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Authenticity Isn’t Optional
Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection is a guide, a memoir, and a motivational tool all rolled into one book that explores what it means to connect, inspire, and create positive change. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Harnessing Purpose was born out of a deep desire to reframe how we think about marketing—not just as a business function, but as a tool for connection, empathy, and impact. After two decades in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors, I saw firsthand how purpose-driven storytelling could move people, heal communities, and drive real change. This book was important to write because I wanted to offer both a roadmap and a reflection point for marketers—especially those who are mission-driven—to reconnect with why they do this work and who they do it for. It’s both personal and practical because in today’s noisy world, authenticity isn’t optional—it’s everything.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about marketing?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that marketing is just about selling—it’s not. At its core, marketing is about building trust and forming genuine connections. Especially in fields like healthcare and mental health, marketing has the power to educate, empower, and destigmatize. It can be a force for good when it’s done with integrity and heart. Unfortunately, too many still view it as manipulation rather than meaningful communication.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to emphasize that finding alignment between personal and brand purpose is not only possible—it’s powerful. I also prioritized themes of inclusion, ethical storytelling, and resilience in the marketing profession. Whether you’re leading a campaign or just starting out, your work matters more when it’s grounded in values. And importantly, I wanted readers to feel seen, encouraged, and equipped to lead with authenticity.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Harnessing Purpose?
That purpose is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. When marketers and business leaders operate from a place of purpose, they don’t just meet KPIs—they change lives. I hope readers walk away with the confidence that their voice, their story, and their work can make a lasting impact. Marketing, when rooted in purpose, becomes a catalyst for connection, creativity, and social good.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The 20 Hour A Week CEO
The 20-Hour A Week CEO challenges the pervasive narrative that success comes from relentless hustle. Instead, Jess Cassity advocates for a mindset shift—one that prioritizes impact over hours worked. By rejecting traditional hustle culture, the book introduces a transformative model for managing online businesses with efficiency, strategic focus, and work-life balance. Cassity unpacks the key principles behind this shift, addressing topics like overcoming imposter syndrome and fostering a growth-oriented mindset. With step-by-step guides, practical exercises, and detailed checklists, readers gain actionable tools to achieve productivity without exhaustion. The strategies presented help individuals integrate personal and professional responsibilities, enabling them to thrive in both spheres.
Compact yet comprehensive, The 20-Hour A Week CEO serves as the perfect pocket guide. Its brevity ensures accessibility, while its depth covers every critical aspect of the subject. Cassity discusses everything from advanced marketing techniques to scaling strategies, providing valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs at all levels. Each chapter concludes with summary sections, reinforcing key insights and making the book easy to revisit for quick refreshers. The logical structure—beginning with mindset development and progressing to practical business strategies—ensures a clear, sequential flow. Readers can build upon foundational concepts before tackling advanced methods, creating a well-rounded understanding of the content.
Cassity’s writing style further elevates the book’s impact. Her tone is engaging, motivational, and consistently supportive. By blending personal anecdotes with clear, actionable advice, she creates an empowering reading experience. The book prompts reflection throughout, encouraging readers to adapt strategies to their unique circumstances. This balance between theory and practicality keeps readers actively engaged while fostering a sense of accountability and empowerment.
This book offers something for everyone. New entrepreneurs gain a solid foundation for building efficient work habits, while seasoned business owners discover ways to improve their existing processes. Cassity’s thoughtful approach empowers readers to reclaim their time, optimize productivity, and create a sustainable work culture. The 20-Hour A Week CEO is more than a guide; it’s a roadmap for achieving success on your own terms—an essential tool for anyone ready to work smarter, not harder.
Pages: 141 | ASIN : B0DMP9P2T9
Black On Madison Avenue
Mark S. Robinson recounts his experiences as an African American professional in the US advertising sector for over 40 years in his compelling memoir, Black on Madison Avenue. Through his writing, Robinson raises much-needed awareness of an industry that, despite some improvements over time, remains entrenched in racial prejudice and structural discrimination.
Robinson’s natural storytelling flair shines throughout the book. Each anecdote is engaging and rich with details about the advertising world. His impressive roster of clients, including Unilever, HBO, and Coors, and encounters with numerous celebrities add a captivating layer to his narrative.
Despite the serious underlying message, the book maintains an optimistic and humorous tone. The heart of the book lies in Robinson’s critique of the advertising industry’s systemic racism. He does not shy away from discussing the obstacles he faced, such as the challenges of proving minority ownership and dealing with passive-aggressive behaviors from colleagues. These experiences are eye-opening and serve as a powerful indictment of the industry’s failures. Robinson’s decision to push back against these injustices, even when it could potentially harm his career, showcases his resilience and integrity.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is Robinson’s emphasis on the importance of mentorship and community. His involvement with the Minority Advertising Internship Program (MAIP) and his continuous support for upcoming black professionals in advertising highlight his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. These sections of the book are particularly inspiring, as they show how individual efforts can contribute to broader social change.
Black on Madison Avenue, by Mark S. Robinson, is a must-read for anyone interested in the advertising industry, racial dynamics in professional settings, or personal stories of overcoming adversity. Robinson’s memoir is both a historical document and a guide for future generations. It is especially valuable for young Black professionals seeking inspiration and for industry leaders who need to understand the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0C1QWS2C9
Marketing Iceberg: Psychology of the Subconscious Mind in Marketing
Marketing Iceberg: Psychology of the Subconscious Mind in Marketing by Farhad MK is an insightful and comprehensive exploration of modern marketing strategies, with a unique focus on the intersection of psychology, technology, and consumer behavior.
The author’s writing style is both informative and engaging, making complex topics accessible to a broad audience. Farhad MK masterfully blends academic theories with practical applications, creating a narrative that is both educational and thought-provoking. One of the book’s strengths is its thorough analysis of the unconscious mind’s role in consumer behavior, a topic often overlooked in traditional marketing literature. Farhad MK delves into historical and contemporary perspectives, providing a nuanced understanding of how unconscious motivations drive consumer decisions. This approach is not only enlightening but also highly relevant in today’s data-driven marketing landscape.
The exploration of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics in marketing is another highlight. The author explains these complex topics in a clear, concise manner, illustrating how they are revolutionizing the field. This section is particularly beneficial for readers seeking to understand the latest technological advancements and their implications in marketing. Farhad MK also addresses the ethical dimensions of modern marketing practices, particularly in the context of big data and privacy concerns, encouraging readers to consider the broader impact of marketing strategies on society.
Marketing Iceberg is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the evolving world of marketing. It offers a balanced view, combining theoretical depth with practical insights. This book is particularly useful for marketing professionals, students, and anyone keen on understanding the psychological underpinnings of consumer behavior in the digital age. Farhad MK’s engaging writing style and comprehensive approach make this book a must-read in the field of marketing.
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B08QDMF2BW
The Harder I Fall, The Higher I Bounce
The Harder I Fall, The Higher I Bounce written by entrepreneur Max James follows the author on a farm in West Tennessee. The author writes about his background, family, life when young, and his relationship with his father, among others. Reading the first and subsequent chapters give one a nostalgic feeling. Max James’ story is simple yet fascinating. As a young kid, one can read his dreams and aspirations in life.
The author documents his journey from when he was young, how he found himself, his goals, failures, relationships, professional life, and everything in between. The stories are pleasingly told, with the author uncovering crucial stages of his life and what he learned from every path he took. As a reader, you get to connect with Max James and even momentarily live his life. The words he shares, the happy and dark moments, and all the adventures he captures are heartwarming.
Reading this book is not only exciting but also eye-opening. As a reader, you are introduced to a new world where the author openly highlights societal issues and the purpose humans have. You get enlightened about subjects like education, policies, governments and policy-making, family, and careers, and form a positive mentality even when things become rough. One thing I loved about Max James is his honesty.
I enjoyed reading about life in the fields and wished for more content from the author. The most significant element in Max James’ writing is that he makes you feel like you are present when narrating. I also enjoyed stories about his experience at Stanford and how his life has been gradually switching. There are multiple nuggets of wisdom and saying that I found to be profound in the book.
The humor incorporated in the author’s writing is one of the many features that make Max James an exceptional author. You will enjoy several light moments and take life lessons simultaneously. This book is an excellent self-help book that will help you advance in your life. Through the wisdom shared by Max James, you are assured of breaking every hindrance that comes in your way to success. You will get a clear picture of business life, and make better financial choices.
Pages: 294 | ASIN : B09D352KWT
Marketing = Customers + Heart
Marketing = Customers + Heart is a business, sales, and marketing reference book with comprehensive discussions and analysis on marketing, creativity, and growing a business. Authors Judy & Erik Celmins have a laid-out step-by-step marketing guide. In addition, there are pointers in every chapter that are valuable for both experienced entrepreneurs and beginners.
This informative book is every marketing novice’s dream. Judy & Eriks Celmins are generous with the definitions and demonstrate the most complex of terms with ease.
Marketing requires one to be unique and also acquire exceptional skills. Judy & Eriks Celmins laid down all the necessary skills needed and how one can strategize while marketing. I am fascinated by how uncomplicated the authors make marketing appear. The methods shared in the book are easily applicable and do not need one to undergo formal training. Among the most crucial advice that the authors give is that one should learn their target market and make the business customer-oriented. With examples, Judy & Erik Celmins share what they believe will work and what does not work.
I applaud the authors for the language used in the book, as there is a great deal of terminology to learn. The fact that Judy & Erik Celmins used language that can be understood by those at entry-level is terrific. One goes through hundreds of lessons in just a few pages in the book. The brevity of the paragraphs was a superb concept. The authors write in a manner that makes readers understand the different sales and marketing skillsets required.
Readers can feel the author’s enthusiasm. They are not afraid to share their journey and the process, including the successes and failures that they learned from. Personal stories always add a special touch to the narration. Tales of their experiences in business, lessons learned in sales, marketing, interacting with customers, and the art of profit-making were exciting to follow.
Marketing = Customers + Heart is an educational book for readers interested in entrepreneurship and marketing. One of the biggest lessons in the book is that every move you make should have the customer at the center. The marketing decisions you make will define the direction your business takes.
Pages: 234 | ASIN : B09YXQW5C5
Heartbreaker
Heartbreaker, by Thomas Duffy, is a dramatic story about a young woman, Amber Robertson. The book opens in Brooklyn on Amber’s 19th birthday. Her birthday is eventful as it is the first time she is arrested (for stealing). While in jail, she meets Missy, another young woman, who has been arrested for prostitution. As Amber and Missy talk, Amber decides that the life of an escort is as good as any other (and could help her earn some much needed money).
Amber starts her business with some online advertising as an independent escort. Unfortunately, she immediately draws the attention of a pimp, Pete. He starts making promises of protection for a cut of Amber’s money. Soon, her landlord, wants to evict her, so she starts renting motel rooms.
Unfortunately, she soon faces bigger problems. She’s kidnapped by one of her clients and starts a sordid love affair with another that eventually makes a sudden turn into something even more frightening.
As you can imagine, this book is complex and not necessarily a feel-good story. Heartbreaker’s protagonist, Amber, goes on a wild and weird anti-heroic arc right from the beginning of the story and the audience can see how those early misfortunes lead to an increasingly painful and tumultuous life. She initially presents as both hesitant and impulsive; constantly not sure about what she wants to do, but will then make a sudden and foolhardy decision.
As a reader, there is some sympathy for Amber. She ends up in pretty bad situations. Anytime things start to look as though they may improve for her, it only gets worse. Yet, she is also frustrating. Her impulsivity sometimes leads her into her worst outcomes. For example, late in the story she takes bold, rash action. Of course, I am avoiding sharing the ending here to prevent spoilers, so you will have to read for yourself to see how Amber’s story fully unfolds.
This story, in its own way, forces the reader to examine the evil that can hide in people. The evil, within the story is almost infectious, capable of spreading from person to person, evolving and mutating along the way as it collides with new lives, who act it out in their own unique way. Amber’s progression through the story seems to demonstrate her methods for confronting the evil in her past and present. It shows how she, like anyone, is capable of becoming somewhat immune to bad acts, bad people, and a bad life. Like so many people, she acts out what she has seen and experienced by replicating pain onto others.
This book is well-written, but I felt there were some issues with the pacing. At points the story seemed to drag out, such as during Amber’s interactions with Miguel and Jeffrey. I think these could have been shortened up a bit without losing any essential character development. Heartbreaker is written for mature, adult readers, who enjoy dramatic characters in intense and emotional situations.
Pages: 184 | ASIN: B017UZDW02
Conversations with Eric
Simon Leigh is your average, ordinary advertising sales rep, nothing like the “Mad Men” of legend. He’s a regular guy, the steady sort, very dependable. If he’d been a bit more ambitious, perhaps he wouldn’t have lost his job and his wife over the span of two months. Now living in a boarding house, with no job leads in sight, he feels like he’s lost everything. At least he still has his dog to talk to. Like most dogs, Eric’s conversational skills aren’t that great, but his voice comes through loud and clear. Simon needs to do something exciting. He needs to go chase tennis balls.
Opportunity knocks when Simon meets his new neighbor, Archie. He seems friendly, but there’s something not quite right about him. When Archie offers him the chance to make a lot of money doing something that’s not even remotely steady or dependable, let alone legal, it launches Simon into a bit more excitement than he bargained for. Simon blunders into a world of stolen cars, robbery, car chases, narrow getaways, murder, and corruption. Through it all, the only one he can trust is Eric.
If you enjoyed Guy Ritchie’s films Snatch, or Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, this is the book for you. Simon can’t catch a break for love or money, and his awkward, middle-class lifestyle could have never prepared him for a situation quite like this one. He is caught up in events both terrifying and absurd, and his old life is falling apart. Author Paul Casselle does a brilliant job with Simon’s character, playing his anxieties so perfectly that every reader will find something familiar there. Even when Simon attempts to do the right thing, his social ineptness, timing, and circumstance seem to work against him. Even Simon works against himself, sometimes acting against his own self-interest with hilariously cringe-worthy effects.
The supporting cast is also full of surprises. His other neighbor, Rebecca, seems like the candles-and-incense type, but like everyone in the book, she’s much more than she seems. She has a stronger stomach for violence than Simon, but for the most part, she could use some anger management courses. Archie bounces between a manic temper and everyone’s best buddy, hitting all points in between. His cohort Tommy Dragon looks like a tattooed gangster, but he’s got his own agenda. It’s clear why Simon prefers to confide in Eric than any of the “partners” involved in the scheme.
Conversations with Eric could easily be adapted as a screenplay for a successful film. It’s is the kind of crime comedy that is filled with both nail-biting tension and awkward, sometimes absurd humor. Of course, this is a crime novel and the author doesn’t shy away from the violence and bloodshed of this illegal enterprise. I highly recommend this for fans of British comedy or the type of cringe comedy found in American TV shows like Curb your Enthusiasm.
Pages: 353 | ASIN: B00XRMZPCG
LITERARY TITAN 