A former first lady of the United States of America, an Ojibwe language and American Indian studies professor, and a business executive entrepreneur. These are just a few of the authors that participants of the MLCV Book Club have had the opportunity to learn from. The club is yet another way that MLCV focuses on the importance of learning from others with the effect of diversifying knowledge and conversations.

*Sales Management. Simplified.*, by Mike Weinberg

A Novel Idea

The first book club meeting was in 2019, held by MLCV’s VP of Strategic Growth Initiatives, Zach Atherton-Ely. Author and expert sales consultant, Mike Weinberg’s book, Sales Management. Simplified., set the tone for what would become a series of thought-provoking readings followed by meaningful discourse. Though the initial meetings were held in person, a pivot to virtual gatherings through Zoom was made following the Covid-19 Pandemic. This didn’t dampen the excitement or participation; it gave Associates an escape together in a moment when a connection was craved and needed more than ever. It was at this same time when Aarik Robertson, MLCV’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, took over as book club organizer. He describes his first virtual meeting as collaborative and exciting. “I remember my whole Zoom screen being full – there were 30 plus people there,” he says.

*Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of Communicating Numbers*, by Chip Heath and Karla Starr

Yet turnout for virtual book club meetings had been successful, a transition to a hybrid model of both in-person and virtual offerings is underway. The first hybrid format will take place on September 29, 2022, with the book, Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of Communicating Numbers by Chip Heath and Karla Starr on the docket for discussion.

To Read, or Not to Read…Not Even a Question

The entire MLCV Book Club experience is set up to be an easy, shared journey. “It’s low-pressure and completely voluntary,” says Zach. Instead of having a concrete timeline in place for the start of a new book, there’s flexibility to ensure all have a chance to finish reading and reflect individually before coming together. Typically, participants have at least two months to complete the chosen book, with a fresh pick quarterly.

Each read is selected by a member of the club. This gives a chance for everyone to lead and guide the conversation — broadening the scope of thoughts and interests. To encourage accessibility, selected books are always available in Audiobooks, Kindle, and paperback.

Take a Look. Read a Book!

The MLCV Book Club has created a library of mind-fueling books since its 2019 start. Browse the list below to find your next page-turner.

Dalio, Ray. Principles

Edmondson, Amy. Teaming: How Organizations Learn, Innovate, and Compete in the Knowledge Economy

Galloway, Scott. Post Corona

Godin, Seth. The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick)

Heath, Chip, & Starr, Karla. Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of Communicating Numbers

Obama, Michelle. Becoming

Treuer, Anton. Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians but Were Afraid to Ask

Treuer, David. Rez Life

Weinberg, Mike. Sales Management. Simplified.

It’s no surprise that many of the books selected are geared toward business and leadership, aligning with MLCV’s close relationship with investing in Associates to expand in their specialties and grow into the best version of themselves. The wide range of authors covering such topics opens perspectives and discoveries, one book at a time. At the MLCV Book Club, today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader.

To learn more or to join the MLCV Book Club, please reach out to Aarik Robertson.

This article was written by Hannah Torkelson, MLCV’s Brand Communication Specialist. Hannah is a storyteller and is responsible for capturing great moments within MLCV’s portfolio.