The HRMAC Reads program was established as an opportunity for members to meet up with fellow professionals to network and learn leadership skills from critically acclaimed authors – our very own book club, if you will. In April 2018, program attendees had the pleasure of hearing from author Sally Helgesen, who co-wrote How Women Rise: Breaking the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion or Job with Marshall Goldsmith. Helgesen recently connected with HR Leader to share some of her favorite resources for inspiration and what she loves about Chicago. Check out what she had to say!

What was your favorite book you read in the last year and why?

The Captain Class by Sam Walker was the best book I read in our field. Walker takes a deep dive into what makes a “greatest of all time” sports team, but his findings relate to teams in organizations as well.

What is the best career advice you ever received?

Don’t waste time feeling inadequate. Fake it till you make it and one day you’ll notice that your confidence is real.

What are 2-3 things you must keep at your desk when working in order to maximize productivity?

1. My banner that says “Oh Well!” – it reminds me to not stew over mistakes.
2. Lipstick for when I make phone calls. (A tip I got from watching Frances Hesselbein.)
3. Other than that, just my MacBook Air… and I’m good to go!

Share one podcast you highly recommend.

Dan Pink’s The 1-3-20 Podcast, a collaboration with HubSpot.

What is your favorite place to visit in Chicago?

Chicago is my favorite American city. I love The Dial Bookshop. I love to have coffee in the lobby of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. I love to visit the Art Institute, where my mother used to take me once a year growing up. I love the dining room at the University Club. But I guess my favorite place of all is the tiled pool at the Intercontinental Hotel, since swimming is my favorite on-the-road exercise and that is the best pool in the U.S.

Required Reading

Sally shares three articles for HR Leader readers.

• “Extreme Employee Engagement/Extreme Humanization,” a manifesto by Tom Peters – I love all his manifestos!
• “Leadership Is a Contact Sport: The ‘Follow-up Factor’ in Management Development” by Marshall Goldsmith and Howard Morgan
• “Frances Hesselbein’s Merit Badge in Leadership” by me – Frances Hesselbein is a superb leader.