Ever feel like you’re drowning in tips and resources—but still searching for the really good stuff?
Finding the 💎true gems💎—the game-changing books, toolkits, podcasts, and videos—takes serious sifting.
And let’s face it – who has time for that? 🤷
Let me save you some time!
Today I’m kicking off my Go-To Resource Series 🎉
Each week for the next 4 weeks I’ll share curated lists of my favourite resources that have ✨profoundly✨ transformed the way I run live sessions—from big-picture frameworks to tiny tweaks that boost engagement.
Whether you’re leading team meetings, online courses, coaching sessions, or trainings, these picks will help you lead with more confidence, clarity, and ease.
Here’s what’s coming your way👇
Week 1 (today) –> 📚 10 Brilliant Books for bolder live sessions + my top 3 takeaways from each
Week 2 –> 🧰 Free Toolkits I rely on + favorite go-to activities
Week 3 –> 🎙️ My Favorite Facilitation Podcasts + standout episodes
Week 4 –> 🎥 Click-Worthy YouTube Videos with Zoom hacks, studio tips, and facilitation gems.
Let’s jump right in!
đź“š 10 Brilliant Books to Help You Lead Better, Bolder Live Sessions
There are a handful of books that have sparked big breakthroughs in how I show up in my live sessions—and in life:)
They’re within arm’s reach of my desk. And I pull them off the shelf again and again to design my online courses, prep for workshops, troubleshoot tricky moments, or just feel inspired.
Not one has “facilitation” in the title.
But every single one will sharpen a core skill: listening, presence, asking better questions, designing connection, or creating moments that stick.
Here’s the list (with 3 powerful takeaways for each) 👇
1. 🎨 The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
What makes a gathering matter? This book will reshape how you think about purpose, hosting, and structure.​
✅ Start with a clear “why”—your purpose shapes every decision
✅ Don’t be a “chill host”—structure sets people free
✅ Lean into healthy tension—good controversy can deepen meaning
2. 💡 The Power of Moments by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
Design experiences people remember—by creating emotional high points.​
✅ Craft “peak moments” that spark emotion
✅ Break the script—surprise fuels engagement
âś… Anchor your session in shared meaning
3. 💪 The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Say less, ask more—transform how you guide group discussions.​
âś… Ask powerful questions instead of giving advice
✅ Choose “what” questions over “why” to keep people open
✅ Embrace silence—it’s where insight often surfaces
4. 🔎 Insight by Tasha Eurich
Self-awareness isn’t a trait—it’s a practice.​
✅ It’s a lifelong, learnable skill
âś… Reframe situations to gain deeper understanding
✅ Seek feedback from those who’ll tell you the truth
5. 🙏 Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen
Learn to receive feedback—even when it’s hard to hear.​
âś… Ask questions to truly understand the feedback
âś… Find your blind spots with the help of others
✅ “Right size” the feedback so you can hear it clearly
6. ✨Deep Listening by Emily Kasriel
Beyond active listening: hear others by quieting and holding space.
✅ Start by tuning into yourself—your inner chatter can block deeper listening
âś… In virtual spaces, tone of voice tells you more than facial expressions
✅ Deep listening transforms both speaker and listener—sense-making is a shared act
7. â•The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Creativity is a way of being—especially in group work.​
âś… Look inward for creative clarity
âś… Lower the stakes to unlock play and experimentation
✅ Accept doubt—it’s part of the process
8. 💥The Anatomy of a Breakthrough by Adam Alter
Feeling stuck? This book shows you how to move forward.​
âś… Breakthroughs take longer than we think
✅ Immersion increases your odds of an “aha”
âś… Getting stuck is part of getting better
9. 🗣️Find Your Voice by Caroline Goyder
Presence starts with breath, voice, and confidence.​
✅ Your voice is a tool—practice it
âś… Breathe from your diaphragm to stay calm
âś… Singing helps you sound (and feel) more confident
10. 🪄The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures by Lipmanowicz & McCandless
Get groups unstuck and collaborating fast with simple structures.​
✅ Structure unlocks collaboration—not control
âś… These methods are easy to learn and apply
âś… Use live time for real interaction, not content dumps
TL;DR 📚 10 Brilliant Books for better bolder live sessions👇
- 🎨The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker
- đź’ˇThe Power of Moments, Chip Heath and Dan Heath
- đź’ŞThe Coaching Habit, Michael Bungay Stanier
- 🔎Insight, Tasha Eurich
- 🙏Thanks for the Feedback, Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen
- ✨Deep Listening, Emily Kasriel
- â•The Creative Act, Rick Ruben
- đź’ĄThe Anatomy of a Breakthrough, Adam Alter
- 🗣️Find Your Voice, Caroline Goyder
- 🪄The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures, Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless
What’s a book that has impacted the way you lead live sessions? Hit reply and let me know!
đź’Ś Thanks for reading The Quest
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Creatively yours,
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