitable spirit that propels individuals to greatness against all odds. My takeaway Despite extreme physical limitations, our hero is able to conquer. As professionals, we know that there is often more than one way to accomplish something. Keeping an open mind and allowing others to find their own solution is a key to great leadership, as is knowing that forcing someone into a mold can limit their growth. A regular theme in the book regards access to information, or lack thereof. The idea that information can be removed and greatly distorted can be tied to business practices as well. If that one key person who keeps important data or procedures in their heads – let’s call them a scribe – leaves, who else has access to that information? Or is it lost to the organization? As an individual, one thing that really resonated with me was the idea that the path is not set. You may have set out on what you thought was your threeto-five-year plan and then look back and realize you went in an entirely different direction. That is OK. What I said my five-year plan would be five years ago is not where I am, and I am better for it. I wasn’t challenged with trying to cross a deadly parapet, face regular combat to the death or ride a dragon, but my position at PPAI certainly wasn’t what I expected, and I am so much better for it! What should I read next? My library of business books is large, but I’m always looking to grow it. If you have any suggestions for business books that are meaningful to you, please let me know at JGR@ppai.org, and after I give it a read, I’ll share my impressions in PPAI Magazine. Gibbons-Rauch is PPAI’s professional development lead. as low as 6.5’ x 6.5’ $767(C) NEW Tent Sizes from DMP! 36 Stock Styles and Sizes to Choose From! 5’ x 5’ to 13’ x 26’ Sizes Rugged Hex Aluminum 600 Denier Polyester FREE Wheeled Carry Bag FREE PMS Matches No Minimum No Set-Up Charges Full Color Imprint as low as 5’ x 5’ $568(C) TCT05300 - 5ft x 5ft Canopy w/Rear & Side Walls TCT65300 - 6.5ft x 6.5ft Canopy w/Rear & Side Walls DiscountMarketingProducts.com PPAI/582106 SAGE/50398 PPAI • MAY 2024 • 79
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